Quarterback McKenzie Milton commits to transfer to Florida State

Quarterback McKenzie Milton won’t be going long in his transfer from the University of Central Florida, just 260 miles up the state to Florida State, it was announced Sunday.

Milton, clad in a Seminoles jersey, posted the message: “Committed.”

“It’s a great opportunity to play at the biggest level on one of the most historic teams in college football,” Milton told ESPN.

Milton said two weeks ago that he would transfer from UCF, where he had started as a freshman out of Mililani High. He had an array of choices after entering the NCAA transfer portal before settling on the Seminoles.

FSU coach Mike Norvell, who can’t directly comment on Milton’s status until the transfer becomes official, nevertheless tweeted, “Great day to be a Florida State Seminole!!! #NoleFamily with a big time addition from the #808to850 #Aloha…”

Milton added, “You see Florida State, the garnet and gold, it speaks for itself,” telling ESPN, “The (fame of) the people that have come through there, Deion Sanders, Charlie Ward, Jameis Winston, it speaks for itself. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. It’s something I don’t take for granted, especially what I’ve been through the past two years. It’s a very special opportunity, and I feel like we can get that thing turned around in the near future.”

Milton, who finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2017, suffered severe knee, ligament and nerve injuries in the final regular season game of 2018 that nearly resulted in the loss of his right leg.

A remarkable comeback has seen him running the scout team in practice for UCF this season and there had been rumors he might play at some point late in the season this year for the Knights.

Milton brought his Trojan understudy, Dillon Gabriel, to the attention of UCF coaches in 2018 and Gabriel became the team’s starting quarterback as freshman in 2019 and has led the nation in passing for much of the 2020 season.

“I know my clock is ticking,” Milton said earlier. “I’ve only got one more year to play, and the momentum Dillon has, I wouldn’t want any controversy in the locker room. He’s earned the right to be the starter here at UCF. I see that, and I feel it’s best for both UCF and myself that I move on elsewhere. I’m trying to chase the dream of playing in the NFL, so I’ve got to give myself the best opportunity to do that.”