The Booing Didn’t Hold Back Jordan Travis From Being A Potential Heisman Candidate

After splattering LSU like a bug on a windshield on Sunday night, Florida State put the entire country on notice. The Seminoles came out on fire in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 45-24. There aren’t many top-10 games that conclude with over a quarter of trash time. A terrific performance was given by their QB Jordan Travis.

The Booing Didn’t Hold Back Jordan Travis From Being A Potential Heisman Candidate

The Seminoles scored on five of their six second-half possessions, powered by a terrific performance by star quarterback Jordan Travis on the national stage. The only time the offence did not score in the final two quarters was when they kneeled out the clock to seal the game.

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The nagging in his brain that he isn’t good enough became stronger in 2019 after transferring to FSU, his “dream school,” where the coaching staff believed he had skill but wasn’t convinced he was a genuine QB. The voice became so strong that when he walked the practice field in 2020 with Mike Norvell and a new coaching staff, he failed to throw a spiral consistently.

Travis didn’t need to listen to the voice as he hobbled off the field against Notre Dame in the 2021 season opener, bruised after his third interception of the game.

Instead, 80,000 fans informed him.

“There’s so many different emotions running through your mind,” Travis said. “It sucks. Being a fan of Florida State for so long, going out on the field, it’s like dang you got booed.”

“I’m doing everything I can, and they’re booing me,” he told his dad. “What am I playing for?”

The 2020 season was already a disaster due to the COVID-19 epidemic, and FSU’s quarterback dilemma exacerbated the matter. Four other quarterbacks started that season, including Travis, who showed flashes of talent, notably as a runner, but completed only 55% of his passes and threw six interceptions.

He was on the verge of quitting football, but he mustered all of his strength to persevere.

“Dad, let’s go,” he said. “I’m ready to play football again.”

The next day during practice, Travis approached Norvell and took him aside.

“I don’t care how I feel,” Travis told him, “I’m playing in this game.”

Travis made enough growth for coaches to feel he would be the team’s starting quarterback in 2021.

Travis demonstrated that he’s hungry for more in his last season at Florida State after having a breakout 2022 season. After handing the ball over in the second quarter, he recovered by completing 23/31 passes for 342 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, while also running for a score.

Travis completed 11 consecutive passes in the second and fourth quarters. He went 10/11 for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. Travis surpassed Jameis Winston and moved into a tie for second in program history in total touchdowns (75) with Chris Rix.

“Everything Jordan’s gone through has made him the player he is today,” said his father, Tony Travis. “He appreciates it. He enjoys it now. I think it made him a much more well-rounded kid. He wasn’t given anything. He had to get out there and earn it every day, fight for it. And when God figured it was the right time, he got it.”

Travis’ performance against the Tigers has gotten him a lot of attention thus far this season. Travis now has some of the best odds (+600) in the country to win the Heisman Trophy heading into Week 2. He is only 400 points behind USC’s Caleb Williams (+400), who won the title last year.

Travis is a starting quarterback. He can, indeed, throw. Yes, he can take Florida State past Clemson, win the ACC, and reach the College Football Playoff. Yes, he enjoys football more than anything else. How could he have been so sure?

“I’m 23 years old, and I’ve been through a lot in my career,” Travis said. “It’s not always going to be perfect, but it’s about how you respond to things, both good and bad. I just tried to keep my head straight and focus because I knew the time was coming. And eventually, it clicked.”

 

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