In a shocking twist to the 2024 college football recruiting saga, five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood has announced his decision to flip his commitment from LSU to Florida State. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound quarterback, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation, had initially pledged his commitment to LSU in 2023. However, after months of deliberation and visits to other top programs, Underwood made the decision to join the Seminoles, choosing them over a host of other elite schools, including Tennessee and Michigan.
**The Journey to Florida State**
Underwood’s commitment flip is being viewed as a monumental moment in the college football recruiting landscape. His decision comes at a time when both LSU and Florida State are experiencing strong performances on the field. Underwood had initially chosen LSU, a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference, but over time, the allure of Florida State grew stronger. The Seminoles have made significant strides under head coach Mike Norvell, having reestablished themselves as a force in the ACC. They have built a strong recruiting class and are considered one of the top programs in the nation for 2024.
Florida State has a history of developing quarterbacks, including current NFL stars like Jameis Winston and Chris Weinke. This rich tradition, combined with the team’s recent success, made the Seminoles an appealing option for Underwood. As Florida State’s recruiting efforts have gained momentum, Norvell and his staff worked tirelessly to convince Underwood that he could be the future face of the program and help elevate it to new heights.
**The Competition: Tennessee and Michigan**
While Florida State ultimately won Underwood’s commitment, they weren’t the only contenders in this race. The quarterback had also strongly considered Tennessee and Michigan, two programs with rich traditions and passionate fan bases.
Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, has emerged as a rising power in the SEC. Heupel’s high-octane offense, which has turned the Volunteers into one of the most exciting teams to watch in college football, was an intriguing selling point for Underwood. Tennessee’s ability to develop quarterbacks, paired with their rise to national prominence, made them a serious contender for his services. However, after much consideration, Underwood ultimately chose the program that he felt offered the best fit.
Similarly, Michigan, under Jim Harbaugh, has consistently been one of the top teams in the Big Ten and has developed quarterbacks into NFL-caliber players in recent years. Michigan’s consistent success and championship aspirations played a role in Underwood’s decision-making process. Harbaugh’s reputation for developing talent at the quarterback position made Michigan an attractive option for Underwood, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to sway him from his commitment to Florida State.
**Why Florida State?**
Underwood’s decision to flip to Florida State is a reflection of the Seminoles’ growth and vision under head coach Mike Norvell. Norvell’s ability to build a championship-caliber team with a focus on offensive development was a major selling point for Underwood. The Seminoles have shown they can compete at the highest level in the ACC, and Underwood believes he can play a key role in helping the program return to national prominence.
The chance to work with Norvell and offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, who has been instrumental in developing Florida State’s offensive line and overall system, was another major factor in Underwood’s decision. Norvell and Atkins have shown the ability to cultivate offensive talent, and Underwood’s skill set as a pocket passer with an ability to make plays on the run fits perfectly within their system.
**The Future of Florida State**
Underwood’s commitment to Florida State is a significant win for the Seminoles, as it solidifies their place among the elite recruiting programs in the country. With Underwood as the face of their 2024 class, Florida State is poised to continue its upward trajectory and compete for national championships in the coming years. Underwood’s commitment also has the potential to attract more top talent to Tallahassee, as other recruits will take notice of his decision and see Florida State as an increasingly attractive destination.
As for Bryce Underwood, the decision to flip from LSU to Florida State marks the next chapter in what is shaping up to be a stellar career. With his talent, poise, and ability to lead, Underwood has all the tools to thrive at Florida State and become one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Fans of the Seminoles will now eagerly await his arrival on campus, as they look forward to the next great chapter in Florida State football.