Mandrell and Darryll Desir already did enough last season to make their presence felt on Florida State’s defensive line. Now the twin sophomores are being asked to do more - lead more, produce more and carry bigger expectations into 2026.
That starts Saturday night, when the Seminoles open the season against New Mexico State at 7 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium. For two players who were already meaningful contributors as true freshmen, the assignment has changed.
They are no longer just young linemen trying to earn snaps. They’re now central figures in one of the team’s most important rooms.
“Last year left a bad taste in my mouth,” Mandrell Desir said. “So this year, I'm confident that our whole team is ready to go through.”
Mandrell’s freshman year gave Florida State a real breakout. He finished with a team-high 6.5 sacks, added 7.5 tackles for loss and earned Freshman All-America honors. Darryll’s numbers were more modest - 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss and four quarterback pressures - but he’s the first to say he wants far more out of himself.
“I feel like my full potential wasn't achieved yet,” Darryll said. “It was more like dipping into the water. But I know what I'm going to do this year.”
That sense of unfinished business has shaped the offseason for both brothers. Florida State defensive line coach Terrance Knighton said the Desirs have shown that in the work they’ve put in and in the way they’ve embraced more responsibility.
“This offseason, you can see the work they've put in and the leadership,” Knighton said. “They're excited about going out there and making plays. They understand last year wasn't good enough, and they always want me to tell them what they aren't doing right.”
The brothers have also turned their sibling rivalry into fuel. Their daily arguments are part of the routine, not a distraction.
“As soon as we wake up, we argue first thing before we go to practice,” Darryll said with a laugh. “We argue just to set the tone. Then we're going to argue in practice and after practice.”
Knighton said he’s learned the best move is to let it play out.
“When those two get going and start yelling at each other, everybody moves out of the way and lets them do what they do,” Knighton said. “That's how they respond.
“They don't go to each other for a soft spot. They're harder on each other than anybody else. That's the thing I respect about them the most.”
For Darryll, the offseason was about more than just wanting better stats. He talked about building his body, sharpening his football IQ and being more serious about the details that separate good players from the ones who keep climbing.
“Last year, I felt like I was serious,” Darryll said. “But taking care of your body and taking the next step in football IQ, that's where I wanted to improve. I felt like I improved in that, and I'm ready now.”
Mandrell has his own broader view of what he can do for the Seminoles. He said he’s willing to line up anywhere Florida State needs him.
“Everything from zero to the five,” Mandrell said. “I want to play everything.”
The confidence around Darryll isn’t just coming from inside the player. Mandrell made it clear he expects his brother to take another jump.
“I already know what my brother is going to do,” Mandrell said. “Ever since high school, I know he's going to go and do what he has to do.”
That’s where Florida State stands with the Desirs heading into the new season: established contributors, tougher on each other than anyone else, and now expected to help drive the entire defensive line room forward.
“I’m ready to turn it on,” Darryll said. “I'm ready for everybody to turn on the TV and see what No. 1 can do.”
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