In a thrilling turn of events, five-star quarterback prospect Brady Smigiel has officially committed to Florida State University for the 2026 recruiting class. The highly sought-after quarterback, who has been one of the most talked-about prospects in his class, made the announcement after months of speculation and visits to various schools. His decision to choose Florida State is a major win for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles, who now have one of the top quarterbacks in the country locked into their future plans.
Smigiel, a standout at North Carolina’s Pinecrest High School, has long been regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the 2026 class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and possessing an elite arm with remarkable accuracy, Smigiel has drawn comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in the country. His ability to make all the necessary throws—whether it be deep shots, intermediate passes, or touch throws—has made him a highly coveted recruit. Along with his strong arm, Smigiel’s mobility and poise in the pocket make him a dual-threat quarterback who can create plays both with his arm and his legs, adding an additional dimension to his game that makes him even more dangerous.
While Smigiel had a number of options to consider, with top-tier programs from all over the country vying for his commitment, Florida State ultimately emerged as the best fit for the young quarterback. His decision to commit to the Seminoles is a major boost for Florida State’s future, and it solidifies the program’s position in the upper echelon of college football recruiting. By landing Smigiel, FSU not only secures one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, but also positions itself as a strong contender in the recruiting race for the 2026 class, continuing the momentum that has been building for the Seminoles under Norvell’s leadership.
One of the key factors in Smigiel’s decision to commit to Florida State was the relationship he developed with Norvell and the Seminoles’ coaching staff. Norvell has established a reputation for developing quarterbacks, most notably helping to guide the career of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston during his time at FSU. In recent years, Norvell and his staff have continued to show their ability to develop high-level talent, with the Seminoles making significant strides in both recruiting and on-field performance. The opportunity to be the face of the program and lead the Seminoles to future championships undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Smigiel’s decision.
The Seminoles’ offensive system also played a crucial role in Smigiel’s commitment. Florida State has increasingly shown the ability to run a dynamic, high-powered offense that incorporates both the passing and running game. The program’s commitment to developing its quarterbacks and tailoring the offense to the skill set of the signal-caller is something that stood out to Smigiel. The chance to run an offense that highlights his strengths, while also having a talented supporting cast around him, is an exciting prospect for the young quarterback.
Another major selling point for Smigiel was Florida State’s resurgence as a program. After several years of struggles, the Seminoles have experienced a renaissance under Norvell, reaching new heights in recruiting and making a return to national prominence. With the team’s success on the field and the continued upward trajectory of the program, Smigiel saw an opportunity to be a key part of Florida State’s future success. The program’s combination of tradition, coaching expertise, and championship aspirations made FSU an attractive destination for Smigiel.
For Florida State, landing a five-star quarterback like Smigiel is a game-changing moment in their recruiting efforts. With a quarterback of his caliber in the fold, the Seminoles now have a strong foundation to build their future offense around. Smigiel’s commitment also sends a clear message to the rest of the college football world that Florida State is back and ready to compete with the best programs in the nation for top talent.
As Smigiel begins his journey to Florida State, expectations will be high, but his skills and leadership abilities suggest he’s ready to take on the challenge. His commitment gives Seminoles fans plenty to be excited about, and it will be exciting to see how he develops as he moves toward college football’s highest stage. With Smigiel leading the way, Florida State’s future is looking brighter than ever.
