Former quarterback commit explains why he decommitted from FSU, still trusts Mike Norvell
The highly-rated recruit shared that staff changes were a major factor in his decision to decommit. Despite the shift, he continues to have faith in Mike Norvell’s vision.
Florida State’s quarterback situation under Mike Norvell has been marked by both challenges and successes. The program has lost six quarterback commitments in the past seven recruiting cycles but also produced a Heisman finalist and an NFL quarterback during his tenure.
Behind the scenes, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly who the Seminoles want, as decommitments can be unpredictable or simply a result of a disappointing season disrupting the recruiting process.
Brady Smigiel, a 4-star quarterback and former FSU commit, explained why he decommitted but emphasized his continued belief in Norvell’s program in Tallahassee.
“I committed before the season started. I had a strong relationship with Coach Norvell and Coach Tokarz. They were in the top five nationally when I committed, and their offense was thriving at the time, but then things changed,” Smigiel said to On3 Sports.
Florida State followed up a successful 2023 ACC Championship season with a disastrous 2024 campaign, finishing 2-10. This led to the firing of both the offensive and defensive coordinators, as well as the wide receivers coach. Norvell relinquished playcalling duties after hiring offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, a move that Smigiel felt fundamentally altered the situation.
"It changed everything"
4⭐️ QB @BradySmigiel explains why he backed off his commitment to FSU and re-opened his recruitment.
MORE: https://t.co/fa9JLDsIuA pic.twitter.com/qNudraUDp8
— Josh Newberg (@josh_newberg) February 7, 2025
“They didn’t have the season we expected, but I still have faith in Coach Norvell. I believe they will turn things around, but with the staff changes, I thought it was best to reopen my recruitment,” Smigiel said.
Smigiel’s original commitment was tied to offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and Norvell’s playcalling, but he now sees the offense shifting in a direction that no longer aligns with his interests. While Norvell and Malzahn have a shared history of running similar offenses, Smigiel felt the change was too significant.
“Ultimately, I committed to Coach Atkins and to Coach Norvell calling the plays. When that changed, they brought in a completely new offense, and that shifted everything for me,” Smigiel explained.
Despite the changes at FSU, Norvell has proven he can build a competitive program, even after setbacks. It may be best for recruits who are fully invested in the vision from day one to stay, while others like Smigiel seek opportunities better suited to their goals.
With Atkins likely headed to LSU to coach tight ends, Smigiel could follow him there in the future.
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