BOOM: 5-star RB Confirms commit to Florida State over Miami, Georgia, and Wisconsin.
Florida State football has struggled recently, with losses to Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis causing Seminole fans to question the program’s current strength.
It’s not just the fans—some top recruits are also wondering how Florida State will bounce back from the slow start. Many likely expected the team to dominate this season after going undefeated and winning the conference championship last year.
While it’s true that several key players from that squad are now in the NFL, the program still needs to find ways to succeed and attract the talented recruits necessary for a strong future.
Head coach Mike Norvell has consistently stressed the importance of establishing a strong culture at Florida State and bringing in the right recruits who align with the program’s values. However, the pressure on Norvell has intensified, especially after experiencing his second 0-3 start in five years at the helm. The expectation to turn things around quickly is high, and his ability to do so will likely impact both the program’s immediate success and long-term recruiting efforts.
The program has faced a lot of adversity since former quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury against North Alabama in November 2023. Adding to the frustration, Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff in favor of one-loss Alabama in December, a decision that sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Recruiting hasn’t been easy either, with notable de-commitments like four-star defensive end Javion Hilson and four-star defensive tackle Myron Charles, who flipped to Texas. Florida State was in desperate need of positive momentum.
That much-needed boost finally arrived on Saturday, as four-star running back Byron Louis from American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale committed to Florida State. Louis chose the Seminoles over programs like Miami, Georgia, and Wisconsin. He joins his high school teammate, four-star cornerback Greg Thomas, a current Florida State commit, and has a connection with Florida State’s defensive backs coach, Patrick Surtain Sr., who was his former high school coach.
Louis had an impressive 2023 season, racking up 1,200 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. After visiting Florida State this summer and consistently praising the program, his commitment is a significant win, especially with the Seminoles struggling to find success in the running game this season. It’s encouraging to see Florida State continue to stockpile talent at key positions despite the challenges.