July 4, 2025

Florida State University Football Recruiting Sees New Commitments

News Summary

Florida State University is witnessing an upswing in football recruiting, highlighted by the commitment of four-star defensive end Earnest Rankins. With 13 players committed since June, FSU’s 2026 recruiting class is ranked 11th nationally. The program is also expecting commitments from high-profile prospects like Chauncey Kennon and Wilson Zierer. Despite challenges in the past, current trends indicate a revitalization in FSU’s football program, sparking hope among supporters and stakeholders as they build a competitive roster in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Florida State University Football Recruiting Heats Up with New Commitments and Renowned Prospects

– Florida State University (FSU) is experiencing a significant upswing in football recruiting, recently highlighted by the commitment of four-star defensive end Earnest Rankins. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 285 pounds, Rankins announced his choice of FSU over competing offers from Auburn and Purdue, marking a pivotal moment in the Seminoles’ recruiting efforts.

With this announcement, Rankins becomes the 13th player to commit to FSU’s football program since June 1, 2023. As of now, the 2026 recruiting class for FSU is ranked 11th nationally according to current data from 247Sports. This ranking marks a dramatic improvement from earlier this year, showing a strong push into the top 10 throughout the month of June.

In addition to Rankins, FSU has recently secured another highly anticipated commitment from four-star cornerback Chauncey Kennon. Kennon, who ranks as the No. 27 overall prospect in the 2026 class, is scheduled to announce his decision live on July 6 at 5 PM ET, creating buzz among Seminole fans. Furthermore, Wilson Zierer, a four-star offensive tackle, is also trending towards committing to FSU, adding to the momentum around the program’s recruitment strategy.

Overall, FSU’s 2026 recruiting class now boasts 21 verbal commitments. Among the notable signings is four-star wide receiver Jasen Lopez, who also plays basketball. Though Lopez has committed to FSU, he is keeping his recruitment options open, expressing interest from schools such as Miami and West Virginia. Last season, he had an impressive performance, achieving 87 receptions for 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns, and intends to play both football and basketball at the university.

Despite the recent successes, FSU’s recruiting landscape has faced challenges in the past, especially following a difficult 2-10 season in 2022, which resulted in ten decommitments. The current positive recruiting trends suggest a potential recovery and revitalization for the program, instilling hope among supporters and stakeholders emerging from a trying season.

Prominent players in FSU’s current recruiting class include four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal, defensive lineman Tico Crittendon Jr., and running back Amari Thomas. These commitments reflect FSU’s commitment to enhance its football program and provide it with the tools necessary to compete at high levels in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

In related news, updates regarding the ACC have emerged, including a revised exit deadline for member schools. This timing is crucial for programs aiming to adapt and align with new regulations, which could potentially impact future recruiting efforts.

Looking ahead, the actions taken in July could further strengthen FSU’s position in the recruiting field as they work towards building a robust football roster. The increasing commitments signal interest from both local and national prospects, indicating a promising trajectory for the Seminoles football team.

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Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE 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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