The college football world was shaken today when five-star wide receiver Jamal “Jet” Simmons announced his decision to flip his commitment from the Alabama Crimson Tide to the Florida State Seminoles. Simmons, ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting class, made the stunning announcement during a live-streamed press conference from his high school gym in Atlanta, Georgia.
The room was packed with media, fans, and teammates as Simmons approached the podium wearing a neutral black hoodie. In front of him sat three hats: Alabama, Texas, and Florida State. The tension in the room was palpable as he began to speak.
“I want to thank God, my family, and my coaches for helping me get to this point,” Simmons said, his voice steady. “The recruiting process has been a blessing, but it’s also been one of the toughest decisions of my life.”
For weeks, Simmons had been considered a lock for Alabama, with Texas and Georgia trailing close behind. But rumors of Florida State’s late push had been swirling in recent days, fueled by Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell’s visit to Simmons’ home just a week ago.
Simmons reached for the Alabama hat, causing a collective gasp in the crowd. But just as quickly, he pulled his hand back, shook his head, and grabbed the garnet-and-gold Florida State cap instead. Cheers erupted from one corner of the room, while stunned silence fell over others.
“I’m committing to Florida State University,” Simmons declared, flashing a confident smile. “They believe in me, not just as a player, but as a person. Coach Norvell and the staff showed me a vision that goes beyond football, and I want to be a part of that.”
The decision sent shockwaves through the SEC and beyond. Simmons had been the centerpiece of Alabama’s already-stacked 2025 recruiting class and was widely regarded as a future first-round NFL draft pick. Texas, which had invested heavily in his recruitment, was equally blindsided by the flip.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban, known for rarely losing key recruits, issued a terse statement shortly after the announcement: “We wish Jamal the best in his future endeavors. Alabama football will continue to recruit and develop the best talent in the country.”
Meanwhile, Norvell and the Seminoles celebrated their massive win on social media. “Jamal Simmons is a game-changer in every sense of the word. We’re building something special in Tallahassee, and he just became a huge part of it,” Norvell tweeted.
For Simmons, the decision wasn’t just about football. “They talked about how I could make an impact off the field, too,” he said in a post-announcement interview. “Coach Norvell talked to me about building my brand, preparing for life after football, and leaving a legacy. That really hit home for me.”
As Florida State fans flooded social media with excitement, the program’s momentum on the recruiting trail seemed undeniable. With Simmons now in the fold, the Seminoles’ 2025 recruiting class vaulted into the top three nationally.
For the Crimson Tide and the Longhorns, it was a bitter pill to swallow. But for Florida State, the message was clear: the Seminoles are back in the national spotlight,
and they’re here to stay.
