The Florida State Seminoles’ nightmarish 2024 season has spilled over into their 2025 recruiting efforts, as four-star quarterback prospect Tramell Jones announced his decommitment from the program on Thursday morning. Jones, ESPN’s ninth-ranked dual-threat passer in the 2025 class, becomes the sixth high-profile recruit to withdraw his pledge to head coach Mike Norvell’s squad since their season opener in August.
A Season of Setbacks On and Off the Field
Florida State’s on-field struggles in 2024 have been well-documented, with the Seminoles limping to a 1-9 record thus far. However, the impact of those losses is now being felt on the recruiting trail. Jones, a 6-foot, 190-pound standout from Jacksonville, Florida, had been the longest-tenured commit in FSU’s 2025 class. His departure comes just five days after Coach Norvell dismissed three members of his staff, including offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins, following a humiliating 52-3 defeat at Notre Dame.
More Dominoes Falling
Tramell Jones is far from the only elite prospect to jump ship from Florida State’s 2025 class:
- Five other ESPN 300 recruits have decommitted since the season began, including defensive backs Myron Charles and Javion Hilson.
- Defensive lineman CJ Wiley, linebacker Daylan McCutcheon, and athlete Malik Clark have also rescinded their verbal commitments.
- The Seminoles’ class now stands at just 12 players, with only five carrying ESPN 300 distinction.
The crown jewel of FSU’s class, five-star offensive tackle Solomon Thomas, remains committed for now. But insiders believe that even his pledge is far from secure as the decommitments continue to mount.
Rival Programs Circling
With his recruitment now reopened, Tramell Jones instantly becomes one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in the 2025 cycle. Sources indicate that the Florida Gators, despite their own coaching uncertainty, are well-positioned to land the local product. Jones has maintained contact with the UF staff even after his FSU commitment, and the Gators are set to host him along with several other priority recruits for this weekend’s clash with LSU.
“Florida State was a dream school of mine, but I have to do what’s best for my future. I’m opening things back up and am excited to explore all of my options,” Jones told ESPN.
Can Norvell Right the Ship?
For Mike Norvell and his staff, the pressure is mounting to salvage a recruiting class that once looked like a potential program-changer. The on-field product must improve quickly, starting with a Nov. 23 matchup against FCS foe Charleston Southern. A resounding win there could help stem the negative momentum that has Florida State tumbling down the recruiting rankings.
Still, it appears that significant damage has already been done to FSU’s 2025 class. Losing a string of talented commits, especially at premium positions like quarterback and along the defensive line, is a brutal blow for any program. For one hoping to rebound from a disastrous season like the Seminoles, it could prove catastrophic.
The coming weeks will be critical as Coach Norvell and his staff aim to prevent further defections and potentially sway some of the decommits to rejoin the fold. Their 2025 class, and potentially the long-term trajectory of Florida State football, hangs in the balance.
