Everett Golson to Florida State: Seminoles Land Former Notre Dame QB

Everett Golson will finish his collegiate career in Tallahassee. The former Notre Dame quarterback will transfer to Florida State, ending a short process that began earlier this month.   

The team confirmed the news: 

Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports passed along a statement Tuesday from Golson discussing the move:

"

This past weekend has been a defining moment in my life as I am proud to say I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. The support I've received there over the past four years has helped strengthen my integrity, wisdom and character. I would like to thank all of the coaches who spent time speaking with me these past few weeks and considered adding me to their football programs. Their interest and sincerity was truly humbling. After much thought and careful consideration, I will utilize my fifth year of eligibility to join the Florida State University Seminoles. To coach Jimbo Fisher, the Florida State football team, staff, alumni and fans, thank you for allowing me to become part of the Seminoles family. I can't wait to get started.

"

Golson, who will be eligible to play immediately, released a statement (via Brett McMurphy of ESPN.com) on May 7 declaring his intent to transfer from South Bend:

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I would like to thank everyone at Notre Dame for the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college football but most importantly to obtain my degree from one of the finest universities in the country. To all the Fighting Irish fans I want to thank you for the support over the past four years and let you know I truly love Notre Dame! To my former teammates, who I will miss tremendously, I wish much success in the future and will be your biggest fan from afar.

"

Wide receiver Ermon Lane and linebacker Jake Pugh were both excited to see Golson join the Seminoles:

Golson's stint at Notre Dame had its ups and downs. As a redshirt freshman, he led the Irish to an undefeated regular season before losing in the national championship game to Alabama. Expected to return a better, more mature player as a sophomore, Golson's career was put on hold for a year after he used "poor judgment on a test," violating the honor code.

He returned in 2014 and recaptured the starting job, throwing for 3,445 yards and 29 touchdowns. However, Golson also struggled all season with turnovers, throwing 14 interceptions and losing eight fumbles. Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly benched him for stretches in favor of Malik Zaire, a talented sophomore who is expected to win the starting job in 2015.

Despite his struggles, Golson was not lacking for potential suitors. McMurphy listed Alabama, Texas, Florida, Florida State and LSU among the early contenders for his services. Each of those programs needs an influx of talent following the departure of former stars or due to the lack of development of the current depth chart.

Golson choosing the Seminoles likely comes with assurances he'll at least get to compete for the starting job in camp. 

ESPN's David Hale pointed out that the quarterback will face a struggle to be ready for the start of the season in Jimbo Fisher's offense:

With time running out on Golson's college career, a lot will be riding on that battle. 

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.