FSU football recruiting 2026, who will be the next impact freshman?

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Mandrell Desir made an immediate impact for Florida State football this season.

The true freshman from Miami Norland was the only true freshman defensive lineman in the ACC to earn all-conference honors. He finished the season with 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

So who’s next?

Which of the incoming recruits have the ability — both mentally and physically — to make the jump from senior high school phenom to freshman college star.

With the Seminoles welcoming a new signing class on Dec. 3, here are four players who could make a difference in 2026:

CB Chauncey Kennon

247Sports Composite: 4-star, No. 3 cornerback, No. 41 overall

Height, weight: 6-foot-1, 175 pounds

Kennon (No. 3 USA Today Florida top 100) is a true shutdown cornerback for Booker and should be able to step into a role quickly in Florida State‘s secondary, similar to the way players such as Kevin Knowles, Omarion Cooper and Azareye’h Thomas did as true freshman. Kennon is the top-ranked player in FSU’s 2026 class.

ATH Efrem White

247Sports Composite: 4-star, No. 15 wide receiver, No. 261 overall

Height, weight: 6-1½, 155 pounds

This one really depends on how Florida State wants to use him, but what White did in 2025 is so impressive. Forced into playing quarterback midway through the first game of the season because of an injury, he ended up throwing for 2,225 yards and 27 touchdowns and rushing for 916 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’s a long and fast playmaker. If Florida State has a plan to get him the ball in space on offense, he could make a really big impact.

WR Jasen Lopez

247Sports Composite: 4-star, No. 39 wide receiver, No. 263 overall

Height, weight: 5-10, 165 pounds

Florida State has multiple receivers who project as slot receivers, led by Lopez and Jonah Winston from Alabama. But there’s no denying Lopez’ production at one of the top programs in the nation. Lopez has back-to-back 1,000-yard, 10-plus touchdown season at Chaminade-Madonna. His ability to get separation in tight spots and make tough catches should help him get on the field quickly.

S Daryll Bell III

247Sports Composite: 4-star, No. 31 safety, No. 373

Height, weight: 6-0, 192 pounds

Bell, a two-way standout at Goleman, could compete for immediate playing time behind Earl Little Jr. and Ashlynd Barker. Bell has solid coverage skills and has the ability to come downhill and make a big hit (just watch his highlights against South Dade from this season). His playmaking ability should be a welcome addition to the secondary early on.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football recruiting 2026, who will be the next impact freshman?

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