Breaking News: Four-Star Georgia Running Back Trevor Etienne Flips Commitment to Florida State

Atlanta, GA – January 5, 2025

In a stunning twist in college football recruiting, four-star running back Trevor Etienne has officially flipped his commitment from the University of Georgia to Florida State University. This decision has sent shockwaves through the college football world, as Etienne, one of the top-rated running back prospects in the country, was widely expected to sign with the Bulldogs after initially committing to Georgia last year. However, in a surprising change of heart, Etienne has decided to join the Florida State Seminoles, marking a major victory for head coach Mike Norvell and his program.

Etienne, a 6-foot, 210-pound powerhouse from Jennings, Louisiana, has been a highly sought-after recruit since he first started making waves in high school football. Known for his impressive blend of speed, strength, and vision, Etienne is expected to make an immediate impact wherever he plays, and Florida State fans are thrilled to see him join their team. His decision to flip to the Seminoles has added yet another layer of excitement to an already promising future for the program.

A Surprising Turn of Events in Recruitment

Trevor Etienne’s recruitment has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with twists and turns. Coming out of high school, Etienne was one of the top running back prospects in the nation. His combination of size and speed made him an attractive option for many Power Five programs across the country. Initially, Etienne committed to the University of Georgia, a program that has consistently been a powerhouse in college football. His commitment to Georgia made sense given their strong tradition of developing elite running backs and their reputation as a championship-contending program.

However, in recent months, rumors began to swirl about Etienne potentially rethinking his decision. The University of Georgia, while still a major contender in the SEC and a perennial playoff contender, had been in the midst of a shift in their recruiting strategy. With several running backs already in the fold for the upcoming class, some began to question whether Georgia could offer Etienne the kind of immediate playing time and opportunity that he was seeking.

That’s when Florida State entered the picture. Head coach Mike Norvell, who has done an outstanding job rebuilding the Seminoles’ program over the past few seasons, saw an opportunity to land one of the best running back prospects in the country. The Seminoles have been on the rise in recent years, and their offense, led by quarterback Jordan Travis, has been one of the most potent in the ACC. Florida State’s ability to offer Etienne an immediate role in their offense, combined with their exciting upward trajectory, proved to be a compelling argument for the highly coveted running back.

Trevor Etienne’s Decision to Flip to Florida State

The official announcement came late Friday night, as Etienne took to social media to confirm his decision to flip to Florida State. In an emotional post, Etienne thanked the University of Georgia for their support throughout his recruitment process but made it clear that he was excited to begin a new chapter with the Seminoles.

“I want to thank Coach Kirby Smart and the entire Georgia coaching staff for their belief in me and the opportunity they offered me,” Etienne wrote in his statement. “However, after much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to commit to Florida State University and be part of the Seminoles’ future. I’m excited to play for Coach Norvell and be a part of something special in Tallahassee. Go Noles!”

Etienne’s commitment to Florida State has been met with widespread excitement from Seminoles fans and coaches alike. Head coach Mike Norvell, who has steadily built Florida State into a competitive force in the ACC, expressed his excitement at landing one of the top running backs in the country.

“Trevor is an outstanding young man and an incredible football player,” Norvell said in a statement. “He brings a unique skill set to our offense, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Florida State family. His ability to run between the tackles, combined with his speed to break off big plays, will make an immediate impact on our program. We look forward to working with him and helping him achieve his goals on and off the field.”

What Trevor Etienne Brings to Florida State

Trevor Etienne’s skill set is a perfect fit for Florida State’s up-tempo offense. As one of the most explosive running backs in the 2025 recruiting class, Etienne has the ability to take over games with his combination of size, vision, and athleticism. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 210 pounds, Etienne has the power to break tackles and gain tough yards in between the tackles. At the same time, he possesses the speed and burst to hit the edge and break off long runs in the open field.

During his high school career at Jennings High School in Louisiana, Etienne amassed over 3,000 rushing yards and scored 40 touchdowns in his three years as the team’s primary ball carrier. He is known for his patience and vision in finding holes in the offensive line, as well as his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His versatility also allows him to be a dangerous weapon in the passing game, as he has proven to be a reliable target out of the backfield.

At Florida State, Etienne is expected to compete for playing time immediately, given the Seminoles’ need for a dynamic running back who can contribute both as a runner and a receiver. With the Seminoles’ offense continuing to develop under Mike Norvell, Etienne’s presence will be a key factor in helping the program maintain its momentum and elevate to the next level in the competitive ACC.

Florida State’s Growing Momentum in Recruiting

Etienne’s commitment to Florida State is a major boost for the Seminoles’ recruiting efforts, further solidifying their place as a rising power in college football. Florida State has been a consistent contender in the ACC and a team on the rise under Norvell’s leadership. The addition of Etienne to their already impressive recruiting class further strengthens their future outlook.

With Etienne’s commitment, Florida State continues to position itself as a formidable force in the national college football landscape. The Seminoles are already stacked with talent at several key positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, and the offensive line. The addition of a game-breaking running back like Etienne makes them an even more dangerous team going forward.

The Seminoles have now firmly established themselves as a top destination for elite talent, and Etienne’s decision to flip to Florida State is likely to influence other top recruits to consider the Seminoles as their next home. Coach Norvell’s ability to land top-tier prospects like Etienne only adds to the growing optimism surrounding the program.

Georgia’s Response and the Bigger Picture

While Etienne’s flip to Florida State is a major loss for Georgia, the Bulldogs remain a powerhouse program in the SEC. Head coach Kirby Smart has built one of the most successful programs in the nation, and while this recruitment setback may sting for the moment, Georgia will continue to recruit at a high level.

Georgia, which has a history of producing elite running backs, still boasts a highly talented roster, including standout players in the backfield. Despite the loss of Etienne, the Bulldogs are likely to continue competing for SEC championships and national titles. Smart and his staff will undoubtedly turn their attention to other top recruits and continue to build on the success of their program.

It’s also important to note that in the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, flips like this are not uncommon. Programs regularly go through a process of building relationships with recruits, and sometimes, those relationships change over time. While Etienne’s decision to flip to Florida State is a setback for Georgia, the Bulldogs will undoubtedly regroup and refocus on other priorities.

What’s Next for Trevor Etienne?

Trevor Etienne’s decision to commit to Florida State represents a new chapter in his career. As one of the most highly anticipated running back prospects in the country, Etienne will now focus on preparing for his future in Tallahassee. With his talent and drive, there is little doubt that Etienne will make an immediate impact for the Seminoles and could become one of the premier running backs in college football within the next few years.

Etienne will look to make his mark on Florida State’s offense and help the Seminoles continue their rise to prominence in the college football world. Fans in Tallahassee will be eagerly anticipating his arrival and hoping that he can help lead the Seminoles to new heights.

Conclusion

Trevor Etienne’s flip from Georgia to Florida State is one of the biggest stories in college football recruiting in recent years. This unexpected decision has added another layer of excitement to an already promising future for the Florida State Seminoles. As one of the top running backs in the 2025 class, Etienne’s commitment to Florida State solidifies the program’s position as a rising powerhouse in college football. For Georgia, this marks a recruiting setback, but the Bulldogs will continue to recruit top-tier talent as they strive to maintain their status as one of the nation’s elite programs.

For Florida State, the addition of Trevor Etienne is a huge victory, and fans are already eager to see what the future holds for the Seminoles with their new star running back in the fold.