‘Unfinished business’
QB Travis announces return for 2023 season
Jordan Travis knew midway through Florida State’s football season that he wanted to come back for another year as the Seminoles quarterback. But the redshirt junior kept that decision to himself, waiting until after the victorious regular-season finale against Florida before announcing he would return for his senior season.
He shared the news in the form of a 55-second highlight video posted on social media on Dec. 5.
“So many memories have been made on this field,” Travis said in the video taken in Doak Campbell Stadium. “And we’re not done yet. See you in 2023.”
Travis was happy to share what he had known for quite some time.
“It’s a lot of weight off my shoulders,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I just couldn’t wait to get it out there, but I wanted to ensure the timing was right.”
The decision to return comes on the heels of a career season for Travis, who accounted for 3,163 yards of total offense with 30 touchdowns while leading FSU to a 9-3 record and its first bowl appearance since the 2019 season.
He became the first player in school history with at least 20 touchdown passes and 7 rushing touchdowns in a season.
Yet Travis — who has appeared in 34 career games and is 16-9 as a starter — felt there was an opportunity to do more before his time was up with the Seminoles.
“I felt like I needed another year to keep going and show what I can do,” Travis told reporters Saturday. “I felt like I’ve improved a lot this year, and I have a lot of unfinished business. I want to win a championship and I want to keep growing every single day.
“That’s why I wanted to get it [his announcement] out as soon as possible.”
Nobody could be more thrilled about the news than FSU coach Mike Norvell, whose team will face Oklahoma in the Dec. 29 Cheez-It Bowl in Camping World Stadium.
“He’s one of the best players in college football,” Norvell said. “The ownership of every action and the leader he is and what he brings to this program makes him special.”
It wasn’t long after Travis shared his decision with the public that several of his teammates followed suit.
Linebacker Tatum Bethune, offensive lineman Robert Scott, receiver Mycah Pittman and running back Trey Benson were among the Seminoles to commit to returning in 2023.
For many of those coming back, their decisions were made easier with the return of Travis.
“He told me he was coming back and I was like, ‘OK, I’ll join
you,’ “said Benson, who led FSU with 965 rushing yards.
Added Pittman: “The momentum is there and we know what
we’re capable of doing and we believe in coach [Mike] Norvell
and we believe in J. Travis and what he’s capable of doing.”
Travis’ influence also goes beyond his teammates and onto the recruiting trail, where he’s played a more significant role in persuading high school recruits and transfers to choose Florida State as a place to further their careers. It’s something he’s embraced as he’s taken on a more prominent leadership role
on the team.
“It’s been since I’ve become ‘the guy,’” he said. “I’m more comfortable and I’m maturing a lot. I understand how college football works. The players are better recruiters than the coaches at the end of the day because they’re going to ask us what goes on behind the scenes. I tell them this is the best university in the world. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m blessed to be here and coach Norvell is great.”
The return of so many starters, coupled with the relative talent and age of the roster, projects well for the program.
“We’re going to be special,” Travis said. “A lot of guys that have a lot of experience, we’re going to be special next year. But we have another important game to finish.”