“Everybody decommitting from FSU.” The Seminoles’ fall from a historic 13-0 season to 2-10 is something that still boggles our minds. How can a program go from being the best in the ACC to almost irrelevant? There were signs. While it is always argued that FSU should’ve had a shot at the 2023 season natty, why they didn’t get it was simple – the moment Jordan Travis was injured, FSU started playing like a high school team. But what even went wrong this season? Mike Norvell was ready, right? “High tide covers up ugly rocks, and low tide exposes them,” was something FSU athletic director Michael Alford had mentioned. The whole program was riding the wave, but the moment they lost their sail, they sank. And while Norvell might think FSU “hit the home run” with their 2025-26 class – is it even true?

“Well, he had a fantastic Junior season, and that is re-energized interest from a lot of programs on the trail. You know, his dad said as many as 60 total touchdowns, just three interceptions, 11 rushing scores. Mr. California… He, you know, he took some visits during the season with some of his teammates too,” Steve Wiltfong pointed out on On3. One massive junior season was all it took for 5-star Brady Smigiel to call the FSU marriage off – also it is understandable why. The kid went ballistic and now 6 different programs are interested in bringing him in for the 2026 class. Smigiel managed to haul his team to a 14-1 ruin with over 3500 yards under his belt and 49 touchdowns.

Now, who wouldn’t want this kid? Although Norvell did visit Brady – things didn’t go as planned. But is it surprising? While Norvell is fully focused on bringing an “overhaul” to the program, only time will tell how it all works out. For Brady though? The “6” programs Wiltfong had brought up are solid powerhouses.

Starting with the best of the bunch: Michigan and OSU. The good ol Reds vs Blues – Now UM is on a recruitment run. Their 2025 class is ranked 9th in the country and for good reasons. Sherrone Moore and his recruitment team have managed to snag away some gems and it wouldn’t exactly be surprising if they pull the same stunt with Brady – the kid is an amazing prospect and some NIL money can do wonders.

For the OSU side? Here you get arguably one of the best NFL pipelines and while Ryan Day is still trying to recover from his DC loss, Brady’s recruitment should still top the priority list. But wait, 4 more teams left – Now these aren’t your usual “top” programs, but they’ve had their moments of glory.

4 more contenders for Brady Smigiel

Washington + UCLA + Michigan State + Gamecocks. It’s like a B1G bloodbath, but SC is just here to make sure everything goes right. Jokes aside, the Huskies do have a good shot at snagging Brady but UCLA? Not so much. The Bruins are 12th in the B1G and with how much money Michigan and OSU can throw for Brady, it doesn’t feel like UCLA will get a chance.

The same applies to Michigan State and Gamecocks (although SC still has the “SEC” appeal” going for them). Regardless, if we were a Top 50 prospect, we would pick either Michigan or the Bucks. Its written. On one hand, you have the current No.1 team in the country and on the other hand, you have the previous No.1 who is trying to make a comeback in 2025.