Luke Kromenhoek’s debut as Florida State’s starting quarterback was a significant milestone, though it came in a game that, on paper, was well within the Seminoles’ control. The matchup against Charleston Southern, a team with a 1-10 record from the Football Championship Subdivision, offered Kromenhoek a manageable introduction to the starting role. While it wasn’t a high-pressure environment like facing an elite opponent, the game provided the 19-year-old true freshman a platform to showcase his potential.
Kromenhoek responded with an encouraging performance, demonstrating poise and promise. Completing 13 of 20 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns, he efficiently led the offense. His standout moment came on a 71-yard touchdown pass to senior Ja’Khi Douglas, one of his nine completions in the final 12 attempts. Although the game itself didn’t present the most formidable opposition, Kromenhoek’s performance was a solid first step, setting a foundation for his future as the Seminoles’ signal caller. The 41-7 victory was a comfortable win for FSU, and Kromenhoek’s play offered fans hope for the next phase of his development.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell’s assessment of Luke Kromenhoek’s performance against Charleston Southern highlights the maturity the true freshman showed in his debut. Despite some missed throws and reads, Kromenhoek’s ability to relax and let the game come to him was key to his success. Norvell acknowledged that Kromenhoek made good decisions, managing the game well and throwing three touchdown passes, though there’s still room for growth, especially in terms of efficiency and progressions.
Kromenhoek’s next challenge comes in the season finale against Florida, where he’ll face a Gators team led by fellow true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway. This matchup marks a historic moment, as it’s believed to be the first time in the 66-year history of the rivalry that two true freshmen quarterbacks will face off. A strong performance against Florida would solidify Kromenhoek’s position as the likely frontrunner for the starting role in 2025. While Florida State may still look to the transfer portal for depth at the position, Kromenhoek’s continued development and potential success could make him the clear leader moving forward.
Luke Kromenhoek has garnered praise from his teammates, including redshirt senior tailback Lawrance Toafili, who highlighted his leadership qualities despite being a young player. Toafili emphasized Kromenhoek’s ability to command the offense and bring energy to the team, qualities that have helped him progress quickly.
Kromenhoek’s journey to Florida State has been one of steady growth and impressive achievements. Raised in Savannah, Georgia, he amassed nearly 7,000 yards and 73 touchdowns during his three years at Benedictine Military School, showcasing his dual-threat abilities. Despite not starting until his junior season, Kromenhoek’s talent caught the attention of FSU head coach Mike Norvell, who offered him a scholarship during a camp in June 2021, before his sophomore year even began.
Florida Gators coach Billy Napier also recognized Kromenhoek’s potential, describing him as a sharp and versatile player who impressed with both his quarterback skills and physicality. His dual-threat capability, which included playing safety and excelling as a tackler in high school, added to his appeal as one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the country.
Luke Kromenhoek’s commitment to Florida State was steadfast, even in the face of late interest from Georgia. After receiving an offer from the Seminoles in 2021, Kromenhoek made his commitment official in March 2022, and despite a late push from Georgia, he never wavered. On the eve of National Signing Day in December 2023, he posted a reaffirmation of his loyalty to FSU, expressing his frustration with Georgia’s delayed approach and their failure to extend an offer despite numerous visits. By then, Kromenhoek was resolute: “I know where I’m at, I know where I want to be.”
As Florida State’s season took a downturn and injuries began to take a toll — including DJ Uiagalelei’s season-ending injury — Kromenhoek saw increased playing time, appearing in four of FSU’s first 10 games. His most significant action came against Miami, where he completed six of 14 passes for 61 yards but impressed with his legs, rushing for 71 yards on 11 carries. Kromenhoek’s resilience and adaptability, both through his recruitment and his early game experiences, reflect his growing maturity as he takes on a larger role in the Seminoles’ offense.
Luke Kromenhoek’s performance against Charleston Southern marked a crucial turning point in his young career. After some early struggles and punts on two of the first three possessions, he settled in and led Florida State to four consecutive touchdown drives. His ability to make checks at the line of scrimmage without looking to the sidelines was a sign of his growing comfort and football IQ. As Coach Mike Norvell noted, Kromenhoek’s composure as a true freshman was impressive, especially considering the nerves and expectations that come with starting for the first time.
Kromenhoek’s performance not only showed his potential but also hinted that he might be the quarterback of the future for Florida State. If he carries this momentum into Saturday’s season finale, it could solidify his role as the team’s leader moving forward. A strong performance could help him enter 2025 as the front-runner for the starting job, potentially marking the beginning of a new era for the Seminoles.
