Florida State Football Lands Another Top Talent: The Story of Franklin Whitley's Commitment
The Florida State Seminoles are on a roll! They've secured their third commitment in three days, and this time it's a big one. Defensive lineman Franklin Whitley, a towering 6-foot-6, 265-pound athlete from Greenville, South Carolina, has committed to the Seminoles' 2026 class, adding to the team's impressive recruiting streak.
But who is this young talent? Whitley is a three-star recruit, according to the 247Sports Composite, but his potential is undeniable. He's already making waves on the field, with 31 tackles and 3 sacks this season, as reported by MaxPreps. And his list of offers is nothing short of impressive, including powerhouses like Tennessee, South Carolina, Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia Tech.
And here's where it gets interesting... The Seminoles' recent commitments have been a mix of top-tier talent and strategic additions. Edge Chris Carbin and linebacker Daylen Green, who flipped his commitment from Arkansas, are the latest examples. But Whitley's commitment raises an intriguing question: Is Florida State building a defensive powerhouse?
Let's take a look at the 2026 Florida State recruiting class so far:
- Quarterback: Jaden O'Neal (4-star, OK) - A highly-rated QB who flipped his commitment from Oklahoma.
- Wide Receiver: Jonah 'JP' Winston (3-star, AL), Efrem White (4-star, FL), Brandon Bennett (4-star, FL), Devin Carter (4-star, GA), and Jasen Lopez (4-star, FL) - A talented group of receivers, with multiple 4-star prospects.
- Tight End: Xaiver Tiller (4-star, GA) and Corbyn Fordham (3-star, FL) - Providing depth and talent at the tight end position.
- Offensive Lineman: Da'Ron Parks (4-star, FL), Mike Ionata (3-star, FL), Jakobe Green (3-star, FL), and Luke Francis (3-star, London, UK) - Strengthening the offensive line with a mix of local and international talent.
- Defensive Lineman: Earnest Rankins (4-star, GA), Franklin Whitley (3-star, SC), Chris Carbin (3-star, GA), Tico Crittendon (3-star, GA), Wihtlley Cadeau (3-star, GA), Judah Daniels (3-star, FL), and the man of the hour, Franklin Whitley - A formidable group of defensive linemen, with Whitley's commitment adding to an already impressive lineup.
- Linebacker: Izayia Williams (4-star, FL), Karon Maycock (3-star, FL), Noah LaVallee (3-star, GA), and Daylen Green (3-star, FL) - A solid linebacker corps with a mix of local and out-of-state talent.
- Defensive Back: Chauncey Kennon (5-star, FL), Darryl Bell III (4-star, FL), Tedarius Hughes (4-star, FL), Jay Tim
