Florida State Football

Florida State star quarterback Jordan Travis was carted off the field after suffering a serious leg injury during the first half of the Seminoles' matchup with North Alabama on Saturday. He left the stadium in an ambulance, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Travis completed two of four passes for 21 yards before sustaining the injury on a 16-yard run.

The 23-year-old had put together one of the best seasons in college football entering the game, with many viewing him as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

In 10 starts during the 2023 season, Travis completed just over 64 percent of his passes for 2,735 yards while throwing 20 touchdowns compared to only two interceptions. He added another seven scores on the ground.

He's the only ACC player to record at least 20 passing touchdowns while throwing no more than two interceptions.

The Seminoles' entered the game ranked as the No. 4 program in the country with a clear path toward College Football Playoff contention. However, the team's hopes of a national championship appear slim without their exceptional signal-caller under center.

Florida State has not yet released an official statement regarding Travis' injury.

Travis was replaced by backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker after he left the game. Rodemaker had thrown for 159 yards and three touchdowns to go along with zero interceptions in 2023, although most of his time on the field occurred during the end of blowout victories.

Florida State trailed 13-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Seminoles will close out their regular season against Florida in Week 13 with Travis' status in doubt.

The ACC championship game is officially set.

Following the Louisville Cardinals' 38-31 win over the University of Miami, coach Jeff Brohm's No. 10-ranked squad punched its ticket to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte to take on the No. 4 Florida State Seminoles.

It'll be the first matchup between the Seminoles (10-0, 8-0 ACC) and Cardinals (10-1, 7-1) this season. The two squads have been the best in the conference by far as no other team has won more than four games in ACC play.

This is the most buzz surrounding both programs in some time, dating back to the 2016 season when Florida State played eventual Heisman winner Lamar Jackson and got walloped 63-20—dashing any national title aspirations.

The Seminoles will be hoping history doesn't repeat itself as they are now on the precipice of the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2015. However, star quarterback Jordan Travis suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury against North Alabama, placing his status in doubt for the game.

If Florida State manages to remain undefeated and win the ACC championship it'll essentially be a lock to participate in the playoff and get a shot at the national title.

As for Louisville, while it may not be in the center of the championship picture, a win over Florida State in Charlotte would boost their chances and at least nab them a spot in a NY6 bowl.

It's a great turnaround for Brohm who transformed the Cardinals into one of the ACC's elite in his first season at the helm.

The ACC championship game is set for Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Florida State announced that it will be retiring ex-Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston's No. 5 jersey.

The ceremony will take place following the first quarter of FSU's home game against North Alabama on Saturday.

"The retirement of Jameis' jersey will certainly be a great event on our campus," FSU athletic director Michael Alford stated.

"He had a huge impact on Florida State football, and his place as one of our all-time greats is unquestioned. I know we all look forward to seeing his No. 5 becoming a permanent part of Doak Campbell Stadium."

As a redshirt freshman, Winston led the Seminoles to a 2013 national championship title over Auburn. He also won the Heisman Trophy that season after throwing for 40 touchdowns and 4,057 yards.

FSU went to the first-ever College Football Playoff the following year with Winston leading the way. Winston then left for the NFL, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

Winston has since enjoyed a nine-year NFL career with the Bucs and New Orleans Saints, where he currently serves as a backup to Derek Carr.

Winston has had an up-and-down NFL run with some great highs (Pro Bowl during his rookie season, NFL-high 5,109 passing yards in 2019) and notable lows (multiple benchings in Tampa, 30 interceptions in 2019).

Still, it's not easy for anyone to carve out a decade in the league, and Winston will have accomplished that mark by next year.

Right now, though, FSU has a chance to match what Winston and the Seminoles did 10 years ago. Led by Heisman candidate and quarterback Jordan Travis, the undefeated FSU squad is on pace for a College Football Playoff spot if it wins out. Regular-season games against North Alabama and Florida stand in the way before an ACC title matchup.

We'll soon find out if the 2023 Seminoles can match the efforts of their predecessors 10 years ago. Up first is the North Alabama game featuring Winston's jersey retirement ceremony. Kickoff in Tallahassee will be Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

5-star defensive lineman Armando Blount officially flipped his commitment from Miami to Florida State University, he announced on X (formerly known as Twitter).

This is HOME!!!! I have been discussing with family and I have decided that Florida State is where I am meant to be! I want to thank everyone who have been a part of my recruitment process. I am locked in with my decision 🙏🏾God bless. 🍢🍢 @Valentiauntrell pic.twitter.com/yGgJ9dTB4X

— Armondo Blount (@ArmondoBlount) October 22, 2023

Blount is ranked as the sixth-best player and second-best defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting class, according to 247sports.

"I feel like Florida State can develop me better as an athlete and as a person," he said, according to Blake Baumgartner of ESPN.

The 6'4", 250-pound interior defender is a pass-rushing specialist, able to beat offensive linemen with a unique blend of power and finesse. Despite his previous commitment to Miami, Blount reportedly visited Florida State and watched the team's 38-20 victory over Duke on Saturday.

He also announced that he's intending to reclassify into the 2024 class, according to Baumgartner.

When asked about his reasoning for making the switch between schools, Blount referenced the Seminoles' coaching staff.

"The coaches, they told me they were ready to break me [down] to get me better, so I'm looking forward to it," he said (per Baumgartner). "Coach Odell [Haggins] has developed a lot of D-linemen, brought them in to see [what they're made of] and built them up. So [it'll be good to be] in that situation."

Florida State has produced multiple NFL-caliber pass-rushers in recent years, with Carolina Panthers edge Brian Burns and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat both earning Pro Bowl nods after leaving the program.

The Seminoles already have the sixth-best 2024 recruiting class, and that's without Blount's reclassification factored in.

Florida State is currently sitting atop the ACC standings with a 7-0 record. The program is undoubtedly in a great position in the present, and the future appears bright as well.

Jordan Travis and No. 4 Florida State survived a tough first half to defeat No. 16 Duke by the final score of 34-20 on Saturday night.

The Blue Devils led 20-17 at halftime, while Travis had completed 17 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception that was returned for a score.

The Seminoles offense struggled to sustain drives against a Duke defense that was allowing just 9.83 points per game heading into the contest, the fourth-best mark in the country.

DUKE PICKS OFF JORDAN TRAVIS AND TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE‼️ pic.twitter.com/MV79EQaPKZ

— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2023

Travis had also rushed three times in the first two quarters, losing six yards in the process. Fans were perplexed by the Heisman Candidate's ineffectiveness on the ground, given his speed.

https://twitter.com/RenegadeReport1/status/1715909075609829684

Somebody tell Jordan Travis it’s ok to run the ball. He did all that work to get outside and forced a throw. Had plenty grass #FloridaState #Duke #CFB

— Coach Mann (@4TheFamily3) October 22, 2023

Does Jordan Travis think it's against the rules for him to run with his own legs

— Don DiMello (@csmdc87) October 22, 2023

However, the Seminoles' offense woke up after halftime. Travis found open receivers in the middle of the field and began picking up yardage with his legs as well. In fact, he finished the game with a season-high 62 yards on the ground.

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1715919656219807856

Look what happens when Jordan Travis runs the ball.

It makes the Seminoles almost unguardable on offense. #Noles

— Dustin Lewis (@DustinLewisNG) October 22, 2023

#FSU offense looks completely different when Jordan Travis runs the ball.

— Jason Staples (@DocStaples) October 22, 2023

Jordan Travis using the legs on that drive including at the goalline for the TD! FSU goes 96 yards to take their first lead of the ballgame with 13:03 left in the 4Q

— Tomahawk Nation (@TomahawkNation) October 22, 2023

JORDAN TRAVIS THANK YOU. THAT IS ALL WE WERE ASKING FOR.

— Bri 🤎🦒 (@bubblybrielle) October 22, 2023

JORDAN TRAVIS taking over the 4th quarter for the NOLES

— CHIEF RUNNING BEAR🥋 (@William28796229) October 22, 2023

Big time drive from Jordan Travis...he was sensational on that drive.

— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) October 22, 2023

Just a simple Heisman Trophy drive by Jordan Travis. #Noles

— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) October 22, 2023

Standout wide receiver Keon Coleman finished the night with just two catches, but gained 54 yards. This included a crucial third-down grab with just over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, helping sustain a Seminoles drive that ended in a touchdown.

Keon Coleman is unreal

— Barstool FSU (@FSU_Barstool) October 22, 2023

Keon Coleman hauls in a ball over two defenders, while being pass interfered. Man is ridiculous.

24-yard gain to the Duke 45

— Ehsan Kassim (@Ehsan_Kassim) October 22, 2023

Keon Coleman did it again...WOW #Noles

— Dustin Lewis (@DustinLewisNG) October 22, 2023

IDK how Keon Coleman caught that.

— Brendan Sonnone (@BSonnone) October 22, 2023

Florida State also increased their lead in the ACC after No. 10 North Carolina was upset by Virginia on Saturday. Head coach Mike Norvell's team will look to remain unbeaten next week in a matchup with Wake Forest.

Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman is God's gift to football, according to Syracuse head coach Dino Babers.

Following the Seminoles' 41-3 victory over the Orange on Saturday, Babers was quick to praise Coleman, telling reporters: "God was showing off when he made him."

Coleman was arguably the best player on the field in Saturday's matchup, catching nine passes for 140 yards and one touchdown. His athleticism was on full display as he also had what could be the catch of the year.

During the first quarter, Coleman made an impressive one-handed grab, climbing the ladder on a Syracuse defender to give Florida State the first down deep in Syracuse territory.

Welcome to Keon County.

What a catch by @keoncoleman6 on the opening drive. #NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/HdhgKB1kPl

— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) October 14, 2023

Coleman is in the midst of a great junior season with the Seminoles—his first year with the program. Through six games, he has caught 29 passes for 418 yards and seven touchdowns.

Coleman began his college career at Michigan State before transferring to Florida State. During the 2022 season, he caught 58 passes for 798 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games with the Spartans.

Thanks in part to Coleman's performance this year, the Seminoles are 6-0 and appear primed to lock up a spot in the College Football Playoff. Even if they don't, Coleman is certainly doing more than enough to display his talents for NFL scouts.

Coleman was ranked No. 13 on ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s 2024 NFL draft big board. Kiper believes he's firmly in the race to be the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2024 class behind Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr.

Kiper wrote of Coleman:

Coleman caught three touchdown passes in the Seminoles' season-opening win over LSU. He was dominant. Last season, he had 58 catches for 798 yards and seven touchdowns at Michigan State. He left for Florida State in the spring. Coleman's body control impressed me when I went back this summer to watch his 2022 tape. He excels in contested-catch situations.

With a big frame, he can bully smaller defenders. He didn't play much out of the slot last season, but he has caught three scores out of that alignment this season. His production has been up and down so far this season, but if we're projecting him forward, he's absolutely in the race to be this class' No. 2 wideout.

Florida State will be back in action next weekend against Duke, and Coleman figures to continue having a major impact in the team's offense moving forward.

As No. 4 Florida State tries to improve to 6-0 this season on Saturday against Syracuse, it will be without one of its top offensive players.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Seminoles star receiver Johnny Wilson will be forced to miss the game due to a lower-body injury.

Entering Saturday's matchup, Wilson leads Flordia State with 357 receiving yards while also tying Keon Coleman for the team lead with 20 receptions. He's scored two touchdowns this season, both coming in last week's victory over Virginia Tech before he exited that game in the third quarter with the injury.

Thamel noted that Florida State head coach Mike Norvell indicated earlier this week that Wilson's injury won't have any long-term implications. He said the team was taking it "day by day" and was optimistic about his potential return.

While the loss of Wilson is a major blow to the Seminoles, they did receive some positive news. Per Thamel, tight end Jaheim Bell and linebacker Tatum Bethune will play against the Orange after being limited in last week's game against the Hokies.

Florida State is hoping to avoid another mid-season setback after its missteps during the 2022 campaign. The Seminoles started out 4-0 before suffering three straight losses against ranked opponents. They bounced back to win their last five regular-season games, but it wasn't enough to earn a spot in a major bowl game. Instead, Florida State settled for the Cheez-It Bowl, where it defeated Oklahoma 35-32.

This time around, the Seminoles look motivated to crack the College Football Playoff. They have a strong chance at remaining undefeated on Saturday, as they will be facing a Syracuse team that has been outscored 71-21 in the last two weeks.

The No. 5 Florida State Seminoles remained undefeated after taking down Virginia Tech 39-17 on Saturday, with starting quarterback Jordan Travis turning in another solid performance.

Travis finished with 170 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing 18 of his 24 pass attempts. This was the 23-year-old's fourth straight game with multiple touchdown passes without throwing an interception.

Starting running back Trey Benson racked up 200 yards on just 11 carries, while top wideout Johnny Wilson caught four passes for 54 yards and two scores before he left the game due to a leg injury sustained on the first drive of the second half.

Despite the mid-game absence of the ACC's ninth-leading receiver, Travis continued to remain calm and slowly picked apart a Virginia Tech defense that allowed 348.8 yards per game prior to Sunday's contest. Fans took notice:

With his second TD pass of the day, @jordantrav13 is now tied for 4⃣th with @dannykanell with 57 career touchdown passes in school history. #NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/E69VD6d0f2

— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) October 7, 2023

Jordan Travis handles pressure, anticipates Johnny Wilson cut before he actually cuts, and gets ball to the big WR on corner for an 18-yard TD.

Beautifully done.

— Brendan Sonnone (@BSonnone) October 7, 2023

Beautiful TD pass from Jordan Travis to Johnny Wilson.

— Randy Ragsdale (@SashaMania36) October 7, 2023

A healthy Jordan Travis is nice to see. Keep foot on their throat

— Eddie (@Eddie_chief89) October 7, 2023

BAD NEWS FOR VIRGINIA TECH. JORDAN TRAVIS WOKE UP TODAY

— M3 Metcalf (@PrimeTimeDK) October 7, 2023

https://twitter.com/BullFan07/status/1710774433261002978

I ain’t gon lie , Jordan Travis is THAT GUY !!! Florida State is surfing rn ! #fsu #NoleFamily

— Delasi🎖 (@JayDelasi) October 7, 2023

While Travis is starting to lag behind USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Washington signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. in the Heisman Trophy race, he's remained efficient as a passer while averaging 4.1 yards per carry on the ground.

He's one of two ACC quarterbacks with at least 10 touchdown passes and one or fewer interceptions this season, the other being Miami's Tyler Van Dyke.

Florida State's 22-point margin of victory should help them remain in the College Football Playoff conversation. The Seminoles will look to stay undefeated when they host Syracuse on Oct. 14.

There's only one true "Tiger King" in the view of the man himself.

Joe Exotic, who rose to fame thanks to a popular Netflix documentary, called out Florida State star Jordan Travis for selling apparel that uses Tiger King-related imagery. He claimed Travis is infringing upon his intellectual property and violating his trademark rights:

Jordan Travis was 6 years old when I became The Tiger King, it is my trademark, my intellectual property and I'm sick of others cashing in on my Trademark just because President Biden cares nothing about me being wrongfully in prison in America. I will give ANY ATTORNEY 80% of a… pic.twitter.com/vytbLhvn6W

— Joe Exotic (@joe_exotic) September 24, 2023

The Palm Beach Post's Emilee Smarr noted Travis first started selling merchandise to capitalize on Florida State's season-opening win over then-No. 5 LSU. While those shirts are no longer available through his site, he has a new shirt available on the heels of the Noles' 31-24 overtime victory over Clemson.

Smarr noted it's unclear whether Travis has offered any response to Joe Exotic or plans to.

The 60-year-old, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, is serving the 21-year federal prison sentence he received in 2022 after being convicted in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Carole Baskin.

FSU quarterback Jordan Travis knows that he has arguably the best receiving corps in the country on his side.

So, when he saw the Clemson Tigers opted to single-cover some of his best targets in Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman, the Second-Team All-ACC selection took it personally as the No. 4 Seminoles came away with a 31-24 overtime win.

"I feel like we were disrespected all day," Travis said postgame. "I mean, you put one-on-one against Johnny Wilson, and Keon Coleman, I feel like you have no respect for either the receivers or the quarterback. I missed a lot of throws early on against one one-on-ones. I wish I could go back and complete them. But man, we stepped up when we needed to. Keon made a big-time play, the offensive line gave me time, and that's just a fade one-on-one. I like my guy every single time."

Even while dealing with a shoulder injury prior to and during the game, Travis made the Tigers pay for that mistake all afternoon, completing 21 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney assured everyone that no disrespect was meant by the team's defensive coverage.

"He can really run, and we thought this gave us the best chance to put pressure on him and not have him sit there and pick us apart," Swinney said. "I think he's an amazing player with a ton of heart. ...He's as good as there is in the country."

Wilson led all receivers with with five catches for 94 yards while Coleman trailed closely behind him with five for 86 and two touchdowns, including the 24-yard touchdown reception in overtime that ultimately won the game for the Seminoles.

"They were trying to get it to me at the end of regulation, but we didn't get the flag we should have got," Coleman said of his second touchdown. "They said we're coming back to you, and they let me do what I do best. J-Trav threw it to me, and that's the game."

Coleman ranks sixth in all of D-1 with four touchdowns this season after transferring from Michigan State.