Talented running back includes FSU Football among top schools

Florida State is a contender for one of the top running backs in Alabama in the 2026 class.

Over the weekend, three-star running back Ja'Michael Jones announced he was trimming his recruitment down to eight schools. The Seminoles made the cut alongside Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio State.

Jones has held an offer from Florida State since January of 2023 but he hasn't been on campus since March of that year. The coaching staff will need to get him back to Tallahassee in the near future to remain a legitimate contender for his services.

Where is home???🏠 @GrangerShook @ChadSimmons_ @Madhousefit @adamgorney @cpetagna247 @SWiltfong247 @ALLGASTRNG pic.twitter.com/UtHNvjW8GD
— Ja’Michael Jones C/O 26 (@MikeJones__21) March 16, 2025

The Alabama native is coming off a prolific junior season where he rushed 260 times for 1,443 yards and 17 touchdowns while catching nine passes for 50 yards. He rushed for 100+ yards in seven games, including a season-high 24 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown in a 41-37 loss to Prattville High School on August 22.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound running back is regarded as the No. 491 overall prospect, the No. 35 RB, and the No. 21 recruit in Texa in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.

Florida State holds seven verbal commitments in its 2026 class which ranks No. 14 in the country. The Seminoles previously landed four-star running back Amari Thomas.