Despite a Tough Year, Florida State Holds Onto Key Recruit Darryl “Tre” Bell III
Florida State’s 2025 football season didn’t end the way anyone in Tallahassee hoped. A deflating loss to archrival Florida in the finale not only stung from a rivalry standpoint-it also officially kept the Seminoles out of bowl eligibility. That’s not the kind of momentum you want heading into the offseason.
Still, the program made a clear decision: head coach Mike Norvell is staying put for 2026. It caught some fans off guard, especially after a year that fell short of expectations. But it also signals that the administration believes Norvell can still steer this ship forward-and that starts with recruiting.
And in that department, there’s at least one bright spot that’s stuck with FSU through it all: four-star defensive back Darryl “Tre” Bell III.
Bell, a Florida native, has been committed to the Seminoles since October 10, 2023. That’s over two years of loyalty, through the highs of 2023, the turbulence of 2024, and now the rebuilding phase of 2025. In today’s recruiting landscape-where flips, decommitments, and last-minute drama are the norm-that kind of stability speaks volumes.
Early in his recruitment, Bell drew attention from schools like Auburn. But even with other programs in his ear, he stayed locked in with Florida State. That kind of commitment isn’t just about football-it’s about believing in the vision of a program, even when it’s going through growing pains.
Bell’s senior season backed up the hype. On offense, he hauled in 35 catches for 608 yards and six touchdowns.
On defense-the side of the ball where he’s expected to make his mark in Tallahassee-he racked up 46 tackles, including eight for loss, along with an interception and two fumble recoveries. Those are the kind of two-way numbers that show off his versatility, athleticism, and football IQ.
At the next level, Bell projects as a defensive back, where he’ll be working under position coaches Patrick Surtain Sr. and Evan Cooper. That’s a strong developmental pairing for a young player with Bell’s upside. Surtain, a former Pro Bowl corner himself, brings NFL pedigree and technical know-how, while Cooper has built a reputation for maximizing defensive back talent.
For a program looking to reestablish its identity, Bell represents more than just a talented recruit-he’s a foundational piece. He’s the kind of player who believes in the long-term vision, who’s not afraid to be part of the turnaround rather than just join the celebration after it’s done.
Florida State’s had its share of punches thrown its way over the last few seasons. But with players like Bell on board, the Seminoles aren’t just taking the hits-they’re getting ready to punch back.