Florida State's Mike Norvell names starting quarterback for tonight's game

After nearly leading the Seminoles to victory against Notre Dame last week, McKenzie Milon has been named Florida State’s starting quarterback for tonight’s game against Jacksonville State, per Curt Weiler.

The announcement is another inspiring chapter in what is likely the college football comeback story of the year. After nearly losing his leg, and potentially losing his life, Milton transferred to Florida State this offseason. His doctor told him he was unlikely to walk without pain ever again. 

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell was previously cryptic about whether or not he would switch starters for this week’s game. 

Milton entered last week’s game in the fourth quarter and went 5-for-7 with 48 yards. He came in following Jordan Travis losing his helmet and immediately completed a pass for 22 yards against a gassed Irish secondary.

While the Seminoles scored a touchdown and kicked a field goal to tie the game at 38, they missed their shot at three points in overtime as kicker Ryan Fitzgerald missed a 37-yard try. Irish kicker Jonathan Doerer nailed a 41-yard score to win 41-38.

Milton’s return from injury

At UCF, Milton saw tremendous success. He threw for 8,683 yards, 72 touchdowns and 22 interceptions, adding 1,078 yards and 20 touchdowns rushing. In his two full seasons as UCF’s starter, the Knights did not lose a single game. Milton’s UCF career came to an abrupt end at the end of the 2018 season when he went down with a major leg injury.

Not only did Milton miss the remainder of the 2018 season, but he missed the entirety of the 2019 and 2020 seasons as well. As he neared his return to the football field, Milton knew that he had to do so away from UCF. Dillon Gabriel took over for Milton as UCF’s starting quarterback, and Milton thought that Gabriel deserved that job without competition.

This led to Milton’s tough decision to transfer. He ultimately ended up at Florida State, where he will continue to fight to become the Seminoles’ starting quarterback.

“I have one shot to go chase a dream,” Milton said when he announced his intention to transfer from UCF. “A lifelong dream to play in the NFL.”

On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this report.