Jordan Travis downplays pressures of 2023 season

Jordan Travis downplayed the big expectations for Florida State football this season. Whether he likes it or not, they’re there.

But the quarterback and Heisman-caliber talent played it cool during the first day of fall camp. After all, the Florida State quarterback wouldn’t want to give other teams, especially in the ACC, any bulletin board material.

While Travis downplayed the expectations, that’s exactly why he came to play for the Seminoles and head coach Mike Norvell.

“Coach Norvell says that you come to Florida State for the expectations,” Travis said. “We’re expected to be a good football team, a really good football team. So I mean, there’s no added pressure, just have to go out every single day and just do what we do.

“Work hard. It’s the first day of camp, so we have a long way to go. A lot more practices to go. We got to stay focused and keep the main thing the main thing.”

Last season, Travis had the best season of his college career when he threw for 3,214 yards, 24 touchdowns, five interceptions, a 64% completion percentage, 417 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

It’s fair to see why there are expectations for an even better season for Florida State in 2023.

As a member of the Class of 2018, Travis was a three-star recruit out of North Palm Beach (Fla.) The Benjamin School when he committed to Louisville, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 131 overall prospect in the state, the No. 61 quarterback prospect in the class and the No. 866 overall prospect in the class.

Jordan Travis can win Heisman Trophy, says Mike Norvell

A few weeks separate Jordan Travis from being able to showcase why his team wants him to win college football’s top individual prize.

Mike Norvell believes his QB1 is too talented to squander this type of opportunity — especially after last season’s breakout year.

“Don’t get me wrong, I want people to talk about Florida State, our players, each individual — I hope every player is up for a national award. It’s a celebration of how you’ve done, but ultimately, you have got to go do it and I’ll always watch it in the work,” Norvell said. 

“Jordan is one of the most humble people out there, as he has grown through this journey, seeing the outside world and being excited who I know that I get to coach — that is a good thing.”