FSU Football Misses On Top Defensive Lineman
Florida State's struggles on the recruiting trail have been well-documented over the past few months, even though the Seminoles pulled off a couple of wins as of late.
However, defensive line coach Terrance Knighton and EDGEs coach Nick Williams are quietly putting together a solid haul.
So far, the Seminoles hold four commitments on the defensive front, headlined by four-star DL Sam LeJeune, alongside four-star DE Anthony Cavallaro, three-star DE Jaxon Holly, and three-star DL Eric Vaulx Jr.
READ MORE: Florida State Lands Top-100 Safety Ta'Shawn Poole Over Georgia, Tennessee
Florida State would take another defensive lineman or two, if the right fit is out there. However, one of the Seminoles' top remaining targets just pledged elsewhere.
Four-Star DL Karlos May Picks Ohio State Over FSU, Other Finalists
On Saturday afternoon, four-star defensive lineman Karlos May made his long-awaited decision.
After weighing his options and whittling things down to four contenders, May committed to Ohio State over Florida State, Auburn, and Georgia.
This isn't necessarily surprising, the Seminoles seemed to be on the outside looking in going into the announcement. Ohio State and Georgia were the perceived favorites.
Either way, Florida State stayed in pursuit and built a relationship with May. There could be an opportunity to flip him later this year, depending on how the Seminoles perform.
May visited Tallahassee twice this offseason, including his official visit last month.
Knighton is doing most of the heavy-lifting in this recruitment, and isn't someone to give up.
Since being hired at FSU, Knighton has flipped four-star defensive end LaJesse Harrold, four-star defensive lineman Tylon Lee, and four-star defensive end Jaemin Pinckney.
During his junior season at Ramsay High School, May totaled 43 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. May recorded 5+ tackles in four consecutive games to conclude the campaign, including a season-high 7 total stops in a 14-7 loss to Jacksonville High School on November 7.
The 6-foot-3.5, 305-pound defensive lineman is regarded as the No. 135 overall prospect, the No. 15 DL, and the No. 85recruit in Alabama in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite Ratings.
Information On Florida State's 2027 Class
Florida State holds 16 verbal commitments in #Tribe27, which ranks No. 40 in the country.
Who Is Committed To FSU In The 2027 Class?
Three-Star QB Logan Flaherty
Four-Star RB Jayden Miles
Four-Star WR Sean Green
Three-Star WR Majay Thompson
Three-Star TE Connor Winn
Four-Star DE Anthony Cavallaro
Three-Star DE Jaxon Holly
Four-Star DL Sam LeJeune
Three-Star DL Eric Vaulx Jr.
Four-Star LB Jernard Albright
Three-Star LB Olrick Johnson III
Three-Star LB CJ Ohuabunwa
Four-Star DB Ta'Shawn Poole
Four-Star DB Za'Kari Johnson
Three-Star DB Jemari Foreman
K Vance Fones
Who Does Florida State Have Along The Defensive Line For The 2026 Season?
Jordan Sanders, Redshirt Senior
Deamontae Diggs, Redshirt Senior
Deante McCray, Redshirt Senior
Daniel Lyons, Redshirt Senior
Rylan Kennedy, Senior
Jalen Anderson, Junior
Mandrell Desir, Sophomore
Darryll Desir, Sophomore
Kevin Wynn, Redshirt Freshman
Tylon Lee, Redshirt Freshman
Earnest Rankins, Freshman
Franklin Whitley, Freshman
Jaemin Pinckney, Freshman
Wihtlley Cadeau, Freshman
Cam Brooks, Freshman
Chris Carbin, Freshman
Judah Daniels, Freshman
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/fsu as FSU Football Misses On Top Defensive Lineman.
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This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 12:39 PM.