FSU Sits in First for Top Edge Rusher Jaxon Holly

Seminoles' long-term relationship with defensive ends coach Nick Williams has them in prime position.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:25pm

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Roswell, Georgia three-star edge rusher Jaxon Holly made his first-ever visit to Florida State on Saturday, accompanied by his parents. While new to the Seminoles' program, Holly has a long-standing relationship with defensive ends coach Nick Williams dating back to Williams' time at Syracuse, where he originally offered Holly. Holly was impressed by the energy at FSU's practice and his conversations with Williams and head coach Mike Norvell, who told him they love his work ethic, passion, and football IQ. Holly plans to return to Tallahassee for an official visit on June 12th and currently has the Seminoles as his top choice, ahead of other schools like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.

Why it matters

Landing a talented edge rusher like Jaxon Holly would be a major boost for Florida State's defensive front seven, as the Seminoles look to rebuild their program under head coach Mike Norvell. Holly's strong relationship with assistant coach Nick Williams gives FSU an advantage in his recruitment over other top programs pursuing the Georgia prospect.

The details

Holly, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end, was impressed by his first visit to Florida State, praising the energy at practice and his conversations with Norvell and Williams. Williams originally offered Holly when he was at Syracuse, and has continued to recruit him aggressively since joining Norvell's staff in Tallahassee. Holly said Williams highlighted his work ethic, passion, football IQ, and overall love for the game as reasons why he wants him along the Seminoles' defensive line.

  • Holly made his first-ever visit to Florida State on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Holly plans to return to Tallahassee for an official visit on June 12, 2026.

The players

Jaxon Holly

A three-star edge rusher from Roswell, Georgia, ranked as the No. 41 edge prospect in the nation by 247Sports.com.

Nick Williams

The defensive ends coach at Florida State, who originally offered Holly a scholarship when he was at Syracuse.

Mike Norvell

The head coach of the Florida State Seminoles football team.

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What they’re saying

“My work ethic. My passion for the game. Just how I compete. My smarts, my IQ. Just my love for the game, it like fits perfect with him.”

— Jaxon Holly, Edge Rusher

“Just stay you, be who you are. He kept saying I love who you are, work ethic, all that. Just being a great man.”

— Jaxon Holly, Edge Rusher

What’s next

Holly will return to Florida State on June 12, 2026 for an official visit, which could solidify the Seminoles as the frontrunner in his recruitment.

The takeaway

Florida State's long-standing relationship with Jaxon Holly through defensive ends coach Nick Williams has put the Seminoles in prime position to land the talented Georgia edge rusher. Holly's positive first impression of the program and his strong connection with the coaching staff make FSU the team to beat in his recruitment at this stage.