What's at stake for Florida State during 2023 season

Much is expected of Florida State once they take the field this fall. However, to On3’s JD PicKell, more than a return to the national conversation is up for grabs for the Seminoles.

PicKell explained why this is such a big season for FSU during a recent episode of ‘The Hard Count’. Considering the state of the other programs in Florida, he believes another successful year could launch Florida State when it comes to their efforts on the recruiting trail

“I know this is going to be a big year at Florida State. But I think the importance of this year, the impact of this year cannot be overstated for a couple of reasons,” PicKell said. “Think about where Florida State is. It’s in the state of Florida. What’s in the state of Florida? A lot of the top talent in the country. Some of the best prospects at the high school level reside in The Sunshine State. You’ve got some of the top talent in your backyard and those kids likely are going to go to whoever is rolling.”

“The thing that’s at stake, for me, is the chance to establish that you’re the big bro in the state. It’s no secret. Florida? They’re down right now. Miami? They’re down right now. But they both have first year head coaches,” continued PicKell. “You have everything at your disposal to establish that. You have one year last year where you flexed up a little bit and showed who you are. If you do it for a second year in a row? You go and talk to a lot of kids in-state and say, ‘Just understand we run this state’. That’s what you can pitch if you’re Florida State and you have the kind of year you expect to have.”

To make his point, PicKell reinforced where the Florida State has finished in On3’s Industry Rankings in comparison to the work they’ve been doing in the transfer portal.

“For Mike Norvell and company? We’ve seen them be really, really good through the portal. We haven’t seen the recruiting juice translate just yet,” said PicKell. “In 2023? The No. 19 ranked class. In 2022? No. 24 ranked class. In 2021? No. 18 ranked class. That’s not bad but it’s not up to par at Florida State with the kind of talent that you have in your backyard that can make your recruiting class more highly ranked.”

Again, there’s a lot up for grabs for Florida State this upcoming season. Many expect to see them compete for the ACC and make a potential case for the College Football Playoff. Even so, PicKell believes the biggest thing that’s hanging in the balance are the recruits that could truly change the trajectory of FSU’s future.

“This is the year. This is that one year, this is that window for you now that you’ve got the roster, the culture, the head coach,” PicKell stated. “I think it’s very, very critical. There could be ripple effects on the recruiting trail for Florida State that could pay dividends for years to come.”