Massive Recruiting Shakeup: Five-Star Twins Darryll and Mandrell Desir Flip from Florida State to Alabama, Changing 2027 Landscape
In a stunning turn of events on the college football recruiting trail, five-star twin brothers Darryll and Mandrell Desir have flipped their commitments from Florida State to Alabama, sending shockwaves throughout the nation. The elite defensive end duo, ranked among the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class, had been solid verbal commits to the Seminoles for months before announcing their decision to switch to the Crimson Tide.
The announcement came via a coordinated social media post from both brothers, featuring photos of them in Alabama uniforms with the caption: “New Chapter. Same Mission. Roll Tide.” The move marks a massive win for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff, who have been quietly working to sway the Desir twins for the better part of the past year.
Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the 6’5″, 255-pound brothers are known for their explosive first step, power off the edge, and relentless motor — traits that have made them nightmare matchups for opposing offensive lines. Their rare combination of size, speed, and technique has earned them comparisons to former NFL stars like the Bosa brothers and has placed them firmly among the top 10 players in the country.
Florida State, which had hoped to build its future defense around the Desir brothers, is now left scrambling. The twins had been the crown jewels of the Seminoles’ 2026 recruiting class, and their departure is a major blow to head coach Mike Norvell’s long-term defensive vision.
“It’s a huge shift in momentum,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Florida State was banking on these two to anchor their defensive front for years to come. Losing both of them to an SEC rival — and a national title contender — completely reshapes the outlook for both programs.”
In addition to Florida State, the Desir twins also turned down strong pushes from Penn State, Nebraska, Georgia, and Ohio State. Many believed Penn State was in the running up until the final weeks, while Nebraska had impressed the duo during an official visit earlier in the year.
Now, with their commitment secured, Alabama looks poised to once again dominate the recruiting scene heading into the 2027 season. The addition of the Desir brothers gives the Tide two immediate-impact players who could step into starting roles as freshmen. Their presence on the edge is expected to bolster Alabama’s already-deep defensive front and keep the program at the forefront of national championship conversations.
“Darryll and Mandrell are not only elite athletes — they’re competitors, leaders, and students of the game,” said Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. “We’re thrilled to welcome them to Tuscaloosa and can’t wait to get to work.”
As the 2027 season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Desir twins develop in Alabama’s system — and how their flip affects the balance of power in college football for years to come.
