Major FSU offensive line target commits to Auburn - what's next on the OL?

The 2026 FSU recruiting class has three offensive linemen, but the Noles need offensive tackles and lost a major target when four-star Wilson Zierer committed to the Auburn Tigers on Thursday.

Zierer has ties to Auburn because his brother played there, but also has ties to Gus Malzahn and Herb Hand, who coached his brother. The Noles were surprisingly in the mix for Zierer, but Auburn only had nine commits and is probably willing to spend some money to get some players in their recruiting class that's ranked in the 70s.

Zierer is 6'6" and weighs 280 pounds. He's not a guy who'll start in year one, but could project into a nice player eventually.

What's next for FSU?

FSU only has one other blue-chip offensive line target, it's Da'Ron Parks. The in-state product is 6'5" and 350 pounds. He's the No. 312 player nationally and No. 48 player in the Sunshine State. FSU is battling Ohio State, Kentucky, and Auburn.

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Ohio State already has three offensive tackles in its class. Auburn has two, and Kentucky has two. FSU has been in a solid position with Parks since his official visit. He'll probably need to reshape his body with his weight if he wants to play tackle.

Nevertheless, FSU needs more offensive linemen, and he's the only uncommitted blue-chip target the coaches have a relationship with. He will announce his commitment on July 26th. If FSU can't seal the deal with Parks, they'll likely need to flip 1-2 targets from other schools, banking that they have a bad year and FSU exceeds expectations.  

FSU also landed two players in the Spring Transfer Portal, which was like signing two freshman offensive linemen in the 2025 class. The margin of error is small, but taking those players was a smart play on Herb Hand's part.