BREAKING NEWS: Garrett Gilbert Shocks Washington Commanders with Decommitment, Flips Commitment to Florida State Over Nebraska, Penn State, and Others
Garrett Gilbert, a highly sought-after recruit in the 2024 college football class, has made headlines today with a surprising and shocking decision: he has decommitted from the Washington Commanders, flipping his commitment to Florida State University. The announcement sent shockwaves through the football community, as Gilbert had long been a favorite of the Commanders’ coaching staff. His commitment to Florida State has also put college football’s recruiting scene on high alert, as top programs like Nebraska, Penn State, and others were in hot pursuit of the talented player.
Gilbert, a 6-foot-4 quarterback with a cannon for an arm and impressive football IQ, has been one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. Known for his leadership and ability to read defenses, Gilbert had initially committed to the Washington Commanders earlier in the recruiting cycle, signaling his belief in the direction of the franchise. Washington, led by head coach Ron Rivera, has been undergoing a rebuilding phase, with the team in search of a future franchise quarterback. Gilbert’s commitment had been seen as a major victory for Washington, as they sought to secure the future of the quarterback position.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, Gilbert decided to reassess his options, leading to the decommitment. This move has raised several questions about the Commanders’ recruiting strategy and what went wrong in their efforts to secure the highly-rated quarterback. While some speculated that the Commanders’ uncertain quarterback situation and the franchise’s overall instability might have been factors in Gilbert’s decision, others believe that Florida State’s strong pitch and promising future played a significant role in his change of heart.
Florida State, led by head coach Mike Norvell, has been on a steady upward trajectory in recent seasons. The Seminoles have shown considerable improvement, with strong recruiting classes and a competitive presence in the ACC. The program’s resurgence, coupled with Norvell’s vision for the team, appears to have swayed Gilbert, who now sees Florida State as the perfect place to develop his skills and compete at the highest level.
In addition to Florida State, Gilbert had been heavily courted by a number of other prestigious programs, including Nebraska and Penn State. Both schools were considered major contenders in the recruitment battle, with each offering an attractive path forward. Nebraska, with its storied tradition and strong fan base, had hoped to bring Gilbert into their fold as they continue to build under head coach Matt Rhule. Similarly, Penn State, a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten, made a significant push to land Gilbert, recognizing his potential as a future star.
But in the end, it was Florida State that captured Gilbert’s attention, offering him the opportunity to be the cornerstone of their quarterback room for the foreseeable future. The Seminoles have a rich history of developing top-tier quarterbacks, and Gilbert will now join a program on the rise, looking to return to national prominence.
Gilbert’s decision to flip his commitment marks a significant moment in college football recruiting, with ripple effects expected to be felt throughout the sport. As one of the top quarterbacks in the class of 2024, his choice will undoubtedly influence the recruiting strategies of teams across the nation, particularly those in need of a dynamic signal-caller.
This development leaves the Washington Commanders in a challenging position as they continue to search for a quarterback who can lead them into the future. Fans and analysts alike will now turn their attention to how Washington responds to this setback in their recruiting efforts. Meanwhile, Florida State fans are celebrating what could be a major coup for their program, as Gilbert’s commitment to the Seminoles signals a bright future for the team.