In a surprising and somewhat unsettling move, two running backs have officially announced their departure from the Florida State Seminoles football program, citing poor performance and a lack of development as the primary reasons for their decision. The news, which broke on March 21, 2025, has left fans and analysts of the Seminoles questioning the future of the team’s backfield and the overall direction of the offense under head coach Mike Norvell.
The two players, who had been part of Florida State’s backfield rotation over the past couple of seasons, each made their departures known through separate social media posts. The first running back, a highly touted recruit who had come to Florida State with high expectations, wrote a heartfelt message expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Seminoles. However, he also mentioned that despite his best efforts, he struggled to meet the performance standards required to secure a starting role.
“Thank you all for everything, but it’s time to move on,” the running back wrote. “I’ve worked hard and given it my all, but after much reflection, I feel it’s time for me to explore new opportunities. I need a fresh start to get back to the player I know I can be. I’m forever grateful to my teammates, coaches, and the Florida State family for everything.”
The second running back, who had also seen time in Florida State’s backfield, expressed similar sentiments. While he acknowledged the support and camaraderie he had experienced during his time with the team, he admitted that his struggles to gain consistent playing time and produce at a high level had led to his decision to leave. He also cited the lack of clarity regarding his role within the offense as a key factor in his decision to move on.
“It’s been an honor to play for such a prestigious program, but it’s clear that I need to take my career in a different direction,” he stated in his post. “I’ve always believed in my ability, but after seeing how things have unfolded, I know that a change is necessary. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
For Florida State, the departure of these two running backs marks a significant shift in their offensive plans. The Seminoles have struggled to find consistency in their ground game in recent seasons, and the loss of two key contributors leaves them with a notable gap in the backfield. Both running backs had been part of a rotation in 2024 but failed to establish themselves as dominant forces on the field, with neither player averaging more than 4 yards per carry. As a result, Florida State’s rushing attack remained one of the most inconsistent aspects of their offense, despite strong performances from quarterback Jordan Travis and the wide receivers.
With these two players leaving, the Seminoles now face the challenge of finding replacements who can provide a spark in the running game. The 2025 recruiting class is loaded with talented running backs, and it’s expected that Florida State will look to add a dynamic playmaker to complement their potent passing attack. The coaching staff will also need to evaluate the development of their remaining running backs and find ways to maximize their potential moving forward.
As Florida State looks to regroup and retool their backfield, the departures serve as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of college football. What remains clear is that the Seminoles will need to adjust quickly to remain competitive in the highly competitive ACC. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team navigates this latest chapter and what moves they make to bolster their running game for the 2025 season.
