News Summary
Florida State University (FSU) is making significant progress in its football recruiting class, known as #Tribe26. The Seminoles recently secured key commitments, including five-star cornerback Chauncey Kennon and four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal. However, recruitment challenges remain, especially in securing offensive tackle positions, as local talent like running back Amari Thomas has decommitted. FSU currently holds 22 verbal commitments, ranking 15th nationally, and continues to seek new prospects as the competition intensifies with rival schools.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida State University (FSU) has made significant strides in enhancing its 2026 football recruiting class, known as #Tribe26, securing key commitments while facing challenges in other areas. The Seminoles recently received a pledge from five-star cornerback Chauncey Kennon, a noteworthy addition that reflects the program’s growing appeal.
The momentum leading to this recruitment surge accelerated in June when four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal committed to FSU. This pivotal decision opened the floodgates, with four-star wide receivers Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez, as well as four-star tight end Xavier Tiller, all joining the class shortly afterward. Currently, FSU boasts 22 verbal commitments for its 2026 class, securing the 15th position nationally according to recruiting rankings.
However, FSU has encountered obstacles, particularly in attracting commitments for offensive tackle positions. A recent setback occurred when four-star offensive tackle Wilson Zierer, an international recruit from Germany, opted to commit to Auburn instead of choosing FSU or Alabama. Zierer, who is rated as the No. 308 overall prospect in the 2026 class and the No. 27 offensive tackle as per 247Sports composite ratings, had previously taken an official visit to FSU in May.
In addition to the new commitments, FSU faces significant recruitment hurdles as local talent departs. Four-star running back Amari Thomas has decommitted from FSU and is leaning toward a commitment to South Carolina. During his high school career, Thomas amassed over 3,100 rushing yards and scored 56 touchdowns in just two seasons, making his decommitment a worrisome development for the FSU program, as he was the sole running back committed to #Tribe26. His initial commitment was significant, as FSU was the first major program to offer him a scholarship.
Thomas’s recruitment took a notable turn following his official visit to South Carolina, which appears to have shifted the balance in favor of the Gamecocks. The FSU coaching staff views the loss of Thomas as a pressing concern and is actively seeking new running back prospects to fill the void left by this decommitment.
In terms of early commitments, the #Tribe26 class also includes three-star players Michael Ionata, Jakobe Green, and Luke Francis, contributing to a diverse recruiting strategy aimed at building a strong team for the future.
The recent developments in the FSU 2026 recruiting class highlight a mix of success in securing talent while navigating the complexities of player commitments and decommitments. With the ongoing competition from rival schools such as Auburn and South Carolina, FSU’s coaching staff remains vigilant in their recruitment efforts, as they work towards finalizing their roster for the 2026 season. As they seek to enhance the depth and skill level of the team, the Seminoles will look for ways to attract new recruits and solidify their standing in college football.
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Additional Resources
- Tomahawk Nation
- Sports Illustrated
- On3 Sports
- FSU Wire
- MSN Sports
- Wikipedia: Florida State Seminoles football
