Florida State rolled out the garnet-and-gold carpet this past weekend, hosting one of their top running back targets for Junior Day - Gainesville (Ga.) standout Nigel Newkirk. The three-star prospect made his first trip to Tallahassee in 2026, and while he’s no stranger to campus, this visit came with a little more weight behind it. With a new position coach in place and a pivotal recruiting cycle underway, the Seminoles are clearly making Newkirk a priority.
“It was great. I’ve already been here a couple times, so it felt good getting back up here,” Newkirk said after the visit, sounding comfortable and familiar with the surroundings - a good sign for FSU fans hoping the relationship continues to build.
Since Kam Martin took over as Florida State’s running backs coach in December, he’s wasted no time making his presence felt on the recruiting trail. Martin has been in regular contact with Newkirk, even making a recent in-home visit to sit down with the Peach State playmaker. That personal touch helped pave the way for Newkirk’s return to Tallahassee.
“I’ve been in contact with him since he got the new job. He’s been real cool,” Newkirk said of Martin.
“He came to my house. We sat down on the couch and talked for a little bit.”
And it’s not just Martin who’s been involved. Newkirk also gave a nod to assistant running backs coach Shawn Shivers and defensive staffer Randy Rispress, who’ve both been active in his recruitment. That kind of full-staff effort speaks volumes about how much the Seminoles value Newkirk’s potential.
Martin sees shades of Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs in Newkirk’s game - high praise for a back known for his versatility and explosiveness. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is also firmly in Newkirk’s corner. According to the 5-foot-11, 200-pound junior, Malzahn doesn’t care much for star ratings.
“He told me because I’m a different type of back. I can go out the slot,” Newkirk said. “Especially with Gus, he said even though 247 has me ranked as a three-star, he sees me as a five-star player.”
That’s the kind of confidence and vision that can resonate with a recruit - being seen not just for what you are now, but for what you can become in the right system. And Malzahn clearly believes his offense is the right fit.
Newkirk had a one-on-one sit-down with Malzahn during his visit, where the veteran play-caller broke down his offensive philosophy and background. It’s a relationship that predates this visit, and the familiarity seems to be growing stronger.
“I sat down and had a one-on-one meeting with him. I’ve been knew Gus,” Newkirk said. “He ran through his history, where he came from, what type of offense he runs.”
Coming out of the visit, Florida State is firmly in the mix. Newkirk confirmed he’s planning to return for an official visit in June, a key checkpoint in what’s shaping up to be a competitive recruitment.
“They’re definitely in the picture. I’m doing an official visit with them in June,” he said.
Ranked as the No. 33 running back in the 2027 class by 247Sports, Newkirk has the production to back up the attention. He rushed for 1,496 yards and 19 touchdowns on 184 carries as a junior - that’s a robust 8.1 yards per carry.
Numbers like that don’t just happen by accident. He’s a dynamic runner with the kind of burst and vision that can change a game in one snap.
Florida State clearly sees that. And with the groundwork laid this past weekend, the Seminoles are positioning themselves as a serious contender for one of the Southeast’s most intriguing backs in the 2027 cycle.