FSU RED-HOT ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL
Florida State football finished the 2024 season with a 2-10 record. The Seminoles struggled to maintain consistency after winning the ACC and then being snubbed in the College Football Playoff by a one-loss Alabama team in 2023.
Fans thought Florida State did the right thing by fighting for head football coach Mike Norvell when the Crimson Tide pursued him after the legendary Nick Saban retired. Once Norvell led his squad to a 2-10 record, all of those "good vibes" were out the window.
Individuals knew that Norvell could recruit in the transfer portal, given his track record with players such as Jermaine Johnson II, Keon Coleman, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Trey Benson (there are many more that I could name). However, some were wondering how it would translate to high school recruits.
The Seminoles are currently ranked as the 10th-best recruiting class in the 2026 cycle with the addition of four-star defensive lineman Earnest Rankins, according to 247Sports Composite. Even with the productive haul, I want to highlight three positions that I am worried about for the Seminoles' 2026 recruiting class.
1. DEFENSIVE END
Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of the pickups that assistant coach Terrance Knighton has grabbed in the recruiting class with four-star James Carrington, four-star Tico Crittendon, four-star Earnest Rankins, and three-star Wihtlley Cadeau. However, all of them can be classified as interior pieces.
It stings to lose out on top talent like five-star Trenton Henderson, four-star Tristian Givens (Texas A&M commit), four-star Jamarrion Matthews (Alabama commit), four-star Zavion Griffin-Haynes (UNC commit), four-star Cam Brooks (Cal commit), and four-star Kamron Wilson (Syracuse commit). Their one true option that has interest is three-star Chris Addison, who will be announcing this month.
2. OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Florida State offensive line coach Herb Hand has picked up the pace in recruiting, where he has landed three-star offensive linemen Michael Ionata, Jakobe Green, and Luke Francis. The Seminoles have mutually parted ways with three-star offensive tackle commit Xavier Payne recently.
I like the new pickups that they have received, but all of them are interior offensive linemen. Florida State needs two more offensive tackles in its class to build talented depth. They missed out on tackles such as four-star Johnnie Jones, four-star Samuel Roseborough, four-star Canon Pickett, and four-star Ben Mubenga.
3. LINEBACKER
Linebacker recruiting has been a top concern for years with the Florida State Seminoles, whether it was Chris Marve, Randy Shannon, or John Papuchis, fans discuss it in a negative light. I realize that the current rotation of Elijah Herring, Stefon Thompson, Omar Graham Jr., Justin Cryer, Blake Nichelson, and others is talented.
However, they want to see the depth at the position to be filled with four-star prospects (at least). The Seminoles have four-star Karon Maycock and three-star Noah LaVallee in the fold, but they want more. Defensive coordinator Tony White uses a bunch of linebackers in his multiple 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Having four-star DQ Forkpa and/or four-star Rodney Colton Jr. could make fans very happy.