Florida State, Miami jockeying for top position with Top-100 CB Jaboree Antoine ahead of decision

New Iberia (La.) Westgate four-star cornerback Jaboree Antoine reopened his recruitment on June 23. With a scheduled commitment for July 20, the one-time LSU pledge will have been back on the board for less than a month.

While the Tigers are certainly still in play for the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder, signs are pointing more toward the Sunshine State. Both Florida State and Miami have emerged as finalists for the top-100 recruit since getting him on campus for official visits last month.

But which program should gear up for some good news coming out of The Boot this weekend? On the latest edition of ‘The Inside Scoop’, FSU insider Michael Langston and Miami insider Izubee Charles each delivered their takes on where things stand for the blue-chip defensive back with a decision less than a week away.

Antoine is the No. 87 overall prospect and No. 9 corner in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 2 player in Louisiana.

Seminoles feeling good about chances for Antoine

Between Mike Norvell, Pat Surtain and the rest of the FSU staff, the Seminoles have given Antoine plenty of reason to play his college football in Tallahassee. His interest was already piqued in FSU, and it continued to blossom when he took his OV last month.

Since then, the Noles have continued to ramp up contact and trying to put the finishing touches on what would be an impressive recruiting victory. According to Langston, there’s a positive feel around FSU and Antoine’s recruitment, though Miami is obviously in the thick of things as well.

“I wouldn’t be stunned if he went back to LSU, but I’d say everything I’ve got from the tea leaves and the intel suggests an FSU-Miami battle. I know there was a pretty solid surge from FSU when he officially visited and certainly there was a big impression. I don’t think it’s definitive one way or the other. Some people like Miami, some people like FSU,” Langston said.

“I think certainly the communication with FSU has picked up there, so I think that’s definitely one that’s very attainable for FSU. I think they definitely feel like they have a great shot in that recruitment. I don’t think he’s told anybody or hinted to a coach that he’s coming one way or the other … there’s been buzz with FSU in this recruitment, now it’s just about finishing it out before he announces on Saturday.”

Antoine sits near the top of Miami’s board

Miami’s pursuit of Antoine ramped up at the beginning of the year. Following a February dead period, Antoine was in Coral Gables to check out a spring practice in March. That helped lead to his June 14 OV — which also made a big impact on his recruitment.

The Hurricanes signed multiple prospects from Louisiana last cycle and have plenty of connections with the state via their coaching staff. Mario Cristobal and Co. are prioritizing top defensive backs this year and have Antoine at or near the top of their board.

“When he wrapped up his official visit, he was big smiles, wide eyes, he was really happy with the Canes staff. Then he told us ‘hey, I’m coming back for a game-day visit in the fall,’ so hearing him decommit from LSU, that just made me think, okay maybe this is kind of pointing towards Miami a little bit,” Charles said. “They have a lot of ties to the state of Louisiana. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry is from that state, Dennis Smith is from that area as well.”

“They really, really value Jaboree. In Mario Cristobal’s first recruiting cycle, offensive line was that big group they wanted to recruit. Last year was defensive line, this year it’s that secondary. Jaboree is one of the top cornerbacks on their board, so they’re all in on him…I like where Miami stands for him right now.”

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