FSU just landed Brandon Bennett. That puts the Seminoles at 9 commitments for the 2026 class. They will probably lose a couple of these guys before NSD. Bennett was a much-needed commitment as he gives FSU a true, legit speedster in their class. Guys like this changed games. We will break down the 9 commitments by ranking each one.
1) S Tedarius Hughes (Miami Northwestern) 6'2-170: Hughes really impressed me this spring. He gives you both size and length in the secondary. He also does not mind coming up and hitting you. He is physical for a safety. He has the range to play on the back end of your defense.
2) WR Brandon Bennett (American Heritage Plantation) 6'0-170: Bennett has one thing you can’t teach: SPEED. He is one of the fastest receivers in the state of Florida. He showcased his speed in the state title game when he took back a kick for a touchdown. He is a difference maker on offense.
3) S Darryl Bell (Barbara Goleman) 6'0-190: Bell is an old-school football player. He has stayed at Goleman for four years and never even considered leaving his high school. Bell is a very good football player. He is going to be an in-the-box safety at the next level. He has the ability to come up and play the run. He can also drop back into coverage and play the pass. He is a versatile player who should be a Terrance Brooks-level player at the next level.
4) WR Darryon Williams (Tampa Plant) 5'11 165: Turn on his film and you will see why Williams is one of the top athletes in Florida. He is a difference maker with the ball in his hands. He is someone that is going to get the ball and make something happen. He is someone FSU coaches need to keep in their class.
5) RB Amari Thomas (Blountstown) 5'11-190: Thomas is very underrated. I feel he is one of the best backs in Florida. If he played in another area of the state, Thomas would be ranked much higher. He is a one step and go back. He does not need much daylight to make something happen.
6) LB Karon Maycock (Miami Central) 6'1-200: Maycock used to play in the secondary. That is important for the modern linebacker as they are asked to do much more now. With spread offenses you need backers who can play in space. That is one of his strengths.
7) OL Michael Ionata (Calvary Christian) 6'6 300: Another prospect who is very underrated. He has size and length. FSU needs big bodies on the offensive line and that is what this kid brings to the table. He can play right tackle at the next level.
8) OL Xavier Payne (Miami Edison) 6'7-320: Payne is a big kid. He is big and takes up space on the offensive line. He is not super athletic and that is a big reason why we see him as a right tackle or guard at the next level. He is going to struggle playing against quicker edge guys.
9) WR Efrem White (Vero Beach) 6'1-155: I have no idea what I am missing with White. I have watched him play live and in offseason events. I have not come away impressed with him. I really don't know where you are going to play him at the next level.
1) S Tedarius Hughes (Miami Northwestern) 6'2-170: Hughes really impressed me this spring. He gives you both size and length in the secondary. He also does not mind coming up and hitting you. He is physical for a safety. He has the range to play on the back end of your defense.
2) WR Brandon Bennett (American Heritage Plantation) 6'0-170: Bennett has one thing you can’t teach: SPEED. He is one of the fastest receivers in the state of Florida. He showcased his speed in the state title game when he took back a kick for a touchdown. He is a difference maker on offense.
3) S Darryl Bell (Barbara Goleman) 6'0-190: Bell is an old-school football player. He has stayed at Goleman for four years and never even considered leaving his high school. Bell is a very good football player. He is going to be an in-the-box safety at the next level. He has the ability to come up and play the run. He can also drop back into coverage and play the pass. He is a versatile player who should be a Terrance Brooks-level player at the next level.
4) WR Darryon Williams (Tampa Plant) 5'11 165: Turn on his film and you will see why Williams is one of the top athletes in Florida. He is a difference maker with the ball in his hands. He is someone that is going to get the ball and make something happen. He is someone FSU coaches need to keep in their class.
5) RB Amari Thomas (Blountstown) 5'11-190: Thomas is very underrated. I feel he is one of the best backs in Florida. If he played in another area of the state, Thomas would be ranked much higher. He is a one step and go back. He does not need much daylight to make something happen.
6) LB Karon Maycock (Miami Central) 6'1-200: Maycock used to play in the secondary. That is important for the modern linebacker as they are asked to do much more now. With spread offenses you need backers who can play in space. That is one of his strengths.
7) OL Michael Ionata (Calvary Christian) 6'6 300: Another prospect who is very underrated. He has size and length. FSU needs big bodies on the offensive line and that is what this kid brings to the table. He can play right tackle at the next level.
8) OL Xavier Payne (Miami Edison) 6'7-320: Payne is a big kid. He is big and takes up space on the offensive line. He is not super athletic and that is a big reason why we see him as a right tackle or guard at the next level. He is going to struggle playing against quicker edge guys.
9) WR Efrem White (Vero Beach) 6'1-155: I have no idea what I am missing with White. I have watched him play live and in offseason events. I have not come away impressed with him. I really don't know where you are going to play him at the next level.
