The recruiting rollercoaster just took a wild turn, and Florida State fans might want to brace themselves—because the Seminoles just got a major snub.
The transfer portal madness is heating up, but it’s not just transfers shaking things up. The real fireworks are coming from elite high school prospects, and right now, the biggest name in the game is none other than J’Vari Flowers.
The four-star cornerback out of Northwestern High School (Miami, FL) has just dropped his final six schools—and it’s sending shockwaves through the college football world. The biggest surprise? Mike Norvell’s Florida State Seminoles didn’t make the cut.
Norvell had rolled out the red carpet for Flowers, trying everything to keep FSU in the race. But despite his best efforts, the elite defensive back has shut the door on the Seminoles—and that could be a sign of bigger problems in Tallahassee.
From 2026 to 2025—The Meteoric Rise of J’Vari Flowers
For a while, Flowers was a dominant force in the 2026 class. But then came his big reclassification in January, launching him straight into the 2025 cycle.
With his skills, the transition wasn’t just smooth—it was explosive. Flowers went from a highly-rated junior to a can’t-miss senior, skyrocketing up the rankings as one of the top 10 cornerbacks in the nation.
And as expected, his recruitment blew up overnight.
At first, Flowers was focused on just three schools:
✔️ Florida
✔️ Georgia
✔️ Florida State
But oh, how things have changed. FSU is out, and four new heavyweights have entered the battle.
The New Power Players—Who Made the Cut?
On February 20, recruiting insider Hayes Fawcett dropped a bombshell Instagram post, announcing Flowers’ new final six schools.
✔️ Florida (Still in the mix)
✔️ Georgia (Holding strong)
✔️ Miami (The hometown hero)
✔️ North Carolina (A rising powerhouse)
✔️ Auburn (The SEC wildcard)
✔️ Syracuse (A surprise dark horse)
And just like that, Mike Norvell and Florida State were left in the dust.
Why did Flowers cross them off? What’s happening behind the scenes in Tallahassee?
Florida State’s Last-Ditch Effort—And Why It Failed
At first, Florida State wasn’t even pushing for Flowers.
With two three-star cornerbacks already locked in—Shamar Arnoux and Antonio Cromartie Jr.—the Seminoles thought they were set. They didn’t see the need to go after another DB.
But then, Flowers’ reclassification changed everything.
Suddenly, FSU realized they had to make a move. They brought him in, gave him the VIP treatment, hoping to pull off a last-minute miracle.
And yet, when Flowers dropped his top six… FSU was nowhere to be found.
This wasn’t just a recruiting loss—it was a flat-out rejection.
A Bad Sign for Florida State? Norvell’s Future in Doubt
For FSU fans, this snub couldn’t come at a worse time.
The program is already facing a mountain of pressure, and Mike Norvell’s job security is hanging by a thread.
In 2024, the Seminoles had a disastrous season, and the whispers of Norvell’s potential buyout—a staggering $64 million—have only gotten louder.
On the 247Sports podcast, recruiting analyst Bud Elliott didn’t hold back:
“Yeah, you can’t follow up a 2-10 year by going like 4-8 or 5-7.”
That’s exactly the kind of nightmare scenario FSU is staring down.
And it doesn’t help that their 2025 schedule is an absolute gauntlet:
⚠️ Opening against Alabama (under Kalen DeBoer)
⚠️ Facing bitter rivals Miami, Clemson, and Florida
For a coach on the hot seat, a brutal schedule, and a shrinking recruiting reach, FSU’s future looks shakier than ever.
And if a top-tier talent like J’Vari Flowers doesn’t see them as a viable option, what does that say about the state of the program?
So… Where Is J’Vari Flowers Headed?
Now that FSU is out of the picture, the real question remains: Who’s got the inside track?
Here’s a closer look at the contenders:
Florida Gators—The Old Favorite
Flowers has been high on Florida from the start, and Billy Napier is making sure they stay in the fight. The Gators are selling him on early playing time and SEC dominance—but will it be enough?
Georgia Bulldogs—The Recruiting Juggernaut
It’s Georgia. Enough said. Kirby Smart’s machine keeps churning out NFL DBs, and if Flowers wants to join the next wave of stars, Athens might be his best bet.
Miami Hurricanes—Hometown Love
The homegrown angle is real. Playing in front of family and representing South Florida? That’s a tough pull to ignore. If Miami keeps pushing, they could steal this one late.
North Carolina—The Rising Power
Mack Brown’s squad is on the upswing, and their ability to develop DBs is catching attention. If Flowers is looking for a program on the rise, UNC makes a lot of sense.
Auburn—The SEC Wildcard
Hugh Freeze is building something at Auburn, and he’s already proven he can flip recruits late in the process. Could Auburn swoop in and shock everyone?
Syracuse—The Ultimate Dark Horse
Wait… Syracuse?
Yes, the Orange are the biggest surprise in Flowers’ top six, but don’t count them out. Sometimes, a unique pitch can seal the deal in unexpected ways.
Final Verdict—This Race Is Far From Over
J’Vari Flowers has shaken up the recruiting world, and while FSU is out, the real battle is just beginning.
Will he stay close to home and choose Miami?
Will he bet on the SEC kings at Florida or Georgia?
Or will a surprise team like UNC, Auburn, or Syracuse pull off a recruiting heist?
With official visits lined up in March, the next few weeks could be crucial in deciding his future.
One thing’s for sure—this saga is far from over. Stay tuned, because J’Vari Flowers is just getting started.
