J’Vari Flowers’ Transfer Portal Shake-Up: FSU Left Out of Top 6
The college football transfer portal is heating up, and one of the biggest names making waves is four-star cornerback J’Vari Flowers. Once a top prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, Flowers has surged into the 2025 class, becoming one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the nation. While his list of potential schools has grown, one notable program has been left out—Florida State.
For a while, Flowers had Florida State, Florida, and Georgia as his primary targets for official visits. However, things have changed. In an announcement shared on social media by Hayes Fawcett on February 20, Flowers revealed his final six choices, but Florida State was no longer in contention. Despite significant efforts from head coach Mike Norvell and the FSU staff, the Seminoles failed to make the cut.
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Who Made the Final List?
Flowers’ reclassification and strong performances have kept him ranked among the top 10 cornerbacks in the country. While Florida and Georgia retained their spots, four new programs have entered the race:
Miami Hurricanes (Flowers’ hometown team)
North Carolina Tar Heels
Auburn Tigers
Syracuse Orange
He has already planned official visits with each of these schools, with the following schedule:
North Carolina – March 3
Auburn – March 6
Florida – March 10
Georgia – March 17
Syracuse – March 21
Miami – March 24
With these visits lined up, the competition to secure Flowers’ commitment is intense.
Why Did Florida State Miss Out?
Florida State’s exclusion from Flowers’ final list could signal a larger issue for the Seminoles. While they had secured commitments from three-star cornerbacks Shamar Arnoux and Antonio Cromartie Jr. for the 2025 cycle, Flowers’ sudden availability may have prompted them to reconsider their recruitment strategy. However, by the time they made their move, it was too late.
Norvell and his staff hosted Flowers in an attempt to change his mind, but their efforts fell short. Given the challenges FSU has faced, including a struggling 2024 season and concerns about the program’s stability, Flowers may have decided to look elsewhere.
Pressure Mounting on Mike Norvell
Norvell is already under pressure after a disappointing season and concerns about FSU’s long-term success. His contract buyout sits at a massive $64 million, adding financial scrutiny to his tenure. The upcoming 2025 season won’t be any easier, as FSU faces a tough schedule featuring Alabama, Miami, Clemson, and Florida.
College football analysts have already weighed in on the situation, with some believing Norvell is on the hot seat. One analyst noted that following a 2-10 season with another poor performance could spell trouble for his future with the program.
The Road Ahead for J’Vari Flowers
With Florida State out of the picture, Flowers’ decision will come down to his six remaining schools. Each of them offers something unique, and his upcoming visits will play a crucial role in determining his final destination.
Will he stay close to home with Miami? Or will he take his talents to one of the SEC powerhouses? With his recruitment nearing its final stages, all eyes are on Flowers as he prepares to make a life-changing decision.