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Everyone inside the FSU football facility knew this season opener against Alabama was a huge opportunity to shift how recruits viewed the Seminoles.
And they didn’t just do what they needed to do, they kicked the door down, won comfortably and put themselves firmly back on the map in terms of national perception and recruiting momentum.
Sure, there were other big-time matchups — like Texas vs. Ohio State and LSU vs. Clemson — but even with those games, the national conversation was centered on FSU’s stunning dominant, 31-17 win over then-No. 8 Alabama.
Heading into the weekend, we laid out three key things to watch for Florida State. And looking back, the ‘Noles checked those boxes with a performance that could resonate all season.
Here’s a sampling of reactions from some important recruits:
Four-star LB DQ Forkpa
“Man, I like the way the linebackers played. They showed a lot of versatility today. Everything was exactly what they planned this entire spring and summer. Everything’s coming together now.”
Forkpa also shared more thoughts with On3’s Steve Wiltfong: “People wanted change, and they got it. This team was strategically put together, and it’s gonna be fun to see how the season plays out now that they know what they’re capable of.”
Four-star DB Izayah Vickers (2027)
“It was a great show. Coach [Pat] Surtain showed it. Everyone doubting them, but they showed it. The physicality and the communication they had really stood out. This is a big win and feel they can keep this momentum gong into the rest of the year.”
Four-star DB Kamarui Dorsey (2027)
“It means a lot for my recruitment. No, not really did I expect this. I went to a spring practice, and I knew it would be a great game, but I didn’t think they were going to do it. But they did it. The DBs — it was heaven because they were flying around, hitting, everything. … FSU is for sure high now. The defense, their safeties’ play, everything. I knew if they had a decent season they would be high on my list.”
While most of the attention will be on the recruits Florida State wins over with a strong 2025 season, it is also important for the Seminoles to reaffirm things with their commitments.
Here’s a sampling of their feelings on FSU’s performance:
Four-star WR Devin Carter (FSU commit)
“It obviously validated everything I saw in the spring and summer. They told me in the spring and summer, ‘Watch what’s going to happen.’ And it’s happening. The leadership is different. That alone by Tommy [Castellanos], I could see it back then. When you play for each other. We expected to see this. The recruit section was wild. Watching the other recruits get so excited, I loved that. I expected this performance. I had a great feeling we would win. My pitch to other recruits is just keep watching. Keep coming around, you will fall in love with it.”
Four-star TE Xavier Tiller (FSU commit)
“They got a good win against a good team, so it shows y’all we are in. It means a lot that the school I committed to won. Coach [Gus] Malzahn, oh my gosh. Love that dude. I like the way they use the tight ends, and there’s almost never a play they don’t have the tight end on the field. I think everyone can see now they are clicking. I knew they were going to win.”
Four-star WR Brandon Bennett (FSU commit)
“To be honest, I wasn’t even surprised. I saw it in the spring. They put it all together. All the people that were doubting, I don’t think they are doubting anymore. The crowd, oh my goodness, was insane.”
Four-star DL Earnest Rankins (FSU commit)
“That was a game. I expected them to come out on top. It means I made the right decision. Coaches here have played a big part. Whole D-Line coaching staff, they’re always there for me. Yes, schools are hitting me up, but I’m locked in. I can’t wait to get to work with Coach [Terrance] Knighton. Actually, after this interview, I’m going to make some calls and let them know about FSU.”
I would describe this weekend as a perfect storm for Florida State, in the best way possible.
No, we haven’t seen a wave of commitments just yet, but that feels like it’s coming. I stated in my weekend preview that I felt that FSU would be the clear leader for four-star QB Kavian Bryant, four-star LBDQ Forkpa and four-star WR Lawrence Britt with a strong performance. And I feel FSU is now the team to watch for all three.
This is only the start of what I feel could be a breakthrough recruiting year for the ‘Noles. I’ve been told that since the game, a lot of recruits have already been reaching out to FSU for visits later this fall — just to see this team in action and feel what’s going on in Tallahassee.
It’s going to be a very interesting few months leading up to December’s Signing Day.
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***Discuss this article with Florida State football fans on the Premium Recruiting Board.***
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And they didn’t just do what they needed to do, they kicked the door down, won comfortably and put themselves firmly back on the map in terms of national perception and recruiting momentum.
Sure, there were other big-time matchups — like Texas vs. Ohio State and LSU vs. Clemson — but even with those games, the national conversation was centered on FSU’s stunning dominant, 31-17 win over then-No. 8 Alabama.
Heading into the weekend, we laid out three key things to watch for Florida State. And looking back, the ‘Noles checked those boxes with a performance that could resonate all season.
Here’s a sampling of reactions from some important recruits:
Four-star LB DQ Forkpa
“Man, I like the way the linebackers played. They showed a lot of versatility today. Everything was exactly what they planned this entire spring and summer. Everything’s coming together now.”
Forkpa also shared more thoughts with On3’s Steve Wiltfong: “People wanted change, and they got it. This team was strategically put together, and it’s gonna be fun to see how the season plays out now that they know what they’re capable of.”
Four-star DB Izayah Vickers (2027)
“It was a great show. Coach [Pat] Surtain showed it. Everyone doubting them, but they showed it. The physicality and the communication they had really stood out. This is a big win and feel they can keep this momentum gong into the rest of the year.”
Four-star DB Kamarui Dorsey (2027)
“It means a lot for my recruitment. No, not really did I expect this. I went to a spring practice, and I knew it would be a great game, but I didn’t think they were going to do it. But they did it. The DBs — it was heaven because they were flying around, hitting, everything. … FSU is for sure high now. The defense, their safeties’ play, everything. I knew if they had a decent season they would be high on my list.”
FSU commits sky high after big win
While most of the attention will be on the recruits Florida State wins over with a strong 2025 season, it is also important for the Seminoles to reaffirm things with their commitments.
Here’s a sampling of their feelings on FSU’s performance:
Four-star WR Devin Carter (FSU commit)
“It obviously validated everything I saw in the spring and summer. They told me in the spring and summer, ‘Watch what’s going to happen.’ And it’s happening. The leadership is different. That alone by Tommy [Castellanos], I could see it back then. When you play for each other. We expected to see this. The recruit section was wild. Watching the other recruits get so excited, I loved that. I expected this performance. I had a great feeling we would win. My pitch to other recruits is just keep watching. Keep coming around, you will fall in love with it.”
Four-star TE Xavier Tiller (FSU commit)
“They got a good win against a good team, so it shows y’all we are in. It means a lot that the school I committed to won. Coach [Gus] Malzahn, oh my gosh. Love that dude. I like the way they use the tight ends, and there’s almost never a play they don’t have the tight end on the field. I think everyone can see now they are clicking. I knew they were going to win.”
Four-star WR Brandon Bennett (FSU commit)
“To be honest, I wasn’t even surprised. I saw it in the spring. They put it all together. All the people that were doubting, I don’t think they are doubting anymore. The crowd, oh my goodness, was insane.”
Four-star DL Earnest Rankins (FSU commit)
“That was a game. I expected them to come out on top. It means I made the right decision. Coaches here have played a big part. Whole D-Line coaching staff, they’re always there for me. Yes, schools are hitting me up, but I’m locked in. I can’t wait to get to work with Coach [Terrance] Knighton. Actually, after this interview, I’m going to make some calls and let them know about FSU.”
Final thoughts on FSU big recruiting weekend
I would describe this weekend as a perfect storm for Florida State, in the best way possible.
No, we haven’t seen a wave of commitments just yet, but that feels like it’s coming. I stated in my weekend preview that I felt that FSU would be the clear leader for four-star QB Kavian Bryant, four-star LBDQ Forkpa and four-star WR Lawrence Britt with a strong performance. And I feel FSU is now the team to watch for all three.
This is only the start of what I feel could be a breakthrough recruiting year for the ‘Noles. I’ve been told that since the game, a lot of recruits have already been reaching out to FSU for visits later this fall — just to see this team in action and feel what’s going on in Tallahassee.
It’s going to be a very interesting few months leading up to December’s Signing Day.
Warchant Subscribers! Upgrade to the AD-FREE Gold membership and receive a $20 gift code to Garnet & Gold. Click here to take advantage of this offer while supplies last!
***Discuss this article with Florida State football fans on the Premium Recruiting Board.***
Continue reading...
