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Friday, March 29, 2024
The Observer

Golson to transfer to Florida State

Just as Florida State lost its No. 5 under center, it will gain Notre Dame’s No. 5 next season.

Former Irish quarterback Everett Golson will transfer to Florida State, Golson told Fox Sports on Tuesday.

The quarterback announced May 7 that he would leave the University and play his final season of eligibility elsewhere. Golson started all 12 regular season games in 2014 for Notre Dame but came in off the bench in the Irish bowl victory over LSU on Dec. 30, when sophomore Malik Zaire earned the starting nod.



Golson throws against Florida State on Oct. 18 in Tallahassee, Florida.
Golson throws against Florida State on Oct. 18 in Tallahassee, Florida.


Florida State recently lost its starter, Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, to the NFL draft, where he was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“After much thought and careful consideration, I will utilize my fifth year of eligibility to join the Florida State University Seminoles,” Golson said in a statement to Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman. “To coach Jimbo Fisher, the Florida State football team, staff, alumni and fans, thank you for allowing me to become part of the Seminoles family. I can’t wait to get started.”

Golson officially wrapped up his time at Notre Dame on Sunday, when he received his bachelor’s degree at the University’s commencement ceremony. He called the weekend “a defining moment in my life.”

“The support I’ve received there over the past four years has helped strengthen my integrity, wisdom and character,” Golson said in the statement. “I would like to thank all of the coaches who spent time speaking with me these past few weeks and considered adding me to their football programs. Their interest and sincerity was truly humbling.”

Florida State currently has six quarterbacks on its roster, not including Golson, but just one, redshirt junior Sean Maguire, who took any snaps in the 2014 season. Maguire backed up Winston and appeared in four games, making one start, and threw for 339 total yards and completed 25 of his 49 pass attempts.

In Notre Dame's 31-27 road loss to the Seminoles on Oct. 18, Golson completed 31 of his 52 pass attempts for 313 yards and three touchdowns. However, one of his two interceptions on the night came in the final seconds of the game to seal Florida State’s victory after a controversial pass interference call against the Irish prevented them from taking a late lead.