Big 10 Top Defensive Powerhouse Officially Commits to FSU

FSU has added a new member to its linebacker corps. Stefon Thompson, standing at 6’1″ and weighing 248 pounds, joins the Seminoles after stints with the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Syracuse Orange. He will now call Tallahassee home.

The Seminoles made the signing official on Sunday.

“Stefon is a player we pursued intensely last year,” said Norvell. “He has demonstrated great versatility and playmaking ability. I’m excited to see what he brings to our linebacker group and how he will enhance the unit.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thompson was a rotational player during his single season at Nebraska, appearing in 11 games and starting one. He ended the season with 27 tackles, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble.

At Syracuse, Thompson played primarily as an EDGE rusher but still had an impressive career, totaling 169 tackles (20 TFL), 10.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He started 21 of 36 games for the Orange.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though his role was less defined in last year’s transfer cycle, the FSU staff is confident that Thompson can successfully adapt, given his familiarity with Tony White’s defensive system.

A graduate of Vance High School in Charlotte, NC, Thompson has one year of eligibility left.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From his FSU bio:

• Stefon Thompson transferred to Florida State after one season at Nebraska and four years at Syracuse, where he played under current FSU defensive coordinator Tony White. He made 22 starts and appeared in 47 games, totaling 199 tackles, 20 TFL, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 11 QB hurries. Thompson set a career-high 10 tackles vs. Pittsburgh (2021) and recorded 4.0 TFL as a freshman at Syracuse. He earned a spot on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll in 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From his Nebraska bio:

• In 2024, Stefon Thompson played in 11 games with one start, recording 27 tackles, a career-high two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. He made his Nebraska debut against UTEP with two tackles and his first career pass breakup. Thompson had six tackles in a start against Northern Iowa and five in his Big Ten debut against Illinois. He missed the Purdue game but returned to record one tackle against Rutgers. Thompson posted three tackles at Indiana, two tackles at Ohio State, and two tackles with a pass breakup against UCLA. He also totaled two tackles at USC and three tackles at Wisconsin, where he had his first career fumble recovery. Thompson ended the season with one tackle against Iowa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before Nebraska (Zebulon B. Vance HS/Syracuse)

• In 2023, Stefon Thompson played all 13 games for Syracuse, starting one, and recorded 52 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He had a season-high eight tackles at North Carolina and two tackles for loss against Boston College. In 2022, he redshirted after a season-ending injury in the first game.

  In 2021, Thompson started all 12 games, finishing second on the team with 79 tackles, six sacks, and eight tackles for loss. He set a career-high with 10 tackles against Pittsburgh. As a freshman in 2020, he had 35 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks.

  Thompson starred at Zebulon B. Vance High, leading his team to a state championship with 162 tackles, 13 sacks, and 26 tackles for loss. He also rushed for 540 yards and 10 touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal

• Stefon is the son of Yolanda Patrick, and he was born on Oct. 29, 2002. He is majoring in child, youth and family studies.