Mike Norvell bolsters the 2027 class by landing the explosive Georgia defender over ACC rivals, signaling a defensive youth movement designed to restore the Seminoles’ dominant gridiron tradition.
For the second time in this recruiting cycle, the Florida State football program crossed the Florida-Georgia line to recruit a talented Georgia prospect successfully.
Three-star edge rusher Jaxson Holly, out of Roswell, Georgia, gave coach Mike Norvell his verbal commitment for the 2027 class following his official visit. Holly’s commitment coincides with the verbal pledge of another Georgia star, four-star receiver Sean Green.
Holly chose the Seminoles over offers from James Franklin and the Virginia Tech Hokies, as well as an offer from Alex Golesh and the Auburn Tigers.
At 6-4, 230 pounds, Holly is a top 100 prospect at his position nationally and in his home state. In 2025, Holly posted 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups in only five games.
In a story by Chad Simmons on rivals.com, Holly mentioned several factors that persuaded him to choose the Seminoles.
“Family, genuine people, education, the chance to get on the field early, and the culture were all big in my decision. There were a lot of reasons why I chose Florida State,” Holly said.
Holly represents the sixth recruit committed who plays on the defensive side of the ball. The class currently consists of two edge rushers, two linebackers, one defensive lineman, and a defensive back.
When you look at the defensive stats of the Seminoles from last season, you can understand the focus on defense. Florida State was a middle-of-the-pack team, both nationally and in the ACC, in sacks, tackles for loss, and rushing defense. And, despite the return of the Desir twins, Mandrell and Darryll, Holly is talented enough to see early playing time and will provide valuable depth.
Florida State has been on a roll as of late, with five of its 10 commitments coming in the last week, and its 2027 class is now ranked No. 35 nationally by rivals.com.
Despite Florida State going 7-17 overall and winning just three ACC games the last two seasons under Norvell, Holly, and his fellow recruits are seeing things differently in Tallahassee. They know the tradition of gridiron excellence that the Seminoles have displayed during the Bowden and Fisher eras, and the fact that Florida State is only three years removed from an undefeated season in 2023 is not lost on Holly and these youngsters.
It will be interesting to see how Norvell and the Seminoles navigate the 2026 season. Winning is the end-all, cure-all of all that ails a college football program.
With a talented 2026 roster and an equally talented group of recruits for the future, the buck stops with Norvell and his staff to earn their keep and develop this roster into winners in 2026. Anything short of that and Florida State will commence a new coaching search in December.
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