Florida State and Mike Norvell’s offense failed miserably in the 2024 season. Some blamed it on the appalling QB play from DJ Uiagalelei. While others put it on an ineffective and near-terrible rushing offense. However, there were more reasons. The receivers dropped more than 25 passes. To be honest, a whole book can be written on what went wrong with Florida State in 2024, but even then, the major and most ignored problem was its offensive line.

The injury to tackle Darius Washington Jr. created significant challenges for the program, as the offensive line struggled to protect their quarterback, allowing the most sacks in the country (48). The rushing game also suffered due to the porous offensive line, which failed to create running lanes for the players. In fact, DJ Uiagalelei could have performed even better if he had received adequate protection. We also saw Luke Kromenhoek and Brock Glenn take snaps behind center, but their performance did not improve the situation. The verdict is clear: the offensive line needs major changes.

Mike Norvell, to improve his fortunes in the 2025 season, started doing extensive recruiting as he roped in some of the best O-line prospects in the country. In came Luke Petibon from Wake Forest, Jaelyne Matthews from Rutgers, Micah Pettus from Ole Miss, and finally Gunnar Hansen from Vanderbilt. The O-line problem now seems to have taken a U-turn with the signings of some of the most intriguing prospects. Moreover, now Mike Norvell has roped in another prospect and teammate of Gunnar Hansen from Vanderbilt.

The red-shirt freshman offensive tackle for Vanderbilt, who entered the transfer portal, has finally committed to FSU. Hayes Fawcett, the ON3 national reporter, wrote on his Instagram account, “Vanderbilt transfer OL Joshua Raymond has committed to Florida State, he tells @on3. The 6’4 300 OL will have 4 years of eligibility remaining…Was an Under Armour All-American coming out of HS.”

Raymond, a three-star prospect of the 2024 class, was ranked 144th in his position nationally and didn’t feature for Vanderbilt in the 2024 season. A native of Lake Mary, Florida, the player’s decision to transfer to Florida State may have been inspired by proximity to his home. Whatever may be the case, Raymond, standing at 6’4″ and 300 lbs, will be an untested prospect in college, but was still an Under Armor All-American in high school. Moreover, his SEC experience with Vanderbilt, which had a great season last year, will also come in handy.

Thomas Castellanos’s QB position in jeopardy?

The rebuild for FSU is going on with all vigor, with Mike Norvell, and is ranked 2nd in the ACC. The head coach brought in Thomas Castellanos from Boston College as his QB1 and roped in some other wide receiver prospects to back the QB up. In came Duce Robinson from the USC Trojans, Squirrel White from Tennessee, and the true freshman prospect Jayvan Boggs. But now Norvell has seized another QB to give him depth in the room.

Mike Norvell has roped in Jaylen King from ETSU, and the head coach seems excited about the QB. “He has great size, ability, and potential that we look forward to seeing develop in the years ahead. Having played his first two years in college, he has the opportunity to compete and grow in a talented room with the possibility to red-shirt as he continues to develop.”

King had a great season in 2024 and produced 1,536 yards for 9 TDs with an efficiency of 52.5%. Being a starting QB for ETSU, the player comes with vast experience and a dual-threat ability, too. Just last year, the QB scored 5 rushing touchdowns, which alone ranked third highest in a single season in the program’s history. So, all in all, the QB looks to be a great addition behind Thomas Castellanos and will alleviate any uncertainties in case of any unforeseen injury.