May 19, 2015 02:11 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

After nearly two weeks of school visits all over the southeastern U.S., former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson will land at Florida State.

According to ESPN, Golson finalized his decision Tuesday, a few days after he graduated from the University of Notre Dame. Thanks to the NCAA's transfer rules for graduates, he will be able to play this season without missing any time, but may have to leapfrog Sean Maguire for the starting role.

News of Golson's transfer came first from Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman.

"After much thought and careful consideration, I will utilize my fifth year of eligibility to join the Florida State University Seminoles," Golson said in a statement. "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. Go Noles!"

Golson never disclosed what led him to leave Notre Dame, but the graduate transfer rule likely made his decision to look elsewhere easier. His transfer is sure to re-ignite the debate over whether or not the NCAA should nix its rule all together.

For undergraduates, transferring requires them to sit out one season unless they can obtain a waiver from their new conference and the NCAA allowing them to play right away. Waivers are most commonly granted to student-athletes transferring from a school in the midst of a tumultuous situation.

Golson was also reportedly considering several SEC schools, but could well have been discouraged by the conference's transfer policy that may have barred him from playing. Golson has already lost out on one season due to academic misconduct at Notre Dame.

"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," Golson said in his statement. "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."

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