Florida State Adds Key Pieces in Recruiting, Unveils 2026 Football Slate, and Gears Up Across Sports
Florida State’s offseason might have been a rollercoaster, but Wednesday brought a surge of momentum across multiple fronts - from the recruiting trail to the hardwood, the softball diamond, and, of course, the gridiron. Let’s break down a busy day in Tallahassee.
Recruiting: FSU Bolsters Depth at QB and OL
Florida State officially announced two new additions to its football program, and both bring something different to the table.
Quarterback Malachi Marshall was the expected name. The JUCO standout is fresh off a championship season at Iowa Western Community College, where he lit up the stat sheet and earned NJCAA Division I Offensive Player of the Year honors.
In 2025, Marshall threw for 2,750 yards and 33 touchdowns with just eight interceptions while leading the Reivers to a 12-1 record and a national title. He added three rushing touchdowns and capped the season with a three-touchdown performance in the championship game against Hutchinson.
Marshall’s journey has been one of steady progression. After starting his college career at Stony Brook in 2024, where he passed for 814 yards and ran for 115 more, he found his rhythm at Iowa Western.
Now, he brings a championship pedigree and dual-threat ability to Tallahassee. His versatility and experience could make him a key piece in Florida State’s quarterback room.
Offensive lineman Donald Akhibi was the surprise of the day. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound tackle out of New Manchester High School in Douglasville, Georgia, had originally planned to sign with Western Illinois.
Instead, he’s headed to FSU. A three-star prospect, Akhibi helped lead New Manchester to an 8-2 record in 2025, including a perfect 4-0 mark on the road.
The Jaguars averaged nearly 390 yards of offense per game, with over 228 of those coming on the ground - a testament to the push Akhibi helped create up front.
He held offers from a mix of FBS and FCS programs, including FAU, Georgia State, FIU, and FAMU. His frame and raw potential make him an intriguing long-term project for FSU’s offensive line room.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Commits Already Rolling In
Florida State’s 2027 class is already taking shape, with several promising names in the fold:
- Connor Winn, 3-star tight end (FL)
- Gregory Batson, 4-star linebacker (GA)
- Mekhi Williams, 4-star defensive back (FL)
- Jemari Foreman, 3-star defensive back (FL)
- Anthony Cavallaro, 4-star defensive lineman (FL)
Plenty of time remains before these players sign, but the early foundation is strong - particularly on defense.
FSU Football: 2026 Specialty Games and Full Schedule Released
Florida State also announced its slate of specialty games for the 2026 football season, adding some excitement to what’s already a compelling schedule.
- Homecoming & Seminole Heritage: November 21 vs. NC State
- Family Weekend & Hall of Fame: September 26 vs. Central Arkansas
- Cancer Awareness Game: October 3 vs. Virginia
- Military Appreciation Game: October 31 vs. Clemson
- Athlete Alumni Reunion: Also during the NC State weekend
The Seminoles have been dominant on Homecoming, improving to 63-12-1 all-time with last year’s win over Wake Forest. That victory also marked their 12th straight Homecoming win and bumped their Seminole Heritage game record to 3-0. During those games, FSU celebrates its connection with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, incorporating turquoise - a color symbolizing harmony and friendship - throughout the game’s presentation.
Here’s how the full 2026 schedule shakes out:
- Aug. 29: New Mexico State (Home)
- **Sept. 7 (Mon.)
**: SMU (Home)
- Sept. 19: at Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
- Sept. 26: Central Arkansas (Home) - Family Weekend/Hall of Fame
- Oct. 3: Virginia (Home) - Cancer Awareness
- Oct. 9 (Fri.): at Louisville
- Oct. 17: at Miami
- **Oct.
31**: Clemson (Home) - Military Appreciation
- Nov. 7: at Boston College
- Nov. 13 (Fri.): at Pitt
- Nov. 21: NC State (Home) - Homecoming/Seminole Heritage/Athlete Alumni Reunion
- **Nov. 27 (Fri.)
**: Florida (Home)
It’s a loaded schedule, with marquee road trips to Alabama, Miami, and Louisville, plus high-profile home matchups against Clemson and Florida. Circle that Oct.
31 Clemson game now - Military Appreciation night, Halloween, and a top-tier ACC clash? That’s a recipe for fireworks.
Women’s Basketball: Road Test at NC State
Florida State women’s basketball heads to Raleigh tonight for a big ACC matchup against NC State. The Wolfpack lead the all-time series 37-17 and are receiving votes in both the AP and Coaches polls, so this one’s going to be a challenge.
But FSU has depth and firepower. Five players are averaging at least 8.0 points per game, led by Sole Williams, who’s putting up 15.4 per night.
She’s also lethal from deep, with 41 made threes - good for top-10 in the ACC - and she’s second in the conference in free throw percentage at 84.4%. Jasmine Shavers isn’t far behind at 84.3%.
As a team, the Seminoles are second in the ACC in both three-pointers made per game (8.3) and free throws made per game (14.18). If they can keep that offensive rhythm going, they’ve got a shot to make noise in Raleigh.
Softball: No. 7 FSU Opens Season at JoAnne Graf Classic
The 2026 softball season officially begins tonight for Florida State, and the Noles are jumping right into action at the JoAnne Graf Classic. Ranked No. 7 to start the year, FSU will host a four-day slate of games:
- Thursday: vs. Samford
- Friday: vs. Iowa (5:30 p.m.)
- Saturday: Doubleheader vs. Marshall (3 p.m.)
- Sunday: vs. UConn (9 a.m.) - Free admission, general seating
The Seminoles have been dominant in this tournament, with a 29-5 all-time record at the Graf Classic and a combined 52-7 record against this year’s field.
Here’s a quick look at the competition:
- Samford: 33-23 last season, but 0-7 vs. Power Four teams
- Iowa: 35-18 in 2025, missed NCAA Tournament
- Marshall: 31-23, early exit in Sun Belt tourney
- UConn: 35-19, Big East champs, made Baton Rouge Regional
FSU has the firepower and experience to start strong - and the Graf Classic has historically been a springboard for big seasons in Tallahassee.
Quick Hit: AD Michael Alford Addresses Offseason
FSU athletic director Michael Alford recently sent out a message to fans, acknowledging the turbulence of the offseason while reinforcing that there’s a plan in place for the football program’s future. It’s a nod to the challenges of the transfer portal era and the ever-evolving college football landscape - but also a signal that Florida State is focused on staying competitive at the highest level.
From fresh faces in the locker room to marquee matchups on the horizon, there’s no shortage of storylines in Tallahassee. Whether it’s football, basketball, or softball, the Noles are gearing up for a big 2026 - and it all starts now.