Three huge weekends that could have major impact on FSU Football recruiting

The 2023 season is almost here for a Florida State football team that has major expectations on the field.

Off the field could be just as vital for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles, who will be hosting several big recruiting weekends this fall. While FSU’s 2024 class is already off to a great start with a No. 9 national ranking and 18 commitments, there will be a few key weekends that play a major role in how successful the class can be in the end.

Here’s a look at the three biggest weekends this fall:

1. Florida State vs. Miami (Nov. 11)

The No. 1 slot will not be a shock to Florida State fans as the Miami game is always important both on the field and in recruiting. But this one will be especially important because of the prospects in attendance and who FSU is competing with for them.

One of the top targets we expect to visit for that game is new Miami WR commit JoJo Trader. Even though he made that pledge, we don’t believe the Seminoles are giving up the fight. Five-star safety KJ Bolden has also indicated a few times that the FSU-Miami game is one he has circled to attend. That might end up being an official visit.

There’s a good chance four-star defensive end Booker Pickett is also there for that big weekend, and top-100 DB Wardell Mack has also stated that he is likely to be in attendance. In addition, maybe the biggest piece left for FSU at receiver — five-star Jeremiah Smith, who is committed to Ohio State — is likely to be there as well. Smith is already slated to take another multiple-day visit to FSU in late July.

This doesn’t even include some of the top juniors for the 2025 class. Top targets like four-star OL Ziyarre Addison, four-star OL Solomon Thomas, along with four-star running backs Ousmane Kromah and Alvin Henderson are also expected to attend. Five-star DL Armondo Blount is expected there too, and I believe FSU leads there. I’m expecting over 100 prospects overall for that weekend.

2. Florida State vs. LSU (Sept. 3)

When it comes to big recruiting weekends, it doesn’t necessarily mean that FSU has to host recruits. While the LSU game is in Orlando and the Seminoles can’t host prospects, they can provide tickets to recruits for the game — similar to what we saw last year when 2023 signee Hykeem Williams and four-star running back commit Kam Davis showed up to support the ‘Noles against the Tigers.

The draw this year will be even bigger because it’s a chance for in-state prospects, and even those in Georgia, to come get a first-look at FSU in a huge game. Five-star LB Jadon Perlotte (Georgia commit) has stated he will be there, and I expect the number to grow significantly as the game approaches.

Lastly, there is the impact of the game itself. Make no mistake about it, the buzz for FSU recruiting really blew up after that 24-23 win over LSU in New Orleans last year. It created momentum for the future and also helped keep the strong buzz about FSU’s portal recruiting going strong. Back-to-back years of wins over LSU would leave a strong impression. It also would help with prospects from the state of Louisiana that Florida State hopes to land.

3. Florida State vs Virginia Tech (Oct. 7)

It’s late into the season for recruiting, but it won’t be too late for FSU to make some noise for those remaining targets still on the board. One particular prospect visiting officially that weekend is four-star DE LJ McCray, and this is expected to be his final official visit before deciding on a school.

I also expect you will see several uncommitted 2024 prospects visit that weekend, as well as a slew of 2025 recruits.

The Hokies are still a name that resonates with fans and recruits, particularly those in the “DMV” area (D.C., Maryland Virginia), and FSU is making major inroads with recruits in that area. I think this is a weekend where you see around 30-40 prospects in attendance.

***Discuss this article with Florida State football fans on the Premium Recruiting Board.***

The post Three huge weekends that could have major impact on FSU Football recruiting appeared first on On3.