Title: Seminole Sidelines: Second Thoughts – Three FSU Commitments That Spark Regret
Florida State’s 2025 recruiting class has shown moments of brilliance, with high-level talent committing to Mike Norvell’s program. However, not every commitment yields the expected return — and sometimes, in hindsight, the coaching staff and fan base begin to have second thoughts. As the summer heats up and recruiting battles intensify, three commitments from this cycle are beginning to draw murmurs of regret around Tallahassee.
Whether it’s due to performance dips, off-field issues, or simply better options becoming available, let’s take a deeper look at three recruits who may no longer be a perfect fit for Florida State — and why both sides might be reconsidering.
1. RB Tyren Carter – A Crowded Backfield and Changing Priorities
Initially, Tyren Carter’s commitment brought excitement. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound back from Georgia displayed explosive speed and a bruising running style that fit FSU’s physical identity. His junior year stats — over 1,500 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns — made him a clear four-star talent.
But since then, things have shifted.
Carter’s stock has taken a slight dip on recruiting boards, largely due to inconsistent senior spring camp performances and the emergence of other elite backs in the Southeast. Meanwhile, FSU has been heavily courting higher-ranked prospects like Texas’s Ja’Mon Peterson and in-state speedster Malik Durham, who offer more versatility in the passing game — a growing need in Norvell’s evolving offense.
Additionally, with recent transfer additions and a stable of underclassmen already fighting for touches, the backfield is looking overcrowded. Carter may still have potential, but the fit seems less ideal than it did six months ago. It wouldn’t be surprising if FSU gently pivots — or if Carter himself starts looking elsewhere for clearer playing time.
2. QB Braden Simmons – Talent There, But Questions Remain
Quarterback is the most scrutinized position in college football, and FSU’s commitment to Braden Simmons raised eyebrows from the beginning. A three-star prospect out of Mississippi, Simmons has shown flashes of brilliance: a strong arm, decent mobility, and leadership intangibles. But his inconsistencies have drawn concern.
Despite his physical tools, Simmons has struggled with decision-making, particularly against high-level competition. His film shows multiple games where pressure rattled him, leading to turnovers and erratic accuracy. While he has the tools to develop, the timeline may be too long for a program aiming to return to national contention.
FSU fans and analysts alike have questioned the early take. Since Simmons committed, Florida State has been linked to higher-caliber quarterbacks, including a late push for top-100 dual-threat Julian Reese. There’s also speculation that FSU may be planning to dip back into the transfer portal to bridge the gap between Jordan Travis’s departure and the next big thing.
For Simmons, the pressure is on. He could still grow into a reliable starter, but right now, the commitment feels more like a gamble than a guarantee.
3. DE Marcus Bell – Character Concerns Cloud the Picture
Every program occasionally rolls the dice on a “high-upside” defensive lineman — and Marcus Bell was that player for FSU. Hailing from the Carolinas, Bell is a raw, 6-foot-4 edge rusher with incredible length and athletic upside. On paper, he fits the mold of past FSU pass-rushing greats.
But concerns began to surface in early spring.
Bell has reportedly clashed with coaches at his high school and was suspended for multiple games due to “team violations.” While none of these incidents have resulted in legal trouble, they’ve raised red flags for schools that value locker room culture and discipline — especially FSU, which has worked hard to rebuild a strong, unified team identity under Norvell.
Since Bell’s commitment, Florida State has quietly reopened conversations with more polished and stable edge rushers, including in-state prospects with cleaner résumés. Bell still possesses all the traits to succeed at the next level, but FSU must weigh whether the potential upside is worth the risk.
If these concerns persist, don’t be surprised if this commitment quietly dissolves before signing day.
Final Thoughts
Recruiting is a dynamic process. Coaches make early decisions based on projection, need, and fit — but as new talent emerges and situations evolve, regret becomes inevitable. For Florida State, these three commitments serve as reminders that the margin for error is slim when building a roster that aims to compete for championships.
While it’s too early to call any of these commitments a mistake, the signs of hesitation are there. Whether FSU stands firm or looks to course-correct, one thing is clear: the Seminoles’ recruiting path is far from settled.
