TALLAHASSEE, FL: Florida State football has established itself as the early frontrunner for Florida’s premier 2026 talent, securing seven commitments from the USA TODAY Florida Network’s inaugural Top 100 rankings – more than any in-state program.
Dominating the Sunshine State Rankings
Mike Norvell’s staff holds a commanding lead in Florida’s 2026 recruiting cycle with seven Top 100 pledges, outpacing Miami (4) and Florida (1). The Seminoles’ haul spans elite prospects from Tampa to Miami, blending skill position explosiveness with trench dominance.
2026 Commit Breakdown
Darryon Williams (No. 35 Overall)
- School: Plant High (Tampa)
- Position: Athlete (No. 2 ATH)
- Measurables: 5’11”, 165 lbs
Darryl Bell III (No. 43)
- School: Goleman High (Miami)
- Position: Safety (No. 6 S)
- Measurables: 6’0″, 192 lbs
Amari Thomas (No. 46)
- School: Blountstown High
- Position: RB (No. 3 RB)
- Measurables: 5’10”, 190 lbs
Tedarius Hughes (No. 63)
- School: Miami Northwestern
- Position: Safety (No. 8 S)
- Measurables: 6’2″, 170 lbs
Xavier Payne (No. 66)
- School: Jones High (Orlando)
- Position: OT (No. 6 OT)
- Measurables: 6’7″, 320 lbs
Efrem White (No. 69)
- School: Vero Beach
- Position: Athlete (No. 4 ATH)
- Measurables: 6’1.5″, 155 lbs
Karon Maycock (No. 100)
- School: Miami Central
- Position: LB/S (No. 11 LB)
- Measurables: 6’1″, 200 lbs
Strategic Evaluation Approach
Florida State’s staff identified under-the-radar talents early, including:
- Payne’s dominant Under Armour Next Camp performance against elite pass rushers
- Thomas’ 1,800-yard sophomore season at Blountstown
- White’s verified 10.8-second 100-meter track speed
The Seminoles will host multiple commits for official visits this summer while targeting remaining Top 100 prospects like edge rusher Kingston Shaw (No. 35 overall).
