Florida State Football Eyes Top 100 Prospect Amid Recruiting Surge

Windermere, Florida, USA - As of June 16, 2025, Florida State University football is starting to carve a place for itself in the competitive recruitment landscape, especially as it targets cornerback prospect CJ Bronaugh. This player, who currently has a commitment to the University of Nebraska, has piqued the interest of several top schools—including Florida State. According to Chop Chat, Bronaugh is ranked as a top-100 prospect for the 2026 recruiting cycle, having made an impressive mark during his junior season with six interceptions, three of which he took back for touchdowns.

Florida State’s coaching staff, particularly defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., has been actively courting Bronaugh, having hosted him for an official visit over the weekend. This visit followed his tour of Nebraska, further highlighting the recruitment tug-of-war for the standout cornerback. During his time in Florida, Bronaugh found the experience enlightening, pointing out that the atmosphere and developmental opportunities at FSU have elevated the school to the top of his list of options, as mentioned by FSU Wire.

Strong Recruitment Efforts

Florida State is pulling out all the stops to strengthen its defensive back position. With current commitments from several four-star recruits like Darryl „Tre“ Bell III and Tedarius Hughes, the Seminoles are keen to add Bronaugh to this promising mix. FSU’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, and Bronaugh’s recent time spent with head coach Mike Norvell emphasized the importance of personal development alongside football, which seems to resonate well with the young player.

Notably, Bronaugh’s recruiting stock is rising, and with his stats reflecting 30 solo tackles, 6 interceptions, and other impressive defensive plays, it’s clear why schools are eager to secure his commitment. According to FSU Wire, he stands as the No. 99 overall recruit in the nation and the No. 12 cornerback in the country, reflecting a significant opportunity for Florida State as it builds out its 2026 recruiting class.

FSU’s Recruitment Rankings

Florida State currently ranks outside the top 30 in the 2026 recruiting class by the 247Sports Composite, a fact that underscores the urgency to attract top-tier talent like Bronaugh. The Seminoles have eleven commitments for the Class of 2026, with most recruits hailing from Florida. Six of these players are considered blue-chip recruits, showcasing the program’s ongoing commitment to fortifying its roster, as detailed by Tomahawk Nation.

As FSU continues its pursuit of Bronaugh and other key players, they aim to bolster not only their immediate roster but the long-term future of the program. The excitement surrounding FSU football is palpable, and with several avenues for interaction and updates through podcasts and comment sections, fans and recruits alike can stay engaged and informed in this thrilling recruiting journey.