In a stunning development, four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, ranked as the No. 36 overall prospect in the class of 2026 by ESPN, has decommitted from Florida State. The 6-foot-5 pocket passer initially pledged to the Seminoles in June over offers from Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington. Now, Smigiel reopens his recruitment as one of the most coveted uncommitted quarterbacks in the 2026 cycle.
Ramifications For Florida State
Losing a commitment from a prospect of Smigiel’s caliber is a significant blow for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles. Florida State’s 2026 class now falls to just five commitments, headlined by ESPN 300 athletes Efrem White (No. 112 overall) and Darryon Williams (No. 244). The Seminoles are coming off a 2025 cycle that saw them lose a total of 10 pledges in the final months, including eight from the ESPN 300.
What’s Next For Smigiel?
With Smigiel back on the market, a host of top programs are expected to aggressively pursue the talented signal-caller. Ohio State could emerge as a frontrunner after offensive coordinator Chip Kelly conducted an in-home visit with Smigiel on Saturday. The Buckeyes have yet to land a quarterback in the 2026 class and Smigiel would be an ideal fit in their offense.
- Michigan is another program to watch, as the Wolverines have had success recruiting the west coast under Jim Harbaugh.
- South Carolina is a dark horse contender, with Shane Beamer’s program on the rise.
- Pac-12 powers Washington and UCLA will also look to keep the California native close to home.
Smigiel Scouting Report
After a decorated prep career at Newbury Park High School in California, Smigiel has established himself as one of the premier quarterback prospects in the class of 2026. As a three-year starter, he amassed jaw-dropping numbers:
- 7,701 passing yards and 98 touchdowns as a freshman and sophomore
- 3,521 yards and 49 TDs while leading Newbury Park to a 14-1 record and division title as a junior in 2024
Renowned for his powerful right arm, downfield accuracy, and pocket mobility, Smigiel possesses all the tools to develop into a collegiate star and future NFL draft pick. Whichever program ultimately secures his commitment will be landing a potential franchise quarterback.
The 2026 Quarterback Landscape
Smigiel now stands as the second-highest rated uncommitted quarterback in the 2026 ESPN 300, trailing only five-star prospect and former Georgia commit Jared Curtis (No. 4 overall). More than 10 months away from the early signing period in December, only eight of the 18 signal-callers ranked in the ESPN 300 remain available.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle heats up in the coming months, Smigiel’s recruitment will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow. After backing off his Florida State pledge, the race is on to land one of the most talented quarterback prospects in the nation.
