Four-Star linebacker Dylan Smith-Turner has officially flipped his commitment and pledged to join the Seminoles’ 2025 class. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound defensive standout from Texas had previously been locked into another program, but in a move that’s sending shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, Smith-Turner has chosen to take his talents to Tallahassee.
Smith-Turner, who plays for a powerhouse high school program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is widely regarded as one of the most physically imposing and athletic linebackers in the 2025 class. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Scouts praise his ability to cover tight ends, rush the passer off the edge, and stuff the run with relentless pursuit. His elite frame and versatility have drawn comparisons to NFL linebackers, and he’s expected to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Florida State’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach were instrumental in the flip. Sources close to the recruitment say the coaching staff maintained a strong relationship with Smith-Turner throughout the process, even after his original commitment elsewhere. A recent unofficial visit to FSU’s campus, where he reportedly bonded with current players and got a closer look at the Seminoles’ evolving defense, played a major role in his decision.
Smith-Turner made his announcement on social media Tuesday afternoon, sharing a graphic of himself in a Florida State jersey with the caption, “1000% Committed. Go Noles.” Within minutes, the post exploded with reactions from fans, fellow recruits, and current players celebrating the surprise commitment.
This flip marks a significant win for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles’ staff, who have been on a recruiting tear in recent months. With Smith-Turner’s pledge, FSU adds a dynamic defensive centerpiece to a 2025 class that’s already shaping up to be one of the strongest in the nation. He joins a group of talented commits who have bought into Norvell’s vision of returning Florida State to national prominence.
Recruiting analysts believe Smith-Turner’s decision could influence other high-profile prospects, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, to take a closer look at Florida State. His commitment not only strengthens the Seminoles’ front seven for the future but also signals to other recruits that FSU is building something serious in Tallahassee.
In an era where elite talent can swing the trajectory of a program, Dylan Smith-Turner’s decision to join the Seminoles is more than just a flip—it’s a statement. Florida State just got a lot more dangerous on defense.
