Florida State just landed one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 recruiting class - and it’s a name that’s been climbing up boards fast: Franklin Whitley.
At 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, Whitley looks every bit the part of a modern defensive lineman. He’s long, athletic, and disruptive - the kind of raw, high-upside player that can change the trajectory of a defensive front if developed properly. And that’s exactly what the Seminoles are betting on.
Whitley hails from Greenville, South Carolina, and while he’s only played one season of high school football, he’s already made waves. According to 247Sports Composite, he’s ranked as the No. 419 overall player in the country, the No. 46 defensive lineman, and the No. 9 player in South Carolina. But 247Sports’ own rankings are even more bullish, placing him inside the top 250 nationally.
His recruitment took off late in the cycle - and for good reason. After suiting up for his first football season, Whitley put together a stat line that turned heads: 39 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, 14 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
That’s not just production - that’s disruption. And when you consider he did that in his first year playing organized football?
It’s no wonder programs came calling.
And we’re not talking about mid-tier interest. Whitley had offers from blue bloods and regional powers alike: Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech - all were in the mix. But it’s Florida State that won out, securing his signature and adding a high-ceiling piece to their #Tribe26 class.
What makes Whitley’s story even more compelling is his background on the hardwood. Before football, he was a standout basketball player - and it shows.
His movement skills, body control, and ability to change direction all scream “hooper.” As a junior, he averaged 9.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, helping lead Greenville to a state title.
He was named MVP of the championship game after dropping 25 points and grabbing 14 boards against Goose Creek.
That athleticism translates beautifully to the gridiron. He’s explosive off the snap, shows natural bend for a player his size, and already has a knack for finding the football.
The technical side of his game is still developing - understandably so - but the tools are there. With the right coaching and time in the weight room, Whitley could become a major problem for ACC offenses.
For Florida State, this is the type of swing you take when you’re building for the future. They’ve got their eyes on returning to national prominence, and that means stacking up difference-makers in the trenches.
Whitley might not be a day-one contributor, but his upside is as high as anyone in this class. The Seminoles are betting on traits - and if Whitley hits, he could be a name we’re talking about on Sundays in a few years.
Bottom line: Franklin Whitley is raw, athletic, and just scratching the surface of what he can be. And Florida State just might have found themselves a future star.