In a stunning move that will shake up college football recruiting, E.J. Warner, son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, has announced his commitment to Florida State University, choosing the Seminoles over a prestigious list of suitors that included the University of Georgia, the University of Texas, and Ohio State University.
Warner’s commitment is considered one of the biggest storylines in the 2025 recruiting class. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been a highly coveted prospect ever since he took over the starting quarterback position at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, a high school powerhouse in the region. Warner’s combination of arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ has drawn comparisons to his father, one of the NFL’s most celebrated quarterbacks, who led the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2000 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
For Warner, this decision is about more than just football. He’s been living in the shadow of his father’s incredible NFL career, and now, as a five-star recruit, he is carving out his own legacy. With multiple top-tier programs in hot pursuit, Warner’s eventual decision was a reflection of his desire to find a place where he felt both comfortable and challenged.
Why Florida State?
Warner’s decision to commit to Florida State, one of the top programs in the country, is a major boost for the Seminoles, who have seen a resurgence under head coach Mike Norvell. Florida State, which has seen considerable success in the ACC in recent years, has long been a recruiting powerhouse, and landing Warner solidifies their standing as a premier destination for elite quarterback talent.
Warner cited the family atmosphere at Florida State as one of the primary factors in his decision. During his official visit to Tallahassee, he was able to connect with Norvell and the coaching staff on a personal level, something that made a major impact on him. “The connection with Coach Norvell and the staff was something special,” Warner said in his announcement. “They made me feel like a priority and a part of their vision for the future of the program. It’s a place where I can grow both as a player and as a person.”
Additionally, Florida State’s offensive system was a perfect fit for Warner’s style of play. Known for a high-powered offense that gives quarterbacks freedom to make plays both in and out of the pocket, Warner’s skillset aligns seamlessly with what Norvell runs. With an electric supporting cast that includes standout playmakers at the skill positions, Warner is poised to make an immediate impact at Florida State.
The Seminoles’ rising momentum, including their appearance in the College Football Playoff in recent seasons, certainly made them a strong contender for Warner. As a program, Florida State has been showing signs of a return to prominence in the college football landscape, and landing Warner gives the Seminoles a potential franchise quarterback who could lead them for the next several years.
The Competition: Georgia, Texas, and Ohio State
While Florida State ultimately emerged victorious in the recruitment battle for Warner’s services, the competition was fierce, with three other elite programs putting up strong pitches.
The University of Georgia, which has established itself as the premier program in the SEC, came into the recruiting battle with significant momentum. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Kirby Smart, have dominated the college football scene in recent years, winning back-to-back national championships and boasting one of the most formidable defenses in the country. Georgia had the allure of playing in the toughest conference in the country, and their offensive system under offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has made strides in recent seasons, making them a strong contender for Warner.
Texas, under the leadership of Steve Sarkisian, has also been making significant strides as a program, and the Longhorns have been highly successful in recruiting top talent. The chance to play in the Big 12 (soon to be the SEC) and be the face of a rejuvenated Texas program was a tempting proposition for Warner. Texas has been consistently in the hunt for top-tier quarterback talent, and many believed that the Longhorns would be able to offer Warner the platform he needed to shine.
Meanwhile, Ohio State, with its storied football history and renowned quarterback development program, was always going to be a threat in the recruitment battle. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have turned out some of the best quarterbacks in college football, and their consistent success in the Big Ten made them a natural contender for Warner’s commitment. The opportunity to follow in the footsteps of past Ohio State quarterbacks such as Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud was undoubtedly a compelling factor.
The Warner Legacy
E.J. Warner’s commitment to Florida State is a momentous occasion not just for the Seminoles but also for the entire college football landscape. Warner has the potential to live up to the hype that surrounds him and surpass even his father’s monumental legacy. Kurt Warner’s rise from Arena Football League standout to NFL Hall of Famer is an inspiring tale, and E.J. is now poised to write his own story.
E.J.’s high school career has been filled with accolades, including numerous awards and honors. His ability to read defenses, deliver pinpoint throws, and perform under pressure has impressed scouts and coaches alike. With a solid foundation of football knowledge passed down from his father, Warner’s commitment to Florida State signals the beginning of a new chapter in the family’s football saga.
What’s Next?
With the decision now made, all eyes will turn to Warner’s collegiate career. As he prepares for his senior year at St. Joseph’s Prep, the next steps in his development will be crucial. A successful tenure at Florida State could cement his status as one of the top quarterbacks in college football, with eyes already on the NFL after his college career concludes.
For now, Florida State fans can rejoice in landing one of the most coveted quarterbacks of the 2025 class, while the rest of college football will surely be watching closely as Warner prepares for the next step in his football journey. The future of the Seminoles looks brighter than ever with E.J. Warner leading the charge.
