The Florida State Seminoles have landed one of the biggest commitments of the 2025 recruiting cycle — times two. Twin brothers Mandrell and Darryll Desir, standout defensive players from Fort Lauderdale, have officially announced their decision to play for Florida State, choosing the Seminoles over national powerhouses Alabama and Notre Dame.
The announcement came Thursday afternoon via a joint social media post captioned, *”It’s time. We’re headed to Tallahassee. Welcome to State.”* The post featured the brothers wearing garnet and gold, signaling the end of a tightly contested recruiting battle.
Mandrell, a dynamic linebacker with elite speed and tackling instincts, and Darryll, a hard-hitting safety with shutdown coverage ability, have long been considered a package deal. Rated as four-star prospects, the Desir twins have been making waves at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, one of the most respected football programs in the country.
“Florida State just felt right,” Mandrell said during an interview following the announcement. “From the coaches to the players, to the way they develop guys for the next level — it felt like home.”
For Darryll, the decision was about more than just football. “It’s about family, legacy, and being part of something special,” he said. “Coach Norvell believed in us from day one. That meant everything.”
The Desir brothers had taken official visits to Alabama and Notre Dame, and both schools made strong pushes. Alabama’s track record of producing NFL-caliber defenders was a major draw, while Notre Dame offered top-tier academics and a proud football tradition. But in the end, the vision laid out by Florida State head coach Mike Norvell won them over.
Coach Norvell’s staff prioritized the twins early in the process, forming a close bond with their family and outlining a clear developmental path for both players. With the Desirs now in the fold, FSU’s 2025 recruiting class has surged in the national rankings, positioning the Seminoles to continue their upward climb in the college football landscape.
Landing the Desir twins is not just a recruiting victory — it’s a statement. Florida State is once again becoming a destination for elite defensive talent. The twins bring leadership, energy, and a relentless drive to compete — all traits that fit perfectly within Norvell’s program.
Mandrell is expected to contribute early at linebacker with his athleticism and instinctual playmaking, while Darryll brings immediate depth to the secondary with his versatility and physicality. Both are seen as future stars in garnet and gold.
For Florida State fans, the message is clear: the Seminoles are back in the national spotlight, and the commitment of the Desir brothers only strengthens that momentum.
Tallahassee just became the new home for two of the most electric defenders in the nation. Welcome to State, Mandrell and Darryll.
