FSU's Desir Twins Set the Standard, and Rylan Kennedy Is Taking Notes
It’s been anything but quiet in Tallahassee this offseason, especially when it comes to Florida State’s standout sophomore duo, Mandrell and Darryl Desir. After briefly entering the transfer portal, the twins reached an agreement to stay in garnet and gold for 2026 - a move that not only stabilized the locker room but also reinforced the foundation of a defense looking to take the next step.
And if you ask new transfer EDGE rusher Rylan Kennedy, the Desir twins are already setting the tone.
“They’ve been good. Hearing how they’ve been All-American and all that stuff, it’s really inspiring,” Kennedy said.
“When I was a freshman, I was never like that. Seeing them…I told them they’ve got a head start on everything.
They’re putting the work in.”
That kind of praise from a newcomer isn’t just lip service - it’s a window into the culture being built inside FSU’s defensive room. Kennedy, who transferred in from Texas A&M, has seen high-level football up close. So when he singles out the Desir twins as a source of inspiration, it carries weight.
Mandrell and Darryl Desir: More Than Just Talent
Let’s start with the production. Mandrell Desir put together a breakout freshman campaign, racking up 30 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
That stat line earned him Freshman All-American honors across the board - and rightfully so. He was disruptive, fast off the edge, and played with a motor that never let up.
Darryl’s numbers were more in line with a typical freshman adjusting to the speed of the college game - 25 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. But the real story was how he finished the season.
Starting the final two games against NC State and Florida, Darryl tallied 11 tackles and showed flashes of what’s to come. If that’s the baseline, FSU might have two stars on their hands.
But what stands out most - and what Kennedy keeps coming back to - is the twins’ approach.
“They’re not too cocky. They’re none of that.
They’re just regular athletes, players,” Kennedy said. “They don’t try to act like they’re better than anybody else.
They’re just good teammates.”
That humility, paired with relentless work ethic, is what’s helping shift the narrative around the Desirs. After their brief stint in the transfer portal, some fans were quick to draw comparisons to past holdout situations - particularly Patrick Payton, who struggled to meet expectations in 2024 following Jared Verse’s departure.
But Kennedy’s comments help quiet that noise. The Desir twins aren’t coasting on hype - they’re grinding.
A Defensive Identity Taking Shape
FSU’s defense is in the middle of a reload, not a rebuild. And the presence of players like the Desirs and Kennedy is a big reason why.
Mandrell is going to draw plenty of attention from opposing offenses - which could open the door for Kennedy to make a major impact off the edge. The former Aggie brings SEC experience and a versatile skill set that fits well in FSU’s JACK role, giving the Seminoles a dynamic pass-rushing duo.
And the chemistry is already building.
With both sides motivated and locked in, the Desir twins and Kennedy could form the core of a disruptive, high-energy defense in 2026. It’s the kind of unit that doesn’t just make plays - it sets a tone. And for Florida State, that tone is being led by two brothers who are doing the work, staying humble, and raising the bar for everyone around them.
Mandrell is now wearing No. 3.
Darryl switched to No. 1.
Different numbers, same mission: keep climbing.
And if Rylan Kennedy’s early impressions are any indication, the rest of the defense is ready to follow their lead.