Florida State football didn't finish how they would have liked in 2025, where they finished with a 5-7 record. However, the silver lining is that last year's recruiting class members had extensive playing opportunities and made the most of them.
Overall, the Seminoles are not into the moral victories of developing players because they have an ultimate goal of competing for championships. Having six losing seasons in eight years will not make that mindset a fairy tale.
The solution to the issue is to continue acquiring pieces to the roster via the transfer portal (something that I don't believe Dabo Swinney will explore again) and the high school recruiting ranks. Here are a few high school recruits for whom Florida State sits in a nice spot.
1. Four-star WR Jabari Watkins
Florida State has not secured a wide receiver prospect in its 2027 cycle, but fans know that assistant coach Tim Harris has done a tremendous job in stockpiling talent, as it did in last year's class. Four-star wide receiver Jabari Watkins from Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia, visited Florida State this weekend for its Junior Day, and the pass catcher mentioned that the Seminoles were sitting in a good spot for his recruitment.
2. Four-star DE Frederick Ards
Florida State already landed four-star defensive end Anthony Cavallaro in its class, but assistant coach Nick Williams isn't finished with acquiring highly talented pass rushers. The Seminoles had four-star defensive end Frederick Ards on campus for Junior Day, and even though schools like Florida and South Carolina are making their pitches, the connection with Coach Williams is genuine.
3. Four-star DE Jabarrius Garror (Alabama commit)
Florida State fans get PTSD every time a prospect from the state of Alabama is interested in the Seminoles, ever since the Keldric Faulk debacle. However, four-star defensive end Jabarrius Garror from Vigor High School in Mobile, Alabama, is someone that the program needs to secure. He is currently committed to Alabama, but he has visited Florida State on different occasions and is looking for the Seminoles to produce a winning product.