The Florida State coaching staff looks to finish the 2025 season with a win over the Florida Gators on Saturday to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2023. The other thing on the mind of the coaching staff is closing strong with its 2026 recruiting class from the high school ranks.
FSU lost two commitments from its 2026 defensive back recruiting class over the last few weeks when Jay Timmons flipped to Ohio State and Tedarius Hughes flipped to Syracuse.
The flipping wasn't complete as three-star Sean Johnson decided to flip his commitment to the in-state Maryland Terrapins on Friday night.
Breaking: Maryland picks up its third flip commitment of the week, landing Spalding DB Sean Johnson from Florida State pic.twitter.com/mmmC25BOg6
— Inside the Black & Gold (@Insideblackgold) November 29, 2025
Johnson hails from Maryland, so that's the only thing that makes sense, considering he didn't even take an official visit there in this recruiting cycle. He did take an unofficial visit there last weekend, and it's possible Maryland gave additional incentives.
Maryland was in a similar position as FSU, with news breaking that they were going to part ways with head coach Mike Locksley before deciding to keep him.
FSU has three defensive backs in the 2026 recruiting class. FSU has 27 total commits, which ranks No. 15 nationally.
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Johnson was a solid player, but likely wasn't someone who would make an impact as a player early in his career. Will FSU look to add another defensive back commitment between now and the Early Signing Period?
I don't think there are any viable targets unless they find someone in the JUCO ranks. They can always add someone in the transfer portal window.