The Seminoles are set to host a talented defender who recently reopened his recruiting process.
Florida State football is launching flip season early.
Already the Seminoles have hosted and continue to pursue names like Oregon commit Cameron Pritchett, plus Alabama edge rusher commit Jabarrius Garror.
Now the 'Noles have a former Notre Dame pledge heading to Tallahassee.
Zach Blostein of Noles247 revealed that Ellis McGaskin is taking in the FSU campus during the weekend's Junior Day festivities. Blostein points out that the Seminoles will earn the first crack at landing the talented linebacker.
"Ellis McGaskin is fresh off decommitting from Notre Dame and Florida State is set to be his first visit after opening up his recruitment," Blostein said.
Even despite being verbally committed to the Fighting Irish, Blostein adds how FSU has prioritized McGaskin for a lengthy period of time.
"He's a longtime Seminole target, making at least six previous visits to Tallahassee," Blostein said.
Now, FSU is making a run at him following a stellar 11th grade season.
"He's coming off a dominant junior season that saw him rack up 160 total tackles, 26 TFLs, four sacks and an interception," Blostein said.
He also tallied 142 tackles during the 2023 season that featured 13 stops behind the line of scrimmage.
This weekend becomes crucial for head coach Mike Norvell, defensive coordinator Tony White and newly elevated linebacker coach Ernie Sims at locking in the Williamson High star from Mobile, Ala.
"FSU has a chance to make a big first impression on McGaskin now that his recruitment is officially open for business again," Blostein said.
McGaskin ranks as a four-star per 247Sports composite rankings. He's also the state of Alabama's No. 10 overall prospect for the Class of 2027.
The 6-foot-1 LB could even become one of the first notable flips by Sims -- who got elevated to full-time LB coach earlier in January after previously serving as assistant linebackers coach. Norvell has tabbed the Seminoles legend to lead the LBs moving forward at Tallahassee.
McGaskin is one of Mobile's most highly-touted prospects for this newest recruiting cycle. He's already armed with 24 total scholarship offers including in-state opportunities from Alabama and Auburn. National Championship game runner-up Miami is another offer at the disposal of McGaskin.
Fellow College Football Playoff teams Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma and Texas A&M are among the others offers on the table for McGaskin. But he's among the notable four-star visitors heading to FSU soon.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our NOLES ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected.