Florida State Athletics Roundup: Rising Stars, NFL Dreams, and a Clearwater Showdown
It’s a busy week in Tallahassee, with Florida State athletics making noise across multiple sports. From future Seminoles committing on the recruiting trail to standout performances on the national stage, there’s no shortage of headlines. Let’s break it all down.
Football Recruiting: 2027 Class Taking Shape
Florida State’s 2027 recruiting class is starting to build some serious momentum. The Seminoles have already picked up five verbal commitments, and there’s a healthy mix of talent across both sides of the ball.
- Connor Winn, a 3-star tight end out of Florida, brings size and versatility to the position. He’s a reliable target who can block and catch, a dual-threat tight end FSU has valued in recent years.
- Gregory Batson, a 4-star linebacker from Georgia, adds speed and physicality to the second level of the defense.
He’s a sideline-to-sideline playmaker with instincts that jump off the tape.
- Mekhi Williams, a 4-star defensive back from Florida, is a rangy, athletic presence in the secondary. He’s the kind of DB who thrives in man coverage but isn’t afraid to step up in run support.
- Jemari Foreman, another in-state product, is a 3-star defensive back with solid fundamentals and upside. He’s a developmental player with a high ceiling.
- Anthony Cavallaro, a 4-star defensive lineman from Florida, is a disruptive force in the trenches. He’s got the motor and frame to be a difference-maker up front.
This early group gives FSU a strong foundation for the 2027 cycle, especially on defense. The coaching staff is clearly prioritizing speed, versatility, and in-state recruiting - a formula that’s worked well in the past.
Darrell Jackson Jr. Earns NFL Combine Invite After Stellar Postseason
Darrell Jackson Jr. is heading to the NFL Combine - and he’s earned every bit of it.
After an impressive postseason that saw him suit up for both the Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl - a rare double-dip for draft hopefuls - Jackson’s stock is trending up. He capped off his Florida State career with an All-ACC honorable mention in 2025, posting a career-high 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack.
Across 25 games with the Seminoles, Jackson totaled 80 tackles (29 solo), 7.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. His size, athleticism, and ability to impact both the run and pass game make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive front.
Newcomer Introductions Continue
Florida State’s early enrollees continue to meet with local media and fans, giving a glimpse into the future of the program. Tre Wisner, Rylan Kennedy, EJ White, and Ma’Khi Jones were the latest to speak on Wednesday. These interviews offer insight not just into their on-field potential, but also their mindset as they transition into the college game.
Women’s Basketball: Seminoles Host Boston College in ACC Matchup
Florida State women’s basketball (8-16, 3-9 ACC) is back on the court tonight, hosting Boston College (4-22, 0-13 ACC) at 6 p.m. in Tallahassee. Historically, this has been a favorable matchup for the Seminoles - they lead the all-time series 20-3 and have won four of the last five meetings, including a tight 63-58 battle in the 2022 ACC Tournament.
Solè Williams continues to lead the way offensively, averaging 15.0 points per game, while Jasmine Shavers adds 12.5 and leads the team with 44 made three-pointers. FSU ranks second in the ACC in threes per game (8.3), and that perimeter shooting could be key tonight against a Boston College squad still looking for its first conference win.
Softball: Clearwater Invitational Brings Big-Time Matchups
FSU softball is gearing up for its annual trip to the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, and this year’s slate is loaded. The No. 6 Seminoles are set to face:
- No. 1 Texas Tech (Thursday, 1 p.m. on ESPN2)
- Florida Atlantic (Friday, 7 p.m.)
- **No.
7 UCLA** (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
- **No.
3 Tennessee** (Sunday, 8 p.m. on ESPN)
This is only the second time FSU has faced three or more top-10 teams at the Clearwater event - the last time was in 2019, when they went a perfect 3-0. In fact, FSU has been one of the most dominant programs at this tournament since its inception in 2019.
The Seminoles boast a 20-9 overall record in Clearwater, with 12 of those wins coming against ranked opponents. They’ve gone undefeated three times (2019, 2022, 2025) - more than any other program.
Texas Tech, the top-ranked team in the country, is off to a 6-0 start after reaching the national title game last season. They’ve already knocked off No. 11 Texas A&M and will be a major test for FSU, who hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team in the regular season since 2020.
Florida Atlantic is also off to a hot start at 5-0 and was the top vote-getter outside the top 25 in this week’s poll. They rolled through their home tournament with wins over programs like Ohio State and Indiana.
UCLA, ranked No. 7, is fresh off a trip to the Women’s College World Series and has outscored opponents 68-6 in their first five games. Meanwhile, **No.
3 Tennessee** is 5-0 with statement wins over No. 5 Oregon and Liberty.
The Vols reached the national semifinals last year before falling to eventual champion Texas.
This weekend will be a litmus test for FSU’s championship aspirations - and fans should buckle up for four days of elite-level softball.
Soccer: Alex Thompson Promoted to Assistant Coach
Florida State soccer is keeping talent in-house with the promotion of Alex Thompson from video analyst to assistant coach.
Head coach Brian Pensky didn’t hold back in his praise, saying, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.” Pensky highlighted Thompson’s work ethic, humility, and ability to connect with players - all key traits in a successful coach.
Thompson, a Florida State alum, spent 2025 breaking down film, scouting opponents, and designing individualized training sessions. Before joining the FSU staff, he spent six years as a youth soccer director in Tallahassee, building a strong foundation in player development.
Now, he steps into a bigger role with a program that’s consistently among the nation’s best, and his promotion signals FSU’s commitment to developing not just players, but coaches as well.
Bottom Line: Whether it’s future stars committing to the football program, veterans like Darrell Jackson Jr. chasing NFL dreams, or the softball team preparing for a gauntlet of top-tier opponents, there’s plenty for Seminole fans to be excited about. The spring sports season is heating up - and FSU looks ready to rise with it.