Former FSU Football QB commitment trims recruitment down to four schools

The blue-chip prospect parted ways with the Seminoles in late January.

Brady Smigiel/Twitter

Florida State's 2026 recruiting class took a big hit a few months ago when top quarterback and four-star prospect, Brady Smigiel, announced he was decommitting from the Seminoles in late January. The move came in the aftermath of FSU hiring offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to take over the play-calling duties along with Smigiel picking up interest from a few renowned P4 programs.

The Seminoles and Smigiel have since moved on with Florida State even offering a trio of quarterbacks - five-star Keisean Henderson, four-star Landon Duckworth, and four-star Bowe Bentley - shortly after parting ways.

READ MORE: Florida Gators standout unapologetic about controversial flag plant against FSU Football

Smigiel, in his own right, is moving forward. He announced his top four schools on Friday as the talented signal-caller will narrow his focus on Washington, UCLA, South Carolina, and Michigan moving forward. The Huskies appear to be the public favorite at this stage of his recruitment.

NEWS: Elite 2026 QB Brady Smigiel is down to 4️⃣ Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’4 210 QB from Newbury Park, CA is ranked as a Top 8 QB in the ‘26 Class (per On3 Industry)

Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/mwF0PRb8S2 pic.twitter.com/dHAGzINAIL

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 14, 2025

Smigiel was named high school football player of the year by the Los Angeles Times after a junior season where he guided Newbury Park High School to a 14-1 record and a D2 CIFSS Championship. He completed 219/336 passes (65.2%) for 3,521 yards with 49 touchdowns to three interceptions while adding 435 yards and 11 more scores on the ground.

During his prolific career at Newbury Park, Smigiel has completed 729/1,161 passes for 11,222 yards with 147 touchdowns to 28 interceptions. He's 33-8 as a starter and has won at least one playoff game in all three years at the prep level.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound quarterback is regarded as the No. 126 overall prospect, the No. 8 QB, and the No. 21 recruit in California in the 2026 class according to 247Sports.

Florida State holds seven verbal commitments in its 2026 class which ranks No. 14 in the country.

Who Is Committed To FSU In The 2026 Class?

Four-Star WR Efrem White

Four-Star WR Darryon Williams

Four-Star DB Darryl Bell III

Four-Star RB Amari Thomas

Four-Star DB Tedarius Hughes

Three-Star LB Karon Maycock

Three-Star OL Xavier Payne

Who Does Florida State Have At Quarterback For The 2025 Season?

Senior Thomas Castellanos

Redshirt Sophomore Brock Glenn

Redshirt Sophomore Michael Grant

Redshirt Freshman Trever Jackson

True Freshman Kevin Sperry

True Freshman Gavin Markey

---

READ MORE: Florida Gators QB takes shot at FSU Football’s stadium atmosphere

Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the offseason

Follow NoleGameday on and Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

More Florida State News

•  FSU Football spring tight end preview: rebuilt room isn't lacking in talent

• ESPN’s Paul Finebaum bashes FSU, Clemson in conference realignment debate

• Salary terms, contract details revealed for new FSU Basketball head coach Luke Loucks

• Transfer defensive lineman hints at injury ahead of FSU Football’s spring camp