Florida State head coach Mike Norvell decided to heavily invest in his 2026 high school recruiting class. It’s the largest high school recruiting class in his tenure, with over 30 players signed. FSU did a solid job retaining several experienced contributors from the 2025 season, but only added 23 transfers from the portal.
That likely means Florida State will depend on several young players to make contributions in the 2026 season. That’s not a great recipe for success, but FSU had some success with freshmen making an impact in 2025. The often mentioned Desir Twins, Ousmane Kromah, Shamar Arnoux(transferred out), Jayvan Boggs (before injuries), made an impact.
The transfer portal additions will play key roles, but some of the new players will be counted on. The good news is that FSU had 27 of those players to enroll early this spring.
The benefits of enrolling early are immense and will improve their chances of becoming contributors. They’ll have time to learn the plays, develop physically, and form bonds with their teammates. Players like Jalen Anderson, Jaemin Pinckney, Ernest Rankings, Chris Carbin, Franklin Whitley, Izayia Williams(if healthy), Chauncey Kennon, Chris Thomas, and Cam Brooks could all find themselves on the field in 2026.
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FSU needs more help on the defensive side, particularly in the trenches and off the edge as pass rushers. Luckily, the majority of the players mentioned are on the defensive side of the ball. Here’s a total list of early enrollees:
- Chauncey Kennon-CB
- Izayia Williams-LB
- Jasen Lopez-WR
- Earnest Rankins-DT
- Franklin Whitley-DT
- Devin Carter-WR
- Efrem White-WR
- Jaemin Pinckney-DE
- Jalen Anderson-DE
- Darryl Bell III-S
- Amari Thomas-RB
- Jordan Crutchfield-S
- Corbyn Fordham-TE
- Wihtley Cadeau-DT
- Cam Brooks-DE
- Chris Carbin-DE
- Jakobe Green-OL
- Jaden O’Neal-QB
- Daylen Green-ATH
- Darryon Williams-WR
- Karon Maycock-LB
- Steven Moore-OL
- Noah LaVallee-LB
- Michael Ionata-OL
- Luke Francis-DL
- Steven Pickard-OL
- Chris Thomas-LB
The 2026 schedule doesn’t give these young guys much time to get their feet wet, but I’d rather have them as early enrollees who could potentially contribute than not.