Florida State Recruiting Update: 2026 Class Takes a Hit, But Foundation Remains Strong
Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class took another hit this weekend as three-star defensive back Sean Johnson flipped his commitment to Maryland, opting to stay closer to home. It’s a tough loss for a program that’s been working to build momentum on the recruiting trail, especially with Early National Signing Day just around the corner.
Despite the decommitment, FSU’s 2026 class still holds firm in the national rankings-No. 15 per 247Sports and No. 14 according to On3. With the early signing period set from December 3 to 5, there’s still time for the Seminoles to solidify and possibly build on this foundation.
Here’s a breakdown of the current 2026 class, which still boasts a healthy mix of four-star talent and promising three-star prospects across the board:
Offensive Skill Positions: At quarterback, FSU has a strong commitment from four-star Jaden O’Neal out of Oklahoma, a player with the tools to lead a modern offense. The backfield is anchored by four-star running back Amari Thomas from Florida, a dynamic playmaker with burst and vision.
The wide receiver room is stacked. Six wideouts are currently committed, including four-star prospects Efrem White, Brandon Bennett, Devin Carter, and Jasen Lopez-each bringing a unique skill set to the table. Three-star Jonah “JP” Winston adds depth, while this group could be a future strength for the Seminoles.
Tight end is another area of depth, with four-star Xavier Tiller and three-star Corbyn Fordham both on board.
In the Trenches: On the offensive line, FSU has secured three three-star prospects: Mike Ionata, Jakobe Green, and Luke Francis-the latter hailing from London, UK, continuing FSU’s recent trend of looking internationally for talent.
On the defensive front, the Seminoles have put together a deep and balanced group. Four-star linemen Earnest Rankins and Franklin Whitley headline the unit, backed by three-star prospects Damaan Lewis, Chris Carbin, Wihtlley Cadeau, and Judah Daniels. It’s a group that may not grab headlines now but could develop into a solid core down the line.
Linebackers and Defensive Backs: At linebacker, Florida State has four committed players, including four-star Izayia Williams, a Florida native with sideline-to-sideline range. He’s joined by three-stars Karon Maycock, Noah LaVallee, and Daylen Green.
In the secondary, the Seminoles are still in good shape despite Johnson’s departure. Four-star defensive backs Chauncey Kennon and Darryl Bell III lead the group, supported by three-star Jordan Crutchfield. Athlete Darryon Williams, a versatile three-star recruit, could also factor into the defensive backfield depending on how his role develops.
Football: FSU’s Season Ends on a Sour Note
On the field, Florida State’s season came to a disappointing close with a loss to rival Florida. The defeat echoed some of the same issues that have plagued the Seminoles throughout the year-missed opportunities, inconsistency, and a lack of rhythm when it mattered most.
With no bowl game on the horizon and no immediate fixes in sight, the offseason looms large. This is going to be a critical stretch for the program-not just in terms of recruiting, but in resetting the culture and reestablishing the identity that once made FSU a perennial powerhouse.
Women’s Basketball: Record-Breaking Performance in Loss to Oklahoma
Florida State women’s basketball may have fallen short against No. 9 Oklahoma on Sunday, but they left a mark in the record books. The Seminoles knocked down a program-record 19 three-pointers, going 19-of-41 from deep in a game that saw them light it up from beyond the arc in three separate quarters.
The previous record of 18 threes-set against Miami earlier this year-was eclipsed in style. And this wasn’t just a volume stat; it came against a top-10 opponent, marking the most three-pointers FSU has ever hit in a game against a ranked foe.
The previous high was 12, set against No. 1 UConn back in 2023.
Senior guard Jasmine Shavers led the offensive explosion with 24 points, her second 20-point outing of the season. Sydney Bowles was red-hot from deep, going 6-of-9 from three and finishing with 18 points-tying her career high for made threes. Junior guard Emma Risch added a season-high 16 points, including four triples of her own.
The Seminoles will look to carry that shooting momentum into Wednesday’s ACC/SEC Challenge matchup against Georgia at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. on ESPNU.
Women’s Soccer: Jordynn Dudley Named Finalist for Player of the Year
Jordynn Dudley continues to stack accolades, and now she’s in the running for one of the biggest individual honors in college soccer. The Florida State star has been named a finalist for Top Drawer Soccer’s Player of the Year Award, adding to an already loaded resume.
Dudley, a First Team All-ACC pick for the third straight year, was also named to the Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List and earned ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors in late October. Her production this season has been nothing short of elite: 13 assists, 31 points, and 67 total shots through 19 games.
She ranks top five nationally in assists and top 10 in points per game, while also sitting near the top of the ACC in nearly every offensive category. Her consistency has been remarkable-Dudley recorded at least one point in 13 straight regular-season games and tallied multiple points in nine of those.
In conference play, she led the ACC in assists and total shots, was second in points, and tied for fourth in goals. A standout five-point performance in a 3-2 win over No. 3 Virginia showcased her ability to take over games at the highest level.
Dudley is already a two-time All-American and two-time Hermann Trophy semifinalist. If she continues at this pace, she may finally break through and claim the top individual honor in the sport.
Volleyball: FSU Falls to Clemson in Regular-Season Finale
Florida State volleyball wrapped up its regular season with a hard-fought loss to Clemson. The match had its moments-especially in the opening set, where the Seminoles rallied late to steal a 25-21 win-but the Tigers responded with three straight set victories to take the match.
Despite the loss, there were standout performances worth celebrating.
Kyleene Filimaua capped off a stellar season with her 13th double-double-20 kills and 10 digs. She finishes the year with 443 kills, the most by any Seminole since 2018 and eighth most in the rally scoring era. Her 4.35 points per set rank ninth in school history.
Iane Henke, playing in her final match in Garnet and Gold, also delivered with 17 kills and 12 digs. Her season will go down as one of the best ever by a Seminole hitter-third all-time in kills per set (4.43) and second in points per set (5.10).
Senior Nellie Stevenson and Lily Nicholson each dished out 40 assists, with Nicholson adding 10 digs to notch a double-double of her own.
It wasn’t the ending FSU was hoping for, but the individual performances-especially from Filimaua and Henke-highlight just how much talent this roster brought to the court in 2025.
Florida State athletics may be heading into the offseason with some questions, but there’s no shortage of talent across the board. Whether it’s on the recruiting trail, the hardwood, the pitch, or the volleyball court, the Seminoles continue to show flashes of what’s possible. Now it’s about turning potential into production-and that starts with a strong finish to the recruiting cycle and a focused offseason ahead.