Prediction: Florida State Seminoles to flip bluechip USC Trojans pledge

For some time, Central Catholic (California) four-star offensive lineman Manasse Itete appeared to be a Florida State Seminoles lean. 

But by the time the 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive tackle, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, announce his decision in early June, USC had emerged as the team-to-beat.

Of course, that wasn't yet official.

Prediction: Manasse Itete to flip to Florida State Seminoles

Itete nearly committed to Florida State after his unofficial visit in mid-April.

“It was pretty good," Itete told SBLive Sports at the time. "When I first got there, it was unbelievable. I wasn’t expecting the way they greeted me. When I arrived it was unbelievable. It was a pretty good time. It wasn’t just something to excite me. It’s the way they are.”

Rather than committing, however, Itete waited, took a lone official visit to USC and announced his decision immediately after the trip. 

Still, it always felt like Florida State could remain in the mix as long as it continued to prioritize the versatile offensive line prospect. 

That effort has finally broken through, and it looks as though Itete is ready to flip - possibly Friday.

Florida State's 2024 recruiting class consists of 17 pledges and is ranked No. 14 nationally. 

That group has just two offensive linemen in the fold thus far, Pine Forest (Florida) three-star interior offensive lineman Jonathan Daniels and Oviedo (Florida) three-star lineman Tye Hylton. 

Itete would immediately be the headliner of the position group, and that should happen sooner rather than later. 

Junior season highlights