FSU’s offense hit rock bottom in 2024. While points were hard to come by, fans felt every painful snap. But after the 2-10 season, change is in the air. As of now, HC Mike Norvell has made a bold move—bringing in Gus Malzahn, the former UCF HC, to spark the offense as the new coordinator. Malzahn is known for pounding the rock and turning up the tempo. However, there’s buzz about another name in the player’s list. Yes, a redshirt freshman with 200 pounds of raw talent. While the fans are watching closely, could he be the secret weapon waiting in the wings?

So, first things first. Who’s the 200-pound gunslinger? It’s none other than Trever Jackson. When Jackson chose to walk on at FSU in the 2024 class, some fans lit up with excitement. As a blue-chip QB with raw talent and serious wheels, he came in alongside Luke Kromenhoek, giving the Noles a one-two punch at QB. Jackson had that spark—some even saw shades of a young Jordan Travis in his game. And the arm? Still developing. But the legs? Pure electricity. Unfortunately, the 2024 season didn’t offer many chances. Jackson saw the field just once—against Charleston Southern. One carry. Two yards. That was it. And now? After a quiet freshman campaign, he’s ready to flip the script. According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, the redshirt QB is planning a bold move—one that could shake up his future—and maybe FSU’s too.

On April 13, On3 broke the news on Instagram—Trever Jackson is hitting the portal. Yes, the 6’3″, 200-pound QB is on the move, with 4 full years of eligibility still in his pocket. However, as a former Elite 11 Finalist, Jackson came to FSU with high hopes and sky-high potential. But the quarterback room in Tallahassee is getting crowded. While Luke Kromenhoek already hit the portal, here enters Thomas Castellanos. The dynamic dual-threat QB is transferring in from Boston College, reuniting with Malzahn after their UCF days. He’s electric, he’s fearless, and he’s locked in as the Seminoles’ starter. Also, while Brock Glenn stayed put, FSU added 4-star baller Kevin Sperry to the 2025 class. The most intriguing fact is that Sperry enrolled early and wasted no time making noise in spring practice. Oh, and FSU just added walk-on Gavin Markey, too.

As of now, with all that action, Jackson saw the writing on the wall. Although it’s a bold move, but one that could reignite his journey. You can say the portal is calling, and Trever Jackson is ready to answer. And why not? Look, when Malzahn and Mike Norvell grabbed the mic, the message was loud and clear—they only mentioned 3 names: Glenn, Castellanos, and Sperry. So, that was the trio getting the spotlight. But there was no mention of Trever Jackson. Disappointing.

Not only this. You have to understand that FSU’s QB room is already jam-packed, and it’s not slowing down. While walk-on Markey arrives this summer, the Noles are expected to reel in another arm in the 2026 class. As of now, for Jackson, the window closed fast in FSU. But the portal gives him a second shot. A fresh start. He may have to land at a smaller program, but under the right lights, in the right system, Jackson could thrive. Honestly, all it takes is one team to believe.

Is FSU losing a diamond while chasing gold?

Trever Jackson was once a prized 4-star gem in the 2024 recruiting class—a former Ole Miss commit with sky-high upside. But FSU swooped in and brought him on as a preferred walk-on, a sneaky move that flew under the radar. As of now, Jackson’s legs? Straight-up dangerous. You know, at Jones High School, even after being benched for passing struggles, he still racked up 855 yards and 10 TDs on just 104 carries. To be honest, that’s playmaker material. Sure, the arm needed polish. But the raw tools were there. Not only this, the spark, the speed, and the upside were there. So, FSU may have overlooked a diamond in the rough. And now, that diamond is looking to shine somewhere else.

We all know that as the page turns to 2025, the buzz around Jackson is unreal. Honestly, fans can’t stop talking about a guy whose only stat last year was a two-yard rush. And that’s hype you can’t fake. Look, Jackson’s no longer just a walk-on, with FSU’s 105-man scholarship limit set; he’s earned a full ride. Because everyone knows he’s a weapon. His athleticism jumps off the tape. And with the right packages—short yardage, goal line—he could be lethal. Safe to say that Jackson’s the kind of player who finds the end zone. The kind that changes games. As of now, if the coaching staff lets him loose, 2025 could be the year this diamond finally shines.

However, regardless of why, FSU fans remained hopeful for Trever Jackson. Maybe it was that blue-chip ranking. Maybe it was the flashes of potential. But if he couldn’t get a shot during FSU’s rough 2024 season, it probably just wasn’t meant to be in Tallahassee. You know, sometimes, even diamonds don’t get their moment to shine in the right setting. Right now, wherever he lands next, one thing’s clear—Jackson’s story isn’t over; it’s just moving to a new chapter.