Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be a pivotal one-not just for the talent it brings in, but for what it says about the direction of Mike Norvell’s program. With 27 commitments already locked in, the Seminoles currently sit at No. 13 in the national rankings, according to 247Sports. That puts this group on pace to be Norvell’s second-best class since taking over in Tallahassee.
And make no mistake-this class has some real upside.
Headliners on Defense
Leading the way are two 4-star defensive standouts: Chauncey Kennon, a rangy defensive back out of Booker High in Sarasota, and Izayia Williams, a sideline-to-sideline linebacker from Tavares. These two bring speed, instincts, and versatility-traits that fit the mold of what Norvell and his staff have been trying to build on that side of the ball.
Kennon, in particular, has the kind of frame and ball skills that translate well to today’s pass-heavy game. Williams, meanwhile, has the potential to be a tone-setter in the middle of the defense. Both are the types of players who could see the field early if they continue to develop.
Offensive Weapons Galore
This class isn’t just about defense, though. FSU has loaded up at the skill positions, especially at wide receiver.
Jasen Lopez (Chaminade Madonna), Devin Carter (Douglas County, GA), and Efrem White (Vero Beach) are all 4-star playmakers who can stretch the field and win one-on-one matchups. Add in 3-star receivers like Brandon Bennett, Jonah Winston, and Darryon Williams, and it’s clear the Seminoles are looking to build a deep, dynamic receiver room for the future.
At quarterback, Jaden O’Neal out of Mustang, Oklahoma, brings a strong arm and solid mobility. He may not carry the same hype as some of the blue-chip QBs in the cycle, but he’s a developmental prospect with tools worth investing in.
Tight end Xavier Tiller (Langston Hughes, GA), another 4-star, adds size and athleticism to the mix. Paired with 3-star Corbyn Fordham out of Jacksonville’s Bolles School, FSU has options at a position that’s becoming increasingly valuable in modern offenses.
Building in the Trenches
Up front, the Seminoles have secured commitments from several promising offensive linemen, including Jakobe Green (Gadsden County), Michael Ionata (Calvary Christian), and Luke Francis (Coral Gables). While none are 4-star prospects, all bring size and potential, and Green’s local ties are a nice bonus for a program trying to keep talent close to home.
On the defensive line, 4-star Earnest Rankins (Southwest DeKalb, GA) headlines a group that includes Judah Daniles (Fort Myers), Damaad Lewis (Myers Park, NC), and JUCO transfer Jalen Anderson from Pearl River Community College. It’s a mix of high-upside high schoolers and a ready-made contributor in Anderson, who could help right away.
Local Flavor and Loyalty
One of the more encouraging signs for FSU fans? The class features a pair of local commitments from Gadsden County-linebacker Daylen Green and offensive lineman Jakobe Green-who chose to stay home and play for the Seminoles. In-state recruiting has always been vital for Florida State, and keeping homegrown talent in garnet and gold is a step in the right direction.
A Class with Context
Of course, all of this comes on the heels of a tough 5-7 season and a 40-21 loss to Florida to close things out. That kind of finish naturally raises questions about the program’s trajectory. And while Norvell is set to return for 2026, there’s been some chatter around the program-specifically, reports that certain recruits have asked for NIL deal clauses that would allow them to walk if Norvell is let go.
That’s the reality of modern college football. Between NIL dynamics and coaching uncertainty, recruiting has never been more complicated.
But for now, Norvell and his staff have done a solid job keeping the class intact and maintaining momentum heading into the early signing period, which opens Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Full 2026 FSU Recruiting Class (As of Signing Day Eve)
- Chauncey Kennon, DB, Booker (Sarasota, FL) - 4⭐
- Izayia Williams, LB, Tavares (Tavares, FL) - 4⭐
- Earnest Rankins, DL, Southwest DeKalb (Decatur, GA) - 4⭐
- Jasen Lopez, WR, Chaminade Madonna (Hollywood, FL) - 4⭐
- Xavier Tiller, TE, Langston Hughes (Fairburn, GA) - 4⭐
- Devin Carter, WR, Douglas County (Douglas County, GA) - 4⭐
- Efrem White, WR, Vero Beach (Vero Beach, FL) - 4⭐
- Brandon Bennett, WR, American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - 3⭐
- Jaden O'Neal, QB, Mustang (Mustang, OK) - 3⭐
- Jonah Winston, WR, Hoover (Hoover, AL) - 3⭐
- Daylen Green, LB, Gadsden County (Quincy, FL) - 3⭐
- Franklin Whitley, EDGE, Greenville High (Greenville, SC) - 3⭐
- Jordan Crutchfield, DB, Vero Beach (Vero Beach, FL) - 3⭐
- Judah Daniles, DL, Fort Myers (Fort Myers, FL) - 3⭐
- Corybn Fordham, TE, Bolles (Jacksonville, FL) - 3⭐
- Damaad Lewis, DL, Myers Park (Charlotte, NC) - 3⭐
- Jakobe Green, OL, Gadsden County (Quincy, FL) - 3⭐
- Noah LaVallee, LB, Walton (Marietta, GA) - 3⭐
- Darryl Bell III, S, Barbara Gorman (Hialeah, FL) - 3⭐
- Chris Carbin, EDGE, Hillgrove (Powder Springs, GA) - 3⭐
- Jalen Anderson, DL, Pearl River CC (Poplarville, MS) - 3⭐
- Amari Thomas, RB, Blountstown (Blountstown, FL) - 3⭐
- Darryon Williams, WR, Plant (Tampa, FL) - 3⭐
- Karon Maycock, LB, Miami Central (Miami, FL) - 3⭐
- Michael Ionata, OL, Calvary Christian (Clearwater, FL) - 3⭐
- Wihtlley Cadeau, DL, Booker T.
Washington (Atlanta, GA) - 3⭐
- Luke Francis, OL, Coral Gables (Coral Gables, FL) - 3⭐
Final Takeaway
No, this isn’t a top-10 class-at least not yet. But it’s a deep, balanced group with playmakers on both sides of the ball and a few potential difference-makers sprinkled throughout. If Norvell can keep the core intact through signing day and into the offseason, this class could be a foundational piece for a program looking to turn the corner.
The challenge now? Turning recruiting wins into on-field results.