Florida State football has been through a rough stretch-there’s no sugarcoating that. Since Jimbo Fisher’s departure, the program has struggled to find its footing, and back-to-back losing seasons in 2024 (2-10) and 2025 (5-7) only deepened the frustration in Tallahassee. For a school with championship expectations and a proud legacy built by Bobby Bowden, mediocrity isn’t just disappointing-it’s unacceptable.
That’s why the return of the Desir Twins is more than just a roster update. It’s a jolt of hope for a fan base that desperately needed one.
Mandrell and Darryll Desir, true freshmen in 2025, briefly entered the transfer portal this offseason. And when they did, it sent shockwaves through the Florida State community.
These weren’t just any young players-they were two of the most promising talents on the roster. Mandrell, in particular, made a name for himself in a hurry, earning True Freshman All-American honors while leading the team in sacks.
Darryll showed flashes of high-level potential as well, and together, the twins looked like cornerstone pieces for a rebuilding defense.
So when word got out that they were considering leaving, the reaction was swift and emotional. Fans questioned whether head coach Mike Norvell could keep top-tier talent in Tallahassee.
There were whispers about culture concerns in the locker room. Some even speculated that the program might be preparing to hit the reset button again in 2026.
But then came the twist-both Desir brothers decided to stay. After securing NIL deals, they opted to return to Florida State, delivering a massive win for Norvell and his staff.
This wasn’t just about keeping two young stars in garnet and gold. It was a statement.
A signal that the program isn’t ready to roll over. That it still has fight.
And that Norvell, despite all the noise surrounding his job security, still has the ability to connect with his players and build something sustainable.
The return of the Desir Twins, along with defensive lineman Kevin Wynn, gives defensive coordinator Tony White some serious pieces to work with in 2026. If this group can channel the energy and edge they showed in the 2025 season opener against Alabama, there's potential for this defense to be more than just solid-it could be a difference-maker.
For a fan base that’s been through the wringer, this offseason development is a breath of fresh air. And for Norvell, it’s a reminder that while the pressure is still very real, the foundation might not be as shaky as it seemed just a few weeks ago.
The Desir Twins coming back doesn’t fix everything. But it’s a start-and in Tallahassee, that’s more than welcome.