BREAKING: 5-Star QB Stuns South Carolina by Decommitting and Choosing Florida State over Alabama and Nebraska
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, 5-star quarterback Jaxon Warren has decommitted from South Carolina and committed to Florida State, turning down offers from perennial powerhouses Alabama and Nebraska in the process.
The decision marks a dramatic shift in the recruitment of one of the nation’s top signal-callers. Warren, who had previously committed to South Carolina in the summer of 2023, had long been considered a major get for the Gamecocks. His commitment was seen as a key piece in building the program’s future under head coach Shane Beamer. However, after months of deliberation and a rigorous evaluation of his options, Warren has opted to reclassify his recruitment and chose Florida State, a program that has been on the rise under head coach Mike Norvell.
Warren’s recruitment was one of the most closely watched of the 2024 cycle, with many speculating that he would eventually choose either Alabama or Florida State. Both programs had made strong pushes, with Alabama’s dominance in the SEC and recent success under Nick Saban presenting a compelling case. Meanwhile, Florida State had been quietly building momentum, with Norvell’s leadership and the program’s resurgence in recent seasons making it a destination for top-tier recruits.
The decision to choose Florida State over Alabama and Nebraska was a major surprise to many in the recruiting world, given Alabama’s status as a powerhouse and Nebraska’s strong push, bolstered by the program’s recent efforts to return to national prominence under head coach Matt Rhule. However, Warren’s connection to Florida State, particularly with the program’s strong offense and quarterback development under Norvell, ultimately made the Seminoles too appealing to pass up.
While the Gamecocks had hoped to keep Warren committed, the decommitment has sparked frustration within the South Carolina fanbase. Shane Beamer’s staff had invested significant time and resources in building a relationship with Warren and had hoped he would be the centerpiece of their future. South Carolina had also secured a strong recruiting class in 2024, but losing Warren is a significant blow to the Gamecocks’ quarterback depth.
In a statement released by Warren, the highly-touted quarterback explained his decision, stating, “After a lot of thought, prayer, and discussions with my family, I’ve decided that Florida State is the place where I can continue to grow as a player and a person. The opportunity to work with Coach Norvell and develop my game at the next level is something I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited for what the future holds at Florida State and look forward to joining this incredible program.”
Warren’s decision adds to the growing excitement around Florida State’s football program, which is poised to be a major contender in the coming years. The Seminoles are coming off an impressive season and are expected to remain in the national spotlight with Warren, who is one of the top quarterbacks in the class, leading the charge.
For Alabama, the loss of Warren stings, especially after the program had heavily pursued him, but the Crimson Tide are no strangers to overcoming setbacks in recruiting. With a continued focus on development and attracting top talent, Alabama will likely pivot quickly, turning their attention to
