In a surprising twist during the college football recruiting season, a former Florida State University (FSU) offensive coordinator played a pivotal role in five-star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas’s decision to decommit from FSU and join Louisiana State University (LSU). The move has raised eyebrows across the college football community and underscored the complexities of relationships in modern recruiting.
A Rising Star’s Commitment Wavers
Solomon Thomas, a 6’5″, 310-pound offensive lineman from Jacksonville, Florida, was one of the cornerstone pieces of FSU’s recruiting class. Widely regarded as one of the top linemen in the country, Thomas initially committed to the Seminoles in December 2023, crediting his relationship with then-offensive coordinator Alex Atkins as a significant factor in his decision.
However, FSU’s firing of Atkins in late 2024 marked a turning point. Thomas, like many recruits, placed significant trust in the coaching staff that had recruited him. Atkins’s sudden departure created uncertainty, leading Thomas to reopen his recruitment. Shortly after, he began taking official visits to other schools, including LSU.
The Role of the Former Coach
Reports suggest that Atkins, despite no longer being with FSU, had a hand in influencing Thomas’s eventual flip to LSU. Sources close to the recruitment process indicate that Atkins provided insights and endorsements that helped LSU secure Thomas’s commitment. LSU’s offensive line coach Brad Davis and head coach Brian Kelly capitalized on this connection to make a compelling pitch.
Mike Norvell, FSU’s head coach, addressed the situation during a press conference, acknowledging the difficulty of managing relationships during coaching transitions. “We understand the importance of stability and trust in recruiting,” Norvell said. “While it’s unfortunate to lose a player like Solomon, we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
A Blow to FSU’s Recruiting Momentum
Thomas’s decision to flip to LSU represents a significant setback for FSU, which had been making strides in rebuilding its roster under Norvell. Losing a five-star talent is always a challenge, but the circumstances surrounding the flip add another layer of frustration for the Seminoles.
Recruiting analysts have noted that FSU’s inability to retain key coaching staff could impact future efforts to secure top-tier talent. Relationships between recruits and their position coaches often weigh heavily in decisions, and coaching changes can lead to uncertainty.
LSU’s Gain, FSU’s Lesson
For LSU, the addition of Thomas bolsters an already strong recruiting class. Head coach Brian Kelly praised Thomas’s athleticism, versatility, and leadership potential, highlighting him as a cornerstone for the Tigers’ offensive line in the coming years.
For FSU, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of coaching stability and the delicate nature of recruiting. While the Seminoles have landed other talented recruits, the loss of Thomas underscores the need for consistent messaging and relationships throughout the recruiting process.
Looking Ahead
As FSU moves forward, Norvell and his staff will need to focus on damage control and ensure that similar situations don’t occur in the future. While the flip is a disappointment, the Seminoles still have a promising class and the opportunity to build momentum for the upcoming season.
For Thomas, the decision to join LSU offers a fresh start with a program that has shown consistent success in developing NFL-caliber talent. As the recruiting battles rage on, this story serves as a testament to the unpredictable and personal nature of college football recruiting.
