Brief

Florida State dismisses top recruit Chuck Kennon after high‑speed chase and felony charges

The 18‑year‑old was arrested following a weekend pursuit that ended with a flat‑tire stop and a fleeing suspect.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:32:21 GMT

Florida State University dismissed freshman cornerback Chuck Kennon on Tuesday after a weekend high‑speed chase and subsequent felony arrest, the school confirmed to multiple outlets.

According to UPI, police first flagged Kennon’s Dodge Durango for traveling 79 mph in a 50‑mph zone in Tampa early Sunday. The pursuit escalated, with the SUV reportedly exceeding 150 mph, running a red light and striking a curb before a flat tire forced it to stop. An officer observed Kennon fleeing into an industrial plant, and a woman who had been in the vehicle later told police she had asked to be let out repeatedly as he drove recklessly.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office records show Kennon turned himself in on Monday and is now held at Falkenburg Road Jail. Court documents list three charges: aggravated fleeing to elude (second‑degree felony), false imprisonment (third‑degree felony) and resisting an officer without violence (misdemeanor).

FSU announced Kennon’s dismissal, stating the action was taken for conduct detrimental to the team. The 6‑foot‑2, 186‑pound recruit, the 51st overall national prospect and the sixth‑best cornerback in the 2026 class per 247Sports, appeared in only one game – a 38‑7 win over Virginia on Oct. 3 – without recording any statistics.

Kennon, a Sarasota native who chose Florida State over more than three dozen offers, was the highest‑ranked defensive back for the Seminoles since four‑star Charles Lester III in 2024. His removal adds to recent challenges for head coach Mike Norvell, who is under pressure after a 44‑20 loss to Louisville.

Key facts

• Chuck Kennon was dismissed from Florida State's football program. (nypost.com)
• He faced three charges: aggravated fleeing to elude, false imprisonment, and resisting an officer without violence. (nypost.com)
• The police chase began after Kennon's SUV was clocked at 79 mph in a 50‑mph zone and later exceeded 150 mph. (nypost.com)
• Kennon appeared in only one game this season, a 38‑7 victory over Virginia on Oct. 3, with no recorded stats. (nypost.com)
• He was the 51st overall recruit nationally and the sixth‑best cornerback in the 2026 class. (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Florida State dismisses top football recruit after 150-mph car chase, felony arrest”