Florida State Recruiting: Legacy and Top DB Jay Timmons Flips from FSU to Ohio State
The annual trend continues as Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles suffer another loss in their 2026 recruiting class. Legacy prospect Jay Timmons has decided that Ohio State suits his future goals better than Florida State.
Many, including myself, regarded Timmons as the top player in the class. Some might argue that DB Chauncey Kennon or DL Earnest Rankins are equally talented, but losing Timmons is a setback that won’t be easy to overcome.
Losing a highly ranked commit, especially one flipped from a successful program like Indiana this season, is a significant blow. It becomes even harder to justify when the player is a legacy, which makes the loss nearly inexcusable.
Mike Norvell and his staff continue to be outmatched every year by stronger recruiters.
For Seminole fans, it has become routine to see top prospects leave before signing. Various issues like money, fit, perception, miscommunication, and lack of decisive effort contribute to this pattern.
At this point, it almost feels like a tradition rivaling Augusta National in its consistency and uniqueness. Yet, at least this loss didn't occur during the early signing period.
Summary
Florida State struggles to retain top recruits under Mike Norvell, with legacy player Jay Timmons flipping to Ohio State, highlighting ongoing challenges in recruitment strategy.