Terrance Knighton has been my biggest disappointment on the recruiting trail among the new hires prior to the 2025 season. That said, FSU was able to pull in a couple of nice prospects along the defensive line (I’m including edge rushers in this section) from a variety of methods. FSU did lose two DL commitments in Tico Crittendon (that one hurt) and James Carrington (hurt a little less) and whiffed majorly on edge Kamron Wilson.
Keeping Earnest Rankins in the fold was a big win for the staff, as he should be a nice interior piece who could play rotationally sooner than later. The Seminoles also won the Franklin Whitley sweepstakes, a prospect who shot up recruiting rankings and boards of some major programs. He’s raw but has perhaps the highest ceiling of any signee in Tribe 2026. Damaad Lewis, Chris Carbin, and Wihtlley Cadeau can become solid rotational players and FSU took swings on Judah Daniels and Luke Francis (who could find a home on offense). There were some big names along the interior FSU was after but the Seminoles either couldn’t afford them or couldn’t keep interest after another poor season.
Jalen Anderson, the top edge rusher in the JUCO ranks, stuck with FSU despite heavy interest from other programs (though if LSU had pushed for him, he’d have gone there IMO). He should be an immediate contributor. Jaemin Pinckney was a nice flip from USF after their coach went to Auburn. He has a great frame and should be able to add enough weight to become effective. FSU also had Cam Brooks fall into its lap after a coaching change at Cal. Brooks notably called out Knighton earlier this season for not caring enough to recruit him. It’ll be interesting to see how that goes.
I’m always a proponent of taking large prep and JUCO classes along both offensive and defensive lines and FSU went hard on both sides this cycle. Anderson should quickly be in the rotation for edge and a couple of others may be able to find some reps this season. Overall, a solid effort.
Grade: B