Four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel made a poignant and emotional declaration about his choice to decommit from Florida State University (FSU) and reopen his recruitment. Fighting back tears, Smigiel explained the hardship of his decision, emphasising that it was reached after serious consideration of his future in collegiate football.
Smigiel, a standout at California’s Newbury Park High School, first committed to Florida State in June 2024, preferring the Seminoles over other famous universities such as Michigan. His commitment was viewed as a major victory for FSU’s 2026 recruiting class. However, subsequent developments have forced him to reconsider his decision.
One of the key reasons for Smigiel’s departure was the recent coaching changes at FSU’s football team. The resignation of offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham and the subsequent appointment of Gus Malzahn raised questions about the offensive techniques and development plans that had initially drawn Smigiel to the program. His father, Joe Smigiel, remarked on the matter, saying, “Brady’s committed to Florida State, but they made a couple of changes, and he just wants to make sure he’s in the right place, and he wanted to make sure he did that by checking out some other places.”
In the weeks preceding his decision, numerous top-tier programs expressed increased interest in Smigiel’s recruiting. Chip Kelly, Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, made an in-home visit with the young quarterback. Furthermore, schools such as UCLA, South Carolina, and Washington have increased their recruitment efforts, recognising Smigiel’s extraordinary talent and promise.
Looking back on his high school career, Smigiel’s numbers highlight his athletic ability. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, he has been a three-year starter with over 11,000 throwing yards and 147 touchdowns. During his junior year, he threw for 3,521 yards and 49 touchdowns with only three interceptions, in addition to rushing for nearly 400 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The choice to decommit was not taken lightly. Smigiel expressed his respect and appreciation for the FSU coaching staff and the opportunity they provided. However, he felt it was critical to ensure that his educational environment aligned with his personal and athletic objectives. By revisiting his recruitment, Smigiel hopes to investigate all possible choices and make an informed decision regarding his future.
In response to Smigiel’s decommitment, FSU has proactively offered offers to other highly regarded quarterbacks, including Keisean Henderson, Landon Duckworth, and Bowe Bentley, as they look to strengthen their future quarterback lineup.