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Florida State University Fortifies Recruiting Efforts

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News Summary

Florida State University has expanded its recruiting class for the 2026 season to 22 commitments, ranking No. 12 nationally. The class includes standout recruits such as five-star cornerback Chauncey Kennon, showcasing FSU’s effective recruiting strategies. Despite some setbacks, the Seminoles have attracted a balanced mix of talent, indicating a promising future under the new coaching staff, including defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. and safeties coach Evan Cooper. This focused approach aims to restore national prominence for FSU’s football program.

TALLAHASSEE – Florida State University (FSU) has expanded its 2026 recruiting class to a total of 22 commitments, positioning itself at No. 12 nationally in the latest rankings. This impressive growth reflects the Seminoles’ focused efforts in attracting a mix of blue-chip recruits along with several promising lower-ranked prospects, showcasing the coaching staff’s strategic approach to future talent acquisition.

Among the standout additions to FSU’s recruiting class is five-star cornerback Chauncey Kennon, who has emerged as the highest-profile commitment during this recruitment cycle. Kennon, a 6’1″, 175-pound athlete from Booker High School in Sarasota, Florida, is recognized as the No. 27 overall prospect nationally and the second-best cornerback for the class of 2026. His commitment has significantly boosted FSU’s class ranking to No. 11 in the 247Sports Team Composite Recruiting Rankings, illustrating the impact of his decision on the program.

Kennon made headlines by choosing Florida State over other prestigious programs, including Georgia, Miami, and Florida. The decision was influenced by his strong feeling of community and support from the coaching staff, which played a crucial role in his commitment.

Florida State’s 2026 class is characterized by a robust recruiting effort in defensive positions, with a total of five defensive backs included in the commitments. The Seminoles recently encountered a setback when four-star cornerback Lasiah Jackson committed to Stanford after having visited the FSU campus. Nevertheless, the class still shines with notable recruits like four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal, running back Amari Thomas, and tight end Xavier Tiller, alongside multiple four-star and three-star recruits on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as among receivers and linebackers.

Out of the 22 commitments, seven hold at least a four-star ranking, a testament to the quality of talent being attracted by FSU’s coaching staff. This includes impressive stats from Kennon’s junior season, where he recorded 33 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and one interception, in addition to making 10 receptions for 317 yards and scoring six touchdowns on offense. His versatility on both sides of the ball is indicative of his potential for future development under the guidance of the coaching staff.

The recent improvements in Florida State’s recruiting approach can be attributed to strategic hires within the coaching staff, notably defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. and safeties coach Evan Cooper. Their expertise and focus on recruiting have been instrumental in flipping the narrative for FSU, which had faced challenges in recent years in attracting top-tier talent to the program.

As the recruiting cycle continues to unfold, the Seminoles are poised to increase their efforts, with the current commitments laying a solid foundation for the future. Ongoing scouting and recruitment are likely to capitalize on the momentum gained through Kennon’s commitment and the overall class makeup, aimed at catapulting Florida State University back into national prominence.

With a focused strategy in place and a solid crop of young talent on board, Florida State’s football program is taking definitive steps toward building a competitive roster for the seasons ahead, relying on the synergy of new coaching influences and a strong recruitment strategy that prioritizes both immediate impact players and developmental prospects.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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