Florida State makes it official, Francois will start vs. Ole Miss

After presumptive starter Sean Maguire went down with a foot injury, it was expected that redshirt freshman Deondre Francois would step in as the starting quarterback for Florida State's opener. On Saturday, Jimbo Fisher confirmed Francois would get the nod.

"Most definitely," Fisher said. "Deondre will start the opener."

Francois will be under center Sept. 5 when the fourth-ranked Seminoles take on No. 11 Ole Miss in Orlando.

Maguire, who returned to practice on Friday, underwent foot surgery in mid-August that was expected to keep him out for at least four weeks. Francois was the heavy favorite to get the gig in Maguire's absence, though Fisher had not made any official declaration. He joked about the situation after making the announcement.

"If you didn't think it was official a long time ago, I'm worried about you," Fisher said.

Francois was ranked as the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback and 42nd overall prospect in the 2015 recruiting class by ESPN. He comes in with high expectations, but doesn't believe the pressure will be too much to handle.

"I don't think the lights will be too bright," Francois said. "I believe in my preparation. Everything Coach Fisher has taught me is to be humble, trust the process. If I prepare well and continue to do everything he tells me to do, I feel like I'll be fine."