Former Pitt outfielder AJ Nessler has officially pledged to join Florida State University’s baseball program for the 2027 season, a move that comes after a recent court decision restored his eligibility for an additional year. The commitment was first reported by multiple collegiate sports outlets and marks the culmination of a lengthy recruitment process that had been clouded by legal challenges surrounding his eligibility.
Eligibility Relief Clears Path
Nessler’s journey to the Seminoles began at Tampa Jesuit High School in Florida, where he graduated as part of the class of 2022 alongside teammate Jamie Arnold. After a standout prep career, he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, quickly becoming a regular starter in the outfield.
Following a transfer to the University of Central Florida for his sophomore season, Nessler returned to the Pitt lineup for his junior and senior years, appearing in 156 career games with 137 starts at Pitt and 36 at UCF. In his senior campaign he started every game except one, primarily batting leadoff and playing both center and left field.
At the plate he posted a .310 batting average with a .410 on‑base percentage and a .496 slugging percentage over 232 at‑bats, while stealing 13 bases in 14 attempts. He added six doubles, five triples and nine home runs, drove in 42 runs, scored 64, and recorded three outfield assists with two errors.
Looking Ahead at Florida State
Nessler will now transition to Tallahassee, where he hopes to bring his blend of speed, power and experience to a program that has been building momentum under its new coaching staff. Coaches at Florida State have praised his work ethic and versatility, noting that his shared high‑school background with Jamie Arnold could foster additional chemistry within the squad.