Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Hykeem Williams (8) before a game against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Former 5-star WR says Colorado develops players better than FSU

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Jackson Bakich | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 2:43 PM ET

Former Florida State wide receiver and five-star recruit Hykeem Williams shared his thoughts on the differences between FSU and Colorado since his departure from Tallahassee to Boulder.

Williams left Florida State in April.

In Williams's eyes, the Colorado staff does a better job of developing players and bringing in football legends to the program to share their insight.

Former FSU WR Hykeem Williams shares biggest difference between Colorado and FSU.

"More development. More, more, more development.

There were guys that have been there at Florida State but here it's just on another level.”pic.twitter.com/fMBWxIaUpZ
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) August 20, 2025

"More development, more, more, and more development," said Williams. "Coming here, you're just around so [many] guys that been there. I mean, there was guys that been there at Florida State. But here is just on another level. You got three gold jackets. You got NFL guys that come in, Hall of Famers that even come in still to just pour in us and help us to be great and succeed."

What Has Hykeem Williams Said About FSU Football's Approach To Player Development In The Past?

This is not Williams's first time downplaying Florida State's approach to the development of its players.

In June, Williams minimized the effectiveness of the Seminoles' strength and conditioning program in a video that went viral on social media.

From a player's mouth...I always felt like FSU strength and conditioning was lacking. Too many players look slow, play slow, and are undersized. We wonder why so many stay banged up in season. The ease it on up program smh pic.twitter.com/ErCCVuLnSq
— Noles / 2024 Bye Year (@therealzandale) June 12, 2025

"The difference between here and there is, here we jump right into a lot," said Williams. "Like, at Florida State, we eased on up, we went up every week. Here, we start high as hell. But at Florida State, you ease it up."

Williams then motioned his arms to show that the Colorado strength and conditioning program starts at maximum intensity while Florida State's appears to start at the halfway point.

Legendary FSU QB Jordan Travis responded to the video at the time, saying, "This is false. [Hykeem] is my dawg but this is very false." Travis's post was later deleted.

During his time at FSU, Williams played in 17 games. He recorded 267 yards and two touchdowns on 21 receptions. Williams did show some ability as a run blocker at times, but struggled to light up the stat sheet.