Blue chip running back Ousmane Kromah signs with FSU, spurning Georgia

**Blue-Chip Running Back Ousmane Kromah Signs with FSU, Spurning Georgia**

In a surprising twist to the college football recruiting saga, blue-chip running back Ousmane Kromah has officially committed to Florida State University (FSU), choosing the Seminoles over the University of Georgia (UGA) in a highly anticipated decision that has shaken the college football landscape. The announcement has sent ripples through the recruiting world and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in both Kromah’s career and FSU’s future.

Kromah, widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the 2024 recruiting class, had long been a target for some of the country’s most prestigious football programs. His combination of size, speed, and agility has earned him comparisons to some of the greatest running backs in college football history. Standing at 6 feet, 200 pounds, Kromah possesses a rare blend of power and quickness, making him a versatile weapon both in between the tackles and on the outside. His performance during his senior season of high school football, which included an impressive 2,000-plus rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, only heightened his status as one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.

For months, the recruiting battle had been expected to come down to two schools: Florida State and Georgia. Both programs had been heavily pursuing Kromah, with Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart, boasting a reputation for developing elite running backs and consistently contending for national championships. On the other hand, Florida State, under the leadership of head coach Mike Norvell, had been making a strong case for Kromah’s commitment, positioning itself as a program on the rise with a promising future.

### The Decision: Why Florida State?

Kromah’s commitment to Florida State has raised eyebrows, particularly because Georgia has consistently been viewed as one of the nation’s premier football programs. The Bulldogs have produced some of the best running backs in recent memory, including NFL stars like Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb. However, Kromah’s decision to spurn the Bulldogs and sign with the Seminoles is indicative of the shifting tides in college football and the increasing appeal of programs that are on the rise rather than traditional powerhouses.

There are several factors that likely influenced Kromah’s decision to choose FSU over Georgia.

#### 1. **Opportunity for Immediate Playing Time**
One of the key factors in Kromah’s decision was the opportunity for immediate playing time. While Georgia boasts a wealth of talent at the running back position, FSU has been actively looking for a dynamic playmaker to solidify its backfield. Florida State’s offense, which has shown significant improvement in recent seasons, is built around explosive athletes who can stretch the field and make plays in all facets of the game. Kromah, who has the potential to be a day-one contributor, likely saw a more immediate path to playing time in Tallahassee.

In contrast, Georgia’s crowded running back room could have presented a longer wait before Kromah would have had the chance to emerge as the team’s feature back. With players like Kendall Milton, Daijun Edwards, and sophomore Branson Robinson already entrenched in the rotation, it would have been harder for Kromah to break through and claim a lead role in the offense early in his career.

#### 2. **FSU’s Rising Program and Recruiting Momentum**
Under Mike Norvell, Florida State has experienced a resurgence in recent years. The Seminoles are no longer the struggling program they once were, and the 2023 season, in which FSU won 10 games and earned a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl, has given the program significant momentum on the recruiting trail. The Seminoles have demonstrated they are capable of competing at the highest level, with a strong foundation built on solid recruiting classes, a dynamic offense, and a defense that is improving under Norvell’s leadership.

Kromah, who is aiming to make an impact at the highest levels of college football, likely saw the program’s trajectory as one that aligns with his aspirations. Florida State is poised to challenge for an ACC title and, in the near future, potentially contend for a playoff spot. With Norvell at the helm, the Seminoles appear to be on the verge of returning to their former glory, and Kromah may have felt that he could play a pivotal role in helping the program achieve that success.

#### 3. **The Influence of Family and Mentorship**
Another factor in Kromah’s decision could have been the influence of family and mentorship. Throughout his recruitment, Kromah emphasized the importance of finding a program that felt like a true fit for him both on and off the field. The relationship he developed with Norvell and his staff, as well as the guidance from former players who have spoken highly of the Seminoles’ culture, likely played a significant role in his decision. In addition, FSU’s ability to offer a family-like atmosphere, combined with the presence of a strong and supportive coaching staff, likely swayed Kromah toward Tallahassee.

#### 4. **Florida State’s Strong NIL Opportunities**
In today’s college football landscape, name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities have become an increasingly important consideration for top recruits. While Georgia has established itself as one of the sport’s elite programs, Florida State has also shown a commitment to providing players with NIL opportunities that can enhance their collegiate experience. Kromah, who is poised to be a high-profile player, would likely benefit from the array of NIL opportunities available to Florida State athletes, including partnerships with local businesses, endorsements, and more.

### What This Means for Florida State

Kromah’s commitment to FSU is a significant coup for Norvell and the Seminoles, and it’s a signal that Florida State is not only competing at a high level but is now a serious player in the battle for top-tier talent. The addition of Kromah strengthens FSU’s already promising recruiting class and gives the Seminoles a potential star in the backfield for years to come. His ability to contribute immediately will be critical for FSU as they look to challenge for an ACC title and make noise on the national stage.

### What This Means for Georgia

For Georgia, Kromah’s decision is a tough blow, especially given the program’s reputation for developing elite running backs and its status as one of the nation’s top teams. While Georgia remains a powerhouse and has continued to bring in highly talented recruits, losing Kromah to a rising program like Florida State underscores the increasing competitiveness of the college football recruiting landscape. However, the Bulldogs are still in excellent shape, with a deep talent pool at every position, including running back, and they will undoubtedly continue to attract top-tier recruits year after year.

### Conclusion

Ousmane Kromah’s decision to sign with Florida State is a defining moment in both his recruiting journey and the trajectory of the Seminoles’ program. By spurning Georgia, Kromah has not only chosen a program on the rise but has positioned himself to become a key player in FSU’s quest for championships. His arrival in Tallahassee will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the program, and it sends a message to future recruits that Florida State is a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football. For Georgia, the loss of Kromah is disappointing but not devastating, as the Bulldogs remain a perennial contender with the resources and coaching staff to continue competing at the highest level. As the college football world continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the recruiting landscape is more competitive than ever, and Kromah’s commitment to FSU is a testament to the power of programs on the rise.