Twin Brothers Mandrell and Darryll Desir Commit to Florida Gators, Spurning Georgia and Notre Dame
In a major recruiting coup, the Florida Gators have secured commitments from one of the most sought-after duos in the 2025 class: twin brothers Mandrell and Darryll Desir. The talented pair had been heavily pursued by powerhouse programs Georgia and Notre Dame, but on Thursday, they made it official they’re headed to Gainesville.
“Welcome to the Swamp,” Mandrell posted on social media, accompanied by a photo of him and Darryll in Gators uniforms. The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the Florida fanbase and added serious firepower to Billy Napier’s 2025 recruiting class.
The Desir twins, both four-star prospects from Fort Lauderdale, have been dominant forces at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, one of the premier football programs in the nation. Mandrell, a versatile linebacker known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts, ranks among the top 10 at his position nationally. Darryll, a rangy defensive back with elite ball skills and a physical presence in the secondary, has drawn comparisons to former Gators standout Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
While their talent is undeniable, it was their unity that truly drew attention on the recruiting trail. “Wherever one of us goes, the other goes,” Darryll said in a recent interview. “We’ve always pushed each other since we were kids — we want to build something great together.”
Georgia and Notre Dame both made strong pitches, with the Bulldogs envisioning Mandrell as a future centerpiece of their linebacker corps and the Irish highlighting their recent success developing defensive backs. But in the end, the family atmosphere and development track record at Florida proved decisive.
“Coach Napier has built something special,” said Mandrell. “When we visited, it felt like home. It’s not just about football — they care about us as people. That’s what made the difference.”
Their commitment gives the Gators a massive boost on the defensive side of the ball. With both players capable of making an immediate impact, Florida’s defense is poised for a resurgence. The Desirs also bring leadership, work ethic, and a team-first mentality — traits that align with Napier’s culture.
The announcement caps a whirlwind recruiting saga that had fans and analysts speculating for months. The brothers had kept their intentions close to the vest, taking multiple visits to each program and drawing national media attention along the way. Their decision to go public together only amplified the moment.
With the Desirs on board, Florida now ranks among the top five recruiting classes in the nation. More importantly, their commitment signals a growing momentum around the program — the kind of momentum that could propel the Gators back into the national spotlight.
As the sun sets on this recruiting battle, Florida fans can rest easy knowing they just landed not one, but two game-changers.
Welcome to the Swamp, Mandrell and Darryll.
