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

Top recruit has disappointing news for FSU Football

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated May 12, 2025 2:30 PM ET

Official visits are already beginning around the country and the action is set to ramp up in Tallahassee in just a few weeks. The months of May and June will be imperative for Florida State as the coaching staff looks to fill out #Tribe26.

The Seminoles have recruited well in the defensive backfield under position coach Patrick Surtain Sr. Since being hired by the program prior to the 2023 season, Surtain Sr. has landed multiple blue-chip prospects, including a few who are committed in the current recruiting cycles.

That doesn't mean FSU will win every battle on the recruiting trail.

On Sunday, four-star safety Jordan Smith announced he was committing to Georgia over Florida State, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and Alabama, among others.

This is a disappointing update for the Seminoles, who have yet to host Smith on campus this year. He was slated to officially visit FSU from June 13-15 though it remains to be seen if that trip will happen now.

Surtain Sr. and head coach Mike Norvell both were in Smith's area in January to meet with the talented defender. He listed Florida State in his top-10 in April.

COMMIT ALERT

Jordan Smith — the nation’s No. 6 safety + No. 56 overall — commits to Georgia over Tennessee, FSU and Georgia Tech, he announced.

“Growing up, that’s all you hear about, Georgia football, Georgia football, Georgia football.”

https://t.co/WXeUKUIyGx pic.twitter.com/SuA2tUCy4y
— Benjamin Wolk (@benjaminwolk) May 11, 2025

As a junior, Smith totaled 85 tackles, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, seven pass deflections, two interceptions, and one 98-yard kickoff return touchdown. He recorded three games of 10+ tackles, including two performances of 12 tackles.

The 6-foot-1.5, 185-pound defensive back is regarded as the No. 56 overall prospect, the No. 6 S, and the No. 5 recruit in Georgia in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite.

Florida State holds nine verbal commitments in its 2026 class which ranks No. 22 in the country. The Seminoles previously landed four-star safety Darryl Bell, four-star safety Tedarius Hughes, and three-star cornerback Sean Johnson.