Florida State just landed a major piece for its 2026 baseball recruiting class - and it’s a name that carries some serious weight in baseball circles. Landon Thome, a highly touted shortstop and former Tennessee commit, announced Tuesday that he’s flipping his commitment to the Seminoles.
Thome, who hails from Burr Ridge, Illinois, is currently ranked No. 82 nationally by Perfect Game and sits at No. 28 among shortstops in the 2026 class. He plays his high school ball at Nazareth Academy and is considered the No. 2 overall prospect in the state of Illinois.
At six feet tall and 185 pounds, the left-handed hitter brings a polished frame and a mature approach to the plate - and yes, he’s the son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome. The bloodlines are undeniable, but Landon is carving out his own path with a bat that’s already making plenty of noise.
Scouts and evaluators have been high on Thome’s offensive profile, and he turned heads this past summer at the Area Code Games, where he made consistent loud contact against elite arms. That kind of performance on a national stage doesn’t go unnoticed - and it’s a big reason why FSU fans should be excited.
With Thome now in the fold, Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class jumps to No. 18 in Perfect Game’s national rankings. He becomes the second-highest ranked player in the group, which now includes seven top-200 prospects and 10 total prep commitments. The class also features two JUCO players, giving the Seminoles a well-rounded mix of high-upside youth and experienced talent.
This commitment is more than just a recruiting win - it’s a signal that FSU is serious about building something special with this class. Thome brings name recognition, yes, but more importantly, he brings a skillset that projects at the next level.
Left-handed hitters with advanced bat-to-ball skills and the ability to stick at shortstop don’t come around often. When they do, programs take notice.
For FSU, this is a big-time flip - and it could be a foundational piece for what’s shaping up to be a strong 2026 haul.