Jalen Wiggins will evaluate his decision after his official visit to FSU

Jalen Wiggins remains committed to the Florida Gators. But for how long? After completing his FSU visit, here he is.

Rickards High’s Jalen Wiggins saw what he needed to see in Florida State during his official visit last weekend.

Now the decision is in his hands.

Wiggins, who committed to Florida last January. is a four-star prospect who received 27 offers following his junior season. Last season for the Raiders, the defensive lineman recorded 97 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 37 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

ESPN has Wiggins ranked No. 9 at his position and No. 8 in the state. 247 Sports ranks in the early teens (No. 11 per position, No. 13 in FL), and On3 has the Tallahassee native ranked as the No. 9 defensive lineman and No. 13 in the state.

Wiggins has whittled his 27 offers down to three.

FSU and Stanford were in the mix for the Tallahassee native. During his visit to FSU, Wiggins was looking to learn more about the school, including its history and academics, and about playing for coach Mike Norvell.

“I feel like just the fact that you’re coming on an official visit gives you an opportunity to learn more about everything that you can learn,” Wiggins said.

“I feel like the official visit shows you more of a centralized version, more focused on you. As for everything you need to learn, you need to know about the program.”

At 6-foot-1 and 255 pounds, FSU considered Wiggins to be another Jared Verse-type player and is expected to be the Seminoles’ leading edge player if he joins the program.

“I feel like this is a really good way to play, you know, straightforward,” Wiggins said. “Go get the ball. Go get the quarterback. I think this is a great way to play.”

Wiggins mentioned the relationship he has built with defensive line coach Odell Haggins and defensive end coach John Papuchis, who played a role in recruiting Rickards’ defensive end.

“They’re both great coaches who got guys into the NFL. I think that’s one of the factors that you can always say you can trust to get you to that position.”

There is no timetable for when Wiggins will make a final decision and end his hiring. After visiting his top three schools, it will be a matter of time whether or not he stays with the Gators or goes to FSU or Stanford.

“I think I can take some time after this for these three visits,” Wiggins said.

“I’ve been to Stanford, Florida and FSU – I can just take them, evaluate them, try to weigh my decision and then be able to make my decision later.”

Class of 2025

5-star, Solomon Thomas, offensive tackle, Raines (Jacksonville, Fla.)
4-star, Javion Hilson, edge rusher, Cocoa (Cocoa, Florida)
4-star, Kevin Wynn, defensive line, Greene County (Greensboro, Georgia)
4-star, CJ Wiley, wide receiver, Milton (Alpharetta, Ga.)
3-star, Tramell Jones, quarterback, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Florida)
3-star, Ethan Pritchard, linebacker, Seminole (Sanford, Fla.)

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or at X @_Da_pistol.