Florida State football didn’t have the offseason it hoped for, but it might’ve just scored one of its most important wins - and it came off the field.
After a disappointing 5-7 finish in 2025, the Seminoles faced a flurry of roster questions heading into the new year. Between the transfer portal and NIL negotiations, head coach Mike Norvell and his staff were in full retention mode. And for a while, it wasn’t clear if they’d be able to hold on to two of their most promising young defenders - the Desir twins.
Mandrell and Darryll Desir, both defensive linemen out of Miami Norland, were part of FSU’s 2025 recruiting class and quickly made an impression. Defensive coordinator Tony White didn’t hesitate to call them “big-time ball players” early on, a comment that initially drew some skepticism from the fan base. But by the end of the season, the numbers backed him up.
Mandrell posted 30 tackles and 6.5 sacks in his freshman campaign, showing disruptive ability off the edge and a motor that never quit. Darryll, meanwhile, added 23 tackles and a sack of his own, carving out his own role in the rotation. For a Seminoles defense that struggled with consistency, the twins were bright spots - and more importantly, building blocks.
So when both entered NIL discussions this offseason, there was understandable concern in Tallahassee. The transfer portal has become a revolving door in college football, and with players essentially able to renegotiate or reconsider their futures at any time, nothing is guaranteed anymore - not even for homegrown talent.
But the Desir twins are staying. After weighing their options, both Mandrell and Darryll decided to return to Florida State for the 2026 season.
That’s a major win for Norvell and his staff, who’ve had to navigate the ever-shifting terrain of NIL and player movement. In a college football world where roster management is now a year-round job, keeping two ascending defenders like the Desirs is no small feat.
Their commitment was punctuated by a small but meaningful detail: new jersey numbers. When FSU dropped its updated 2026 roster, Mandrell was listed with jersey No. 1, and Darryll with No. 3 - the same numbers they wore back at Miami Norland.
At Florida State, single-digit numbers are typically reserved for standout players, the ones who’ve earned their stripes. That kind of recognition doesn’t just happen.
It’s earned - through production, consistency, and buy-in.
For the Seminoles, keeping the Desir twins in garnet and gold is about more than just stats. It’s about identity. It’s about building a defense that can grow together, and a culture that convinces talented young players to stay and build something instead of chasing the next opportunity.
There’s still work to do in Tallahassee, no doubt. A 5-7 season leaves plenty of questions heading into 2026. But with Mandrell and Darryll Desir back in the fold, the Seminoles have two answers on the defensive line - and a reminder that sometimes the biggest wins come before the first snap.