Mike Norvell reveals how Florida State flipped dynamic running back Ousmane Kromah from Georgia

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell recently revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how the Seminoles were able to flip dynamic running back Ousmane Kromah from Georgia, a highly coveted recruit who had initially committed to the Bulldogs. Kromah, a top-tier talent known for his explosive speed, vision, and versatility, had long been considered one of the most highly sought-after running backs in the 2025 recruiting class. His decision to flip to Florida State was a significant victory for the Seminoles, especially considering Georgia’s standing as a perennial powerhouse in college football recruiting.

In this article, we will explore the factors that led to Kromah’s decision to decommit from Georgia and sign with Florida State, the role that Coach Norvell and the Seminoles’ coaching staff played in his recruitment, and what this move means for both programs as they look ahead to the 2025 season.

The Recruitment of Ousmane Kromah

Ousmane Kromah’s recruitment was one of the most high-profile stories in the 2025 recruiting cycle. The running back from St. Petersburg, Florida, was widely regarded as one of the most electrifying players in the nation. His combination of size, speed, and agility made him a perfect fit for any offense. Kromah had offers from virtually every major program, but he initially committed to Georgia in the summer of 2024, choosing the Bulldogs over schools like Alabama, Ohio State, and Florida State. Many saw this commitment as a major win for Georgia, who has consistently landed top running back recruits in recent years.

Kromah’s decision to commit to Georgia seemed like a natural one. The Bulldogs had established themselves as a dominant force in college football under head coach Kirby Smart, and their track record of developing elite running backs and winning national championships made it an appealing destination. Kromah also had a strong relationship with Georgia’s coaching staff, particularly the offensive coaches, and had expressed his excitement about playing for one of the most successful programs in the country.

However, just a few months after his commitment, a series of events began to unfold that would lead Kromah to reconsider his decision and ultimately flip to Florida State.

The Role of Mike Norvell and the Seminoles’ Coaching Staff

While Georgia had made Kromah feel comfortable and wanted, Florida State’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Norvell, didn’t give up easily. Norvell and his staff recognized Kromah’s potential early on and made it clear that they wanted him to be the centerpiece of their future offense.

The Seminoles’ pitch to Kromah was simple: they offered him an opportunity to be the focal point of their backfield. Florida State had shown tremendous promise in recent seasons, with Norvell leading the program back into the national spotlight. The Seminoles were coming off a strong season in which they contended for a spot in the College Football Playoff and had an exciting young core of talent. This made Florida State an attractive destination for a player like Kromah, who was looking for a program where he could make an immediate impact.

Norvell and his staff worked diligently to build a strong relationship with Kromah and his family. They emphasized the opportunity to contribute early, the stability of the program, and the long-term vision they had for Florida State’s offense. Norvell’s reputation as an offensive-minded coach who knows how to develop talent was also a major selling point. The Seminoles had already made strides with their quarterback play, and Kromah saw the potential for a high-powered offense that could allow him to thrive.

The Seminoles’ pitch was further strengthened by their consistent communication with Kromah, ensuring that he felt valued and that his development would be a priority. The coaching staff kept in close contact with Kromah throughout the recruiting process, even after his commitment to Georgia, showing that they were determined to stay in the race for his services. They continued to highlight the advantages of playing in the ACC, where Florida State had the opportunity to contend for championships and earn recognition on the national stage.

The Turning Point: A Visit to Florida State

The turning point in Kromah’s recruitment came when he made an official visit to Florida State in the fall of 2024. The visit allowed Kromah to see firsthand what the Seminoles had to offer. It was clear that Florida State had a plan for him, and the coaching staff went above and beyond to make him feel like a top priority.

During the visit, Kromah was able to see the facilities, meet with the coaches, and get a feel for the atmosphere around the program. He was impressed by the energy surrounding the team, as well as the excitement about the future of Florida State football. The Seminoles had a strong recruiting class coming in, and Kromah was excited by the prospect of being part of a team that was on the rise.

What ultimately sold Kromah on the Seminoles was the opportunity to play in an offense that would fit his style of play. Florida State’s offense had become known for its fast tempo and innovative schemes under Norvell, which would allow Kromah to showcase his speed and elusiveness in space. The Seminoles were also emphasizing the importance of the running back position in their offense, something that resonated with Kromah, who wanted to be the focal point of a high-powered attack.

The visit to Florida State gave Kromah the confidence to reconsider his commitment to Georgia. He realized that while Georgia was a great program, Florida State presented a unique opportunity for him to make an immediate impact and be a key contributor from day one.

The Flip: Kromah Decommits from Georgia

Following his visit to Florida State, Kromah began to seriously reconsider his commitment to Georgia. In late October 2024, Kromah made the decision to decommit from the Bulldogs and announce that he was opening up his recruitment again. The news shocked many, as Georgia had been considered one of the favorites to land Kromah throughout his recruitment.

While his decision to flip was met with disappointment by some Georgia fans, it was clear that Kromah had made the decision that was best for his future. The opportunity to play for a program on the rise, under a coach with a proven track record of developing offensive talent, was too good to pass up.

The announcement was met with excitement from Florida State fans, who were thrilled to land a player of Kromah’s caliber. His commitment gave the Seminoles a significant boost in recruiting, as they added another elite talent to their already impressive class. Florida State’s recruiting efforts under Mike Norvell were beginning to pay off, and Kromah’s decision to flip to the Seminoles was a clear indication that the program was heading in the right direction.

What Kromah Brings to Florida State

Kromah’s decision to flip to Florida State has significant implications for the Seminoles’ future. The running back brings a unique set of skills to the table, with his combination of speed, vision, and agility making him a dynamic weapon in any offense. Kromah is known for his ability to make defenders miss in the open field, and his versatility as both a runner and a receiver makes him a dangerous weapon out of the backfield.

In Florida State’s fast-paced offense, Kromah has the chance to shine in a system that will highlight his strengths. Whether it’s running the ball between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, Kromah’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a perfect fit for Norvell’s offense.

Beyond his physical abilities, Kromah is also a strong leader and a dedicated teammate. His work ethic and commitment to improving every day have made him a standout player in high school, and those traits will serve him well as he transitions to the college level. Kromah’s addition to the Seminoles’ backfield gives Florida State one of the most dynamic and exciting running back prospects in the country.

What This Means for Georgia

For Georgia, Kromah’s flip is a tough loss. The Bulldogs had worked hard to recruit Kromah, and his decision to decommit was a setback in what has otherwise been a successful recruiting cycle. However, the Bulldogs are no strangers to recruiting success, and they will likely continue to bring in top-tier talent to their backfield. Georgia’s program is built to sustain success, and while losing Kromah stings, they will remain a major player in recruiting.

It’s also important to note that Georgia’s running back position is still in good hands. With talented players like Roderick Robinson II and Dylan Bell already on the roster, Georgia’s backfield will continue to be a strength moving forward. The Bulldogs will continue to recruit elite talent and remain one of the top programs in the country.