FSU is on a bit of a late run in recruiting, gathering some commits on the defensive side of the ball and the staff finally got an edge rusher in the class.
But as additions are made, subtractions are always possible and 4-star defensive back Tedarius Hughes is going to be one prospect that likely won't be signing with the Seminoles in early December. After months of rumors, Hughes officially flipped his pledge from Florida State to Syracuse.
BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Tedarius Hughes has Flipped his Commitment from Florida State to Syracuse, he tells me for @rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) November 4, 2025
The 6’3 180 S had been Committed to the Seminoles since July 2024
“It was just a matter of time #Cusenation I’m home 🍊” https://t.co/GGMCWW95Sd pic.twitter.com/fMjcpeTruV
This is not a big surprise. Hughes has been teetering on his commitment for a while and said he was going to keep his recruitment open. The lines of communication between the staff and Hughes were not what you'd expect from a player committed to a program and, in all likelihood, the staff had considered Hughes a non-commit for a while.
What does Hughes' decommitment mean?
It means the defensive back class at FSU is a little less strong today than it was previous to this move. Hughes is a big, versatile, athletic prospect in the secondary that goes about 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. FSU has made getting bigger defensive backs a priority and Hughes is a prospect that fits that profile.
This also means that the staff is going to really have to double down to keep legacy recruit Jay Timmons in the class. Timmons just took an official visit to Ohio State, and it's safe to say that anytime the No. 1 team in the country is going after one of your guys, there's a legitimate reason for concern.
Ohio State impressed elite Florida State CB commit Jay Timmons over the weekend, @SWiltfong_ reports🌰
— Rivals (@Rivals) November 3, 2025
“It’s hard to compare but I’m just grateful to be in the position i’m in and a decision will be made soon.”
Read: https://t.co/OT0GpOKOX4 pic.twitter.com/O4wyO1ebMX
That doesn't even take into account that Texas is going hard after FSU linebacker commit Karon Maycock.
Where is FSU's recruiting class ranked?
The class has been consistently ranked inside the top 15, and it's currently at No. 13. The recent additions, while much-needed positive momentum, probably don't move the needle like landing a prospect rated in the top 150–200 nationally.
But Mike Norvell and the staff are in a position where they have to play offense and defense right now. Getting players like 3-star edge rusher Chris Carbin and 3-star defensive lineman Franklin Whitley are good prospects to round out the class. However, if the Seminoles lose Timmons and Maycock, it's an even trade at best.