Everett Golson has made his decision, and he’s heading to Tallahassee.
The former Notre Dame quarterback told Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman Tuesday he will transfer to Florida State (FSU later confirmed the news). Golson will be eligible to play this fall — his final year of eligibility — after graduating from Notre Dame over the weekend.
"To coach Jimbo Fisher, the Florida State football team, staff, alumni and fans, thank you for allowing me to become part of the Seminoles family," Golson told Fox Sports in a statement. "I can't wait to get started."
Golson will replace 2013 Heisman winner and 2015 No. 1 pick Jameis Winston, who quarterbacked Florida State to a BCS Championship and College Football Playoff berth over the last two seasons.
[MORE: Everett Golson’s transfer a win-win for Notre Dame, QB]
Fisher said last week he wouldn't guarantee Golson the starting job if he chose to transfer into the program. The Seminoles -- who narrowly beat Golson and Notre Dame in Tallahassee last October -- exited spring practice with redshirt junior Sean Maguire atop the depth chart.
Maguire started one game in 2014 in place of Winston, who was suspended for Florida State's win over Clemson after making a lewd, offensive comment on campus. He completed 21 of 39 passes for 304 yards with one touchdown and two picks in Florida State's 23-17 overtime win over the Tigers in South Carolina.
In 2014, Golson threw for 3,445 yards and accounted for 37 touchdowns, but his 22 turnovers were an Achillies’ heel for a flawed Notre Dame side that finished 8-5. Golson started 11 of 13 games in 2012 as Notre Dame reached the BCS Championship but was suspended for the 2013 season after cheating on a test.
[MORE: Was Everett Golson unlucky in 2014?]
Golson was rumored to be interested in transferring into the SEC, with Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU and South Carolina all reportedly drawing interest. Due to his 2013 academic suspension and graduate transfer status, though, he would’ve had to obtain a waiver from the conference to transfer to one of its schools.
Notre Dame will turn to rising junior Malik Zaire to lead its offense this fall. Zaire started Notre Dame’s Music City Bowl win over LSU and rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, and also completed 12 of 15 passes for 95 yards and a score.