Oct 26, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell reacts from the sideline against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

FSU football loses recruiting battle to Big Ten program

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The calendar has flipped to June and summer is basically in full swing. The next few months will be critical for Florida State with official visits ongoing as the coaching staff tries to continue building up #Tribe25.

The Seminoles aren't going to be able to win every battle on the trail. With the number of recruits they're pursuing, that's just not feasible.

On Sunday, three-star tight end Brady Owens announced he was committing to Rutgers over Florida State and Syracuse, among others. Owens was in New Jersey for his official visit over the weekend and it appears the trip went well.

The Seminoles offered Owens back in March and tight ends coach Chris Thomsen went out to see him in May. He was expected to take a visit to Tallahassee from June 6-8. It's unclear if Owens will follow through on those plans after pledging to the Scarlet Knights.

Proud to announce my commitment to Rutgers University. Thankful for the people at @RFootball, my @YHSPatriotsFB teammates, coaches, friends and family for supporting me in this journey. Ready to focus on the work! CHOP @RutgersU @GregSchiano @KirkCiarrocca @CoachValloneRU… pic.twitter.com/7qW1qAIs2E
— ’ (@Brady_owens84) June 2, 2025

The Virginia native is coming off a junior campaign where he caught 32 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns while rushing five times for 67 yards and another score. Owens recorded a season-high five catches for 92 yards in a 24-14 victory against George C. Marshall on November 2.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound tight end is regarded as the No. 1208 overall prospect, the No. 57 TE, and the No. 28 recruit in Virginia in the 2026 class according to 247Sports.

Florida State holds nine verbal commitments in its 2026 class which ranks No. 25 in the country. The Seminoles have to add a tight end to the fold.

With Owens off the board, FSU will turn to other prospects such as four-star Heze Kent, four-star Xavier Tiller, four-star Evan Jacobson, three-star Julius Miles, and three-star Isaac Jensen. All five players are expected to visit the program over the next couple of weeks.