Florida State’s 2025 class faced another setback last week as four-star quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. decommitted, becoming the sixth loss since September.
But instead of dwelling on the disappointment, FSU fans should look to the future with renewed hope and excitement.
Just days after backing out of his long-time pledge to the Seminoles, Jones Jr. made his new commitment official, announcing he’s joining the Florida Gators. While his decision to leave FSU was a tough blow, it’s clear that the Gators’ struggles this season, combined with his connection to four-star wide receiver Vernell Brown III, were pivotal in his move from garnet and gold to blue and orange.
Jones Jr. had declared his recruitment closed earlier this year, affirming his commitment to FSU after a season-ending injury and even playing a role in recruiting others to Tallahassee. But as we’ve seen in recruiting, things can change quickly, and the Seminoles’ struggles on the field have left some recruits second-guessing their decisions.
However, while Jones Jr.’s departure stings, Florida State’s future is still incredibly bright. In fact, FSU is now strongly positioned to land one of the top quarterbacks in the nation: Carter Smith. A Florida native and the 2023 Gatorade Florida Player of the Year, Smith decommitted from Michigan last month and has quickly become a top target for the Seminoles. Over his four years as a starter at Bishop Verot High School, he’s thrown 85 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions, adding another 55 rushing touchdowns. Smith’s leadership has been undeniable, guiding his team to the playoffs in every season, including a semi-final appearance in 2022.
With 12 verbal commitments in their 2025 class and a current national ranking of No. 44, FSU is far from down and out. This setback could very well be a stepping stone toward a more exciting future, and with players like Carter Smith on the horizon, Florida State’s recruiting momentum is far from over.
In the world of college football recruiting, it’s all about resilience—and FSU is proving that it’s more than capable of bouncing back stronger than ever. The Seminoles’ journey is just getting started, and the best is yet to come!
