4-star IOL Peyton Joseph commits to Florida State: ‘They have a phenomenal fanbase and phenomenal coaches’

Fort Valley (Ga.) Houston County four-star interior offensive lineman Peyton Joseph first visited Florida State in eighth grade. Despite committing to Florida on Feb. 18, the 6-foot-3, 280-pound recruit kept thinking about the Seminoles. 

Joseph returned to Tallahassee in the spring and had such a good trip to Florida State that it led him to back off his pledge to the Gators after two months. He continued to feel good about the ACC program, which led him to announce his commitment to the Seminoles on Thursday. 

“There is a phenomenal atmosphere at Florida State,” Joseph told On3. “They have a phenomenal fanbase and phenomenal coaches.”

Playing for Florida State will reunite Joseph with his cousin – interior offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson – who he spent time with on his spring visit. Joseph returned to Florida State’s campus for his official visit from June 21-23. 

Head coach Mike Norvell and offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins played an important role in Joseph’s decision to choose Florida State. The No. 24 player in Georgia believes the Seminoles’ staff can lead Florida State to a national championship. 

“They have been real with me ever since my recruitment started,” said Joseph, the No. 183 overall prospect and No. 12 interior offensive lineman in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. 

Atkins and Norvell were key reasons why Joseph chose Florida State

Joseph, who has visited the Seminoles more than any other program, built a solid connection with Atkins throughout his recruitment. His bond with the Florida State assistant is so strong that he finds him similar to his father. 

“What makes coach Atkins different from every other coach… is that he is not only about recruiting you,” Joseph said. “He’s about telling you the truth, telling you how you can be developed and telling you how this team can be developed as one.” 

Norvell has also made a big impression on Joseph. The four-star praised Norvell’s honesty about what it will take to be successful at Florida State. 

Joseph already believes that he can speak with the Seminoles’ head man about anything. He is looking forward to playing for Norvell when he gets to Tallahassee, in part because of his high energy. 

“He’s nonstop,” Joseph said. “I recently spent an entire week there, from Sunday to Sunday. He was nonstop with energy. It was 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. in the morning and he had energy. He brings energy to the team and that’s something you need from a head coach.”