The blue-chip recruit stated that the coaching staff changes “completely altered things.”
Florida State’s quarterback situation under Mike Norvell has been eventful. While the program has lost six quarterback commits over the past seven cycles, it has also developed a Heisman finalist and an NFL quarterback during his tenure.
Getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the ‘Noles’ recruiting priorities is challenging. Decommitments can be unexpected or seem inevitable, and a single disappointing season could disrupt an entire recruiting class.
Former FSU commit and four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel explained his decision to decommit from Florida State but expressed continued faith in Norvell’s vision for Tallahassee.
“I committed before the season and had a strong connection with Coach Norvell and Coach Tokarz,” Smigiel told On3 Sports. “At the time, they were ranked in the top five nationally, and their offense was thriving, but some things changed.”
After winning the 2023 ACC Championship, Florida State endured a disastrous 2-10 season in 2024, leading to the dismissal of both coordinators and the wide receivers coach. With the hiring of Gus Malzahn as the new offensive coordinator, Norvell relinquished play-calling duties—a change that the Newbury Park High School recruit said “changed everything.”
“They didn’t have the season we anticipated, but I still have faith in Coach Norvell and believe they’ll turn things around,” he said. “However, with offseason staff changes, including the firing of their offensive coordinator, I felt it was best to reopen my recruitment.”
Smigiel explained that his commitment was based on former offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and Norvell’s playcalling. He also noted that the new offense differs from what initially attracted him. However, he acknowledged that Norvell and Malzahn have previously worked together and employ similar playcalling styles.
“Ultimately, I committed to Coach Atkins and to Coach Norvell as the play-caller. That was a big factor for me, and when that changed, it changed everything. Now, they’re introducing a completely different offense.”
For the Seminoles, Norvell has proven he can rebuild a championship-caliber team even after a tough season. Perhaps it’s best for players to either commit fully to the process from day one or find opportunities that better align with their goals.
With Atkins set to coach tight ends at LSU, there’s a chance Smigiel could end up in Bayou Country next year.
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