In a surprising development that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, four-star wide receiver C.J. Wiley has decommitted from Florida State University. The highly touted pass catcher, ranked as the No. 187 overall prospect in the 2025 class by ESPN, announced his decision on Sunday afternoon, marking another significant blow to the Seminoles’ already struggling 2024 season and future outlook.
Seminoles’ Struggles Continue On and Off the Field
Wiley’s decommitment comes on the heels of Florida State’s disastrous 1-7 start to the 2024 campaign, with their latest setback coming in a 36-14 loss to rival Miami on Saturday. The Seminoles managed just 248 yards of total offense in the defeat, further highlighting the team’s struggles this season.
Off the field, Wiley becomes the fifth ESPN 300 recruit to rescind his pledge to Florida State since the beginning of the regular season. His exit leaves the Seminoles’ 2025 class ranked a disappointing 37th nationally, according to ESPN, with only five remaining commitments from prospects ranked in the top 300.
A Coveted Playmaker
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 200 pounds, Wiley possesses the size and athleticism that college coaches covet in a wide receiver. The No. 23 ranked wideout in the 2025 class chose Florida State over offers from powerhouse programs like LSU and Georgia back in January, following a junior season in which he hauled in 68 receptions for 1,473 yards and 14 touchdowns.
C.J. has all the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level. His size, speed, and ball skills are rare, and he has the potential to be a true No. 1 target in any offense.
– A source close to Wiley’s recruitment
Seminoles Lose Top Talent
Wiley is now the third pass catcher ranked in ESPN’s top 25 at the position to decommit from Florida State’s 2025 class in less than a month. Four-star prospects Malik Clark (No. 176 overall) and Daylan McCutcheon (No. 145) both backed off their commitments to the Seminoles in early October.
The departures of Clark, McCutcheon, and now Wiley have left Florida State without a single pass catcher ranked in ESPN’s top 200 for the 2025 cycle. The highest-rated recruit still committed to the Seminoles is five-star offensive tackle Solomon Thomas, who checks in at No. 13 overall.
What’s Next for Wiley and FSU?
With his decommitment, Wiley instantly becomes one of the most sought-after uncommitted prospects in the 2025 class. Programs like LSU, Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State, among others, are expected to heavily pursue the talented wideout in the coming weeks and months leading up to December’s early signing period.
As for Florida State, head coach Mike Norvell and his staff will need to quickly pick up the pieces and try to salvage a once-promising 2025 class that has been decimated by decommitments. The Seminoles’ on-field performance in the second half of the 2024 season could go a long way in determining whether they can hold onto their remaining commits and sway other top prospects to join the fold.
The coming weeks will be critical for a Florida State program looking to regain its footing both in the win column and on the recruiting trail. For C.J. Wiley, a new chapter begins as one of the nation’s elite pass catchers explores his options in search of the right college fit.
