FSU will add another recruit to the 2026 recruiting class during tomorrow's "traditional" signing day, but it probably won't get a lot of attention.
Darin Townsend, an in-state defensive back from Largo, will sign with the Seminoles and be part of the final 105-man roster. Much of the end of the roster is filled with walk-ons that have been grandfathered in or more developmental players like Townsend, that the staff believes can help in various ways, be it on the scout team, special teams or in other ways of game-week prep.
Beyond blessed and thankful for this opportunity. After an amazing visit Friday, I’m proud to announce my commitment to Florida State University!
— Darin Townsend (@DarinT727) February 2, 2026
Thank you to the FSU coaching staff for believing in me and welcoming me like family. Can’t wait to get to work!@FSUFootball… pic.twitter.com/olTq7z7FPZ
FSU adds in-state defensive back to 2026 class
Although most of the final spots on 105-man roster have been filled with grandfathered walk-ons, we can expect to see more late moves like these in the future where a program has an additional scholarship or two available to take a player they hope they can build through the program. Townsend had offers from FCS programs such as Howard and Monmouth, but is going to gamble on himself to breakthrough with the 'Noles. He made the All-Pinellas County team while at Largo
Personally, I like end-of-the-roster additions like these because there's next to no risk, and it's a good chance to take a flyer on a kid that the staff likes, but he's short of a few measurables that the large majority of FBS prospects have. The evaluations on these players is usually how they can help on special teams. Maybe Townsend develops into a rotational defensive back in 3–4 years, but if he becomes a reliable member of the punt coverage team over time, that's a win.
So congratulations to Townsend, who will have the opportunity to live out a dream to play football at FSU.
Where was FSU's 2026 recruiting class ranked?
The Seminoles' 2026 recruiting class was ranked 16th according to 247Sports. That's a composite ranking that includes the rankings of the high school class (14th) and transfer portal class (26th). It's the seventh time that an FSU recruiting class led by Mike Norvell failed to finish inside the top 10.