FSU football: 2026 ATH Darryl Bell III announces commitment to the Noles

FSU football has been phenomenal on the gridiron this season where they have already gotten on to a 5-0 start for the first time since 2015 after defeating the likes of LSU and Clemson.

Even with the success of the football field, some fans were questioning when it would pay dividends on the recruiting trail especially considering that FSU has not secured a commitment since the month of August when five-star safety KJ Bolden from Buford, Georgia, pledged with the Seminoles.

On Monday afternoon, Class of 2026 defensive back Darryl Bell III from Barbara Goleman Senior High School in Miami, Florida, announced his commitment to Florida State. The talented prospect plays strong safety, cornerback, and wide receiver at his high school.

Bell III received offers from schools such as Florida State, Louisville, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, and Bethune-Cookman. The athlete has shown mutual interest in the Seminoles’ program after they extended an offer back on May 5th.

FSU has already secured one commitment in their 2026 recruiting class with four-star athlete Devin Carter from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia. They are ranked No. 5 in the 2026 247Sports Composite rankings.

I completely understand the reasoning behind not getting too excited about a 2026 prospect considering that it is so far into the future before he ultimately elects to enroll in Tallahassee. However, it is important to note that Bell III is a talented prospect that very versatile.

While it is quite surprising that the South Florida native committed to the Seminoles this early in the process, the coaching staff does a phenomenal job of evaluating highly-touted prospects early on.

For reference, FSU football offered four-star quarterback Luke Kromenhoek from Benedictine Military in Savannah, Georgia. The Seminoles offered the signal caller on June 18, 2021, before he was even a starter for his high school team.

Head football coach Mike Norvell and company is setting up a solid foundation for the program. Recruits are starting to take notice of the Seminoles’ efforts on the football field.