FSU FOOTBALL RECRUITING
Florida State football had a big swing and miss for many targets this past weekend. Recruiting was red-hot during the summer for the Seminoles, but someone seemingly put a damper on it.
Four-star running back Amari Thomas decided to back off of his pledge on Friday afternoon, and now looks to be thinking about South Carolina being a realistic option. While the running back group is talented with former four-star Ousmane Kromah, I would like for the Seminoles to grab a prospect in the 2026 cycle.
As it stands, I feel the same way about the defensive line group. Position coach Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton has recruited some solid pieces to the room with four-star James Carrington, four-star Earnest Rankins, four-star Tico Crittendon, and three-star Wihtlley Cadeau committed to the fold.
However, my concern was that I wanted to see the Seminoles grab a true defensive end prospect. After striking out on a four-star Kamron Wilson, three-star Chris Addison, and three-star Katrell Webb, I thought that Florida State might not be able to locate one.
NOT SO FAST, MY FRIEND
In the wise words of legendary College Gameday personality and former Florida State football player and coach Lee Corso: "Not so fast, my friend!"
Florida State decided to offer Class of 2026 four-star DeAnthony Lafayette (LSU commit) from Lake Nona High School in Orlando, Florida.
#AGTG Blessed to recieve an offer from @Coach_Knighton to play at the @FSUFootball @daubrey52 @trenchmenAC @chadmavety55 @TomLoy247 @ChadSimmons_ @BrianDohn247 @On3Keith @SWiltfong_ @JohnGarcia_Jr @GregBiggins @BrandonHuffman @adamgorney @odellhaggins @gross904 pic.twitter.com/czclaB0Hp1
— DeAnthony “4⭐️” Lafayette 6’1 230 OLB/EDGE (@DeAnthony2_18) July 18, 2025
I wish the Seminoles had offered sooner, since he just pledged to the Tigers on July 10th. However, I suppose it's better late than never. During his junior season in 2024, he recorded 73 tackles, 40 quarterback hurries, and 17.5 sacks.
I expect that Florida State will try to get him on campus for an official/unofficial visit this year in Doak Campbell Stadium to watch the Seminoles play. The coaching staff expects that the program will have a much better year than 2024.
Overall, I like the offer by Florida State here, but I wish it had been done sooner, given that he is from Orlando.