Although Jayce Johnson seems to be happy with his commitment to Texas A&M, that is not going to stop the Florida State Seminoles from trying to poach him. The four-star quarterback from Valdosta, Georgia has been committed to Texas A&M since Aug. 3. While Johnson traveled to South Florida to compete in the Rivals Camp over the weekend, he did make it a point to say that he is still committed.
Johnson seems to be keeping an open mind heading into his senior season starring for Lowndes.
"I'm locked in with A&M. Recruitment, you've got to [keep it open] because you never know what could happen at any given time."
He continued by saying that Florida State wants to get him on campus to see if he likes their vibes.
"They're just trying to get me down to their school, see what it's like in their offense. Trying to get me to flip low key."
When asked if Gus Malzahn retiring impacts his views on Florida State, Johnson offered the following.
"Nah, it doesn't. Coach Norvell is a great coach, truthful coach. He's a great coach overall."
According to the 247Sports Composite, Johnson is the No. 4 player from Georgia, the No. 3 overall quarterback in the nation, and the No. 53 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting cycle. He has 30 official offers on the table. While Mike Elko has had Johnson's commitment for quite a while now, we have to remember that Valdosta is not terribly far from Tallahassee, so that could be a selling point.
Let's discuss why Elko and the rest of his Texas A&M staff should view Florida State as a real threat.
Florida State is trying to poach QB Jayce Johnson away from Texas A&M
Even though one can argue that Texas A&M should remain in the driver's seat to retain Johnson's commitment, a lot can change between now and National Signing Day. For example, the two schools in question here in Texas A&M and Florida State will have new play-callers. While Mike Norvell will do that in place of Malzahn in Tallahassee, how will Holmon Wiggins do as Texas A&M's new play-caller?
Wiggins has to replace Collin Klein as Texas A&M's newly undisputed offensive coordinator. Elko may be the straw that stirs the drink for all things Aggies football, but keep in mind that he favors the other side of the ball. Historically, Florida State has been a place where first-round quarterbacks get drafted out of. However, Florida State is quite cash poor right now, while Texas A&M is swimming in it as usual.
In the end, Florida State should be viewed as a semi-legitimate threat to potentially flip Johnson. It may not be for financial reasons, or even really opportunity. Johnson may just want to play closer to home. If that is the case, then few programs in the southeast can hold a candle to what Florida State has working in the Valdosta native's favor. For now, Elko needs to focus in on retaining Johnson here.
As long as Marcel Reed plays well under Wiggins' watch, then Johnson to Texas A&M should happen.