By Manny Navarro, Nicole Auerbach, Dane Brugler and Diante Lee
Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis was carted off the field late in the first quarter against North Alabama on Saturday with an apparent leg injury. Here’s what you need to know:
- The broadcast showed Travis leaving Doak Campbell Stadium in an ambulance.
- The undefeated No. 4 Seminoles trailed 13-0 at the time of the senior’s injury but went on to win 58-13. FSU coach Mike Norvell said he didn’t have an update on Travis after the game.
- Travis had thrown for 2,734 yards and 20 touchdowns with two interceptions this season before Saturday and rushed for seven TDs. He is 27-10 as a starting QB.
What happened
Travis was running toward midfield when North Alabama linebacker Shaun Myers tackled him from behind and landed on top of Travis’ left ankle. Travis immediately pointed to the trainers, who immediately ran onto the field. FSU fans gasped as they saw replays, while FSU players took a knee and consoled each other.
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Tate Rodemaker replaced Travis when play continued. — Manny Navarro, college football staff writer
What this means for Travis, FSU
This injury is devastating for Travis and for Florida State, which entered Saturday on the precipice of an ACC championship and oh-so-close to a return to the College Football Playoff.
The season isn’t over yet, but it’s hard to overstate what a loss this is. No one player epitomized his team more than Travis, who began his career at the lowest of FSU’s lows — and was even booed at home early on. I spoke with him about that two weeks ago and it was clear how much he appreciated the highs of this season after having experienced such struggles. He’s worked hard, battled and improved.
“I used to wake up and dread coming (to practice),” Travis told me. He said he’s been waking up each day this fall with a smile on his face. He appreciated the opportunity he had this year, and it’s brutal to think about him losing that. — Nicole Auerbach, college football senior writer
Travis has been the key to the Seminoles’ turnaround under Norvell, becoming one of the best quarterbacks in college football, particularly because he’s so good at protecting the football. He’s thrown only two interceptions all season and Florida State entered Saturday’s game having turned the ball over only five times through its first 10 games, tied for second-fewest among FBS teams.
Rodemaker played 35 snaps this season — 233 in his career — before replacing Travis on Saturday. Rodemaker, who led FSU to a road win in 2022 against Louisville coming off the bench, made his only college start in a loss to FCS Jacksonville State in 2020. Entering Saturday, he had completed 43 of 70 passes for 550 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s not nearly the runner Travis is, with 19 carries for 7 yards. — Navarro
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How this could impact Travis’ draft prospects
Time will tell if the injury itself will drop Travis’ grades from NFL teams. But this appears it will sideline him for the draft process, which means missed opportunities to perform in an all-star game, combine and workouts with teams. Travis was considered a Day 3 draft pick (rounds four through seven) by NFL scouts before the injury and might not have a chance to get on the field again before the draft to help that projection. — Dane Brugler, NFL Draft writer
Travis’ injury means Florida State could miss an opportunity to contend for a title with the most talented group it’s had since 2013. For Travis specifically, though, it sets up even more of an uphill climb in the 2024 NFL Draft class — he’s competing with several draft-eligible QBs who don’t have the same kind of size and arm talent questions as he does. This offseason would’ve allowed Travis to show his leadership skills and unique athletic traits to NFL teams. I felt he was a Day 3 pick before the injury, and that status likely hangs in the balance of his recovery timeline. — Diante Lee, NFL Draft writer
What they’re saying
Former Heisman Trophy-winning FSU quarterback Jameis Winston, who was in attendance for Saturday’s game wearing a Travis jersey, told the CW: “I just want to continue to encourage him to stay resilient and continue to persevere. I think he’s the epitome of that with his journey and his college football career. He was having one of the best years ever in college football and I’m grateful to be rocking his jersey. … I just want to pray for his family. He’s going to be fine. I know he will.” — Navarro
Tim Tebow, a former Heisman winner at Florida, sent Travis his well wishes on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Seminoles play the Gators next week.
Breaks my heart to see @jordantrav13
Amazing player and an even better young man! You’re such a great example. I can only imagine how much your body and heart hurt right now. Praying for you brother 🙏
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) November 19, 2023
Required reading
(Photo: Charles LeClaire / USA Today)
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