FSU football coaches received a commitment from Ernest Rankins on Wednesday afternoon. He's the highest-ranked commit in the 2026 FSU recruiting class. Things could change if FSU lands coveted cornerback Chauncey Kennon, but if not, it would be the second consecutive class that has a defensive lineman (Kevin Wynn) as the top signee if Rankins signs in December.
Rankins is the third defensive tackle in the class, and they all have great size and potential:
- Earnest Rankins: 6'4" and 265 pounds (4-star)
- Tico Crittendon: 6'4" and 300 pounds (4-star)
- Wihtlley Cadeau: 6'5" and 295 pounds (3-star)
We could add in Luke Francis at 6'5" and 335 pounds if it doesn't work out for him on the offensive line.
This is arguably the best defensive line class on paper since 2017 when Jimbo Fisher landed Marvin Wilson (5-star), Ja'len Parks (4-star), and Cory Durden (3-star).
That defensive tackle class ultimately failed to live up to its rankings, but landing these quality players is half of the battle.
FSU had only signed one blue-chip defensive tackle (KJ Sampson in the 2023 class) since 2018 before signing top-100 defensive tackle Kevin Wynn in December.
FSU paired Wynn with one of the top JUCO defensive tackles, Tyeland Coleman, last year.
FSU has also added some big bodies during the Winter Transfer Portal. FSU is recruiting grown men again for this position, which is a departure from the Willie Taggart days and early COVID years under Mike Norvell.
Rankins will need to add about 30 pounds, but the other two guys are already near their playing weight. It's about getting stronger and improving technique instead of spending two years re-shaping their bodies before they contribute.
The future is bright at the position and they have a proven defensive coordinator that can maximize their ability and development. They have to keep these guys in the fold, but Tony White and Terrance Knighton have done work on the recruiting trail so far!