4-Star EDGE Jesse Harrold Commits to Florida State After Decommitting from LSU
In a significant turn of events, 4-star EDGE rusher Jesse Harrold has officially committed to Florida State, marking a major victory for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles’ 2024 recruiting class. The 6’5″, 240-pound defensive lineman, who previously committed to LSU earlier this year, made the decision to decommit from the Tigers last month and has now chosen to join Florida State, further strengthening the Seminoles’ defense for the upcoming seasons.
Harrold’s decision comes at a critical time for Florida State, which has been building significant momentum in recruiting, positioning itself as one of the top programs in the ACC and nationally. His commitment serves as a major boost to FSU’s defensive line depth and a key addition to a class already brimming with talent.
Jesse Harrold had originally pledged to LSU in the spring of 2023, but after careful consideration and weighing his options, he decided to decommit from the Tigers in November. His decommitment sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, as Harrold had been one of LSU’s top defensive targets for months. The change in his recruitment was seen as a significant shift, and it became clear that several major programs, including Florida State, were eager to land his commitment.
Harrold’s decommitment from LSU was accompanied by an increase in interest from top-tier programs across the country. His impressive skill set and versatile playstyle—marked by explosive first-step quickness, an ability to rush the passer, and a relentless motor—made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2024 class. Florida State wasted no time in making a strong push for the talented EDGE rusher, eventually securing his commitment after a series of visits to Tallahassee and ongoing communication with the Seminoles’ coaching staff.
Harrold’s decision to commit to Florida State speaks to the program’s rise in national prominence under Mike Norvell. The Seminoles have made significant strides in recent years, particularly on defense, and Harrold’s skill set aligns perfectly with their vision for the future. Known for developing pass-rushers and creating an aggressive, attacking defense, Florida State has become a place where players like Harrold can thrive and make an immediate impact.
“I’ve had a great relationship with the coaching staff, and I’m really excited about what Coach Norvell is building at Florida State,” Harrold said during his commitment announcement. “I know I can come in and help the defense right away, and I believe in the direction the program is going. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Florida State’s defensive coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, has been instrumental in the development of players who can make an impact as edge rushers. Harrold’s ability to rush the passer from the edge, combined with his high motor and disruptive playstyle, will give the Seminoles an immediate force off the edge in their defensive line rotation.
Harrold’s commitment is an exciting development for Florida State’s defense, which has shown significant improvement in recent seasons. Adding a player of his caliber to an already talented defensive line provides the Seminoles with a player who can contribute both as a pass rusher and a run defender. His explosive first step and ability to bend around the edge make him a nightmare for offensive tackles, and his versatility allows him to move inside on passing downs to create more pressure on the quarterback.
Harrold’s commitment also strengthens Florida State’s already strong 2024 recruiting class, which ranks among the nation’s top-20. His addition adds to the Seminoles’ defensive depth and gives them another high-level player to complement their already stellar group of recruits on the defensive side of the ball. Harrold’s ability to make an immediate impact in the ACC makes him a key piece in Florida State’s plans to compete for championships in the near future.
Harrold’s flip from LSU to Florida State is a significant loss for the Tigers, who had been hopeful of keeping him in their fold after his original commitment. LSU, a perennial powerhouse in the SEC, has a reputation for developing elite talent, especially on defense, and Harrold was seen as one of the top prospects who could eventually make an impact in Baton Rouge. However, Florida State’s strong recruitment and Harrold’s relationship with the coaching staff proved to be a determining factor in his decision to commit to the Seminoles.
Despite the loss of Harrold, LSU will likely regroup and focus on securing other top-tier defensive prospects to strengthen their 2024 class. Florida State’s success in landing Harrold only adds to the growing sense that the Seminoles are firmly back on the national stage, and they will be a major player in the SEC and beyond for years to come.
With Jesse Harrold now in the fold, Florida State has added yet another elite prospect to its defensive line, continuing to build a team that is capable of competing for ACC titles and playoff spots in the near future. Harrold’s talent, combined with the existing recruiting efforts of Norvell and his staff, makes Florida State one of the most exciting programs to watch in the coming years.
As Harrold joins the Seminoles, he looks to make an immediate impact on defense and help push Florida State back to national championship contention. His commitment marks yet another major win for the Seminoles as they continue to build one of the top recruiting classes in the country, cementing their status as one of the premier programs in college football.