As we push through the first half of May and edge closer to the summer official visit window, it's time for a fresh look at the recruiting landscape for Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles. The excitement is building, but so are the challenges—especially with NIL reshaping the game. Let's break down where things stand position by position.

Quarterback: A Rocky Road

As expected, four-star prospect Wonderful "Champ" Monds IV chose stability over flash, committing to Notre Dame over Ohio State, Florida, and FSU. It's a tough blow for the Seminoles, who had invested heavily in his recruitment. Now, FSU is left scanning the field for alternatives. Names like Logan Flaherty (who decommitted from UCF) and DJ Hunter are floating around, but Flaherty is the one to watch. He has deep family ties to Florida State and wouldn't break the bank for the QB room. However, his throwing motion raises some eyebrows—it needs serious refinement. There's even chatter that FSU might skip a prep QB altogether this cycle, which would be a risky move. Passing on a quarterback only fuels negative recruiting, something this program doesn't need. While Monds might have benefited from staying in the 2028 class, his family's focus on earning power was clear. Unless a coaching shakeup at Notre Dame opens the door again, the QB outlook looks uncertain.

Running Back: A Tale of NIL and Missed Opportunities

Last month, three names topped the list: Ty Keys, Gary Walker, and Marquis Fennell, with FSU trending strongly for Keys and Fennell. But in the new era of college football, the dollar speaks loudest. Despite new running backs coach Kam Martin's best efforts, Keys and FSU couldn't agree on a number. The Miami Hurricanes swooped in with a better offer, and Keys quickly committed to the U. In pre-NIL days, he'd already be a Seminole. Now, Fennell is likely to rise up the board, and FSU could pivot to other targets. The power of the purse is alive and well in recruiting, and the 'Noles are feeling the pinch.