Breaking News: Twin Defensive Ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir Decommit from Florida State, Sign with Florida Gators Over Penn State, Nebraska, and More…..

 

 

Breaking News: Twin Defensive Ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir Decommit from Florida State, Sign with Florida Gators Over Penn State, Nebraska, and More

 

Gainesville, FL – April 14, 2025

 

In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, twin four-star defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have officially decommitted from Florida State University and signed with the Florida Gators, choosing Gainesville over several powerhouse programs including Penn State, Nebraska, and USC.

 

The highly touted duo, originally hailing from Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School, made the stunning announcement Monday morning during a live-streamed press conference held at their high school auditorium. The Desir twins had been committed to Florida State since last summer, making their decommitment one of the biggest surprises in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

 

A Sudden Turn of Events

 

The twins, who have dominated the high school football scene in South Florida with their speed, strength, and synchronization on the field, had long been considered cornerstones of Florida State’s 2025 class. However, rumors began to circulate in late March that the two had been re-evaluating their options.

 

Sources close to the family suggest that ongoing coaching changes in Tallahassee played a key role in the decision. Florida State’s defensive line coach, who had been the primary recruiter for the twins, recently accepted a position with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, leading to uncertainty about the developmental plan the Seminoles had laid out.

 

In contrast, Florida’s new defensive scheme under head coach Billy Napier and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong reportedly impressed the Desirs during an unofficial visit earlier this month. The Gators’ coaching staff emphasized immediate impact opportunities, player development, and a revitalized culture in Gainesville.

 

“We just felt like Gainesville was home,” said Darryll Desir. “They showed us love from day one, and with the way their defense is being built, we know we can come in and contribute right away. Coach Napier made us feel like family, and that meant everything.”

 

Mandrell echoed his brother’s sentiment: “It was a hard decision. We respect Coach Norvell and Florida State, but at the end of the day, we had to do what’s best for us. And that’s becoming Gators.”

 

The Battle for the Desir Twins

 

Recruiting the Desir twins was always going to be a national affair. Standing at 6’5” and 255 pounds apiece, both brothers are nearly identical in build and play style. Their freakish athleticism, elite get-off, and ability to collapse the pocket made them two of the most sought-after defensive players in the country.

 

Penn State, under James Franklin, made a late but aggressive push, pitching the brothers on their track record of developing NFL-caliber defensive linemen. Nebraska also presented a compelling case, with Matt Rhule flying out to visit the family twice in March and offering early playing time and NIL incentives.

 

USC, Miami, and Alabama were also in the mix at various points in the process, but Florida’s full-court press during the spring appears to have won the day.

 

“Coach Armstrong broke down their defense for us,” said Mandrell. “We were blown away by how they plan to use us—sometimes together, sometimes rotated, sometimes both crashing the edge. They really see us as game-changers.”

 

Impact on Florida Gators

 

The Desir twins’ commitment instantly elevates Florida’s 2025 class into the top five nationally, according to 247Sports. This is a massive win for Billy Napier and company, especially in a year where recruiting momentum had seemed to slow compared to SEC rivals like Georgia and LSU.

 

Landing Darryll and Mandrell not only addresses a major need on the defensive line but also gives the Gators a national storyline to rally behind. It’s rare to land one elite edge rusher—landing two, who happen to be identical twins, is almost unprecedented.

 

“Darryll and Mandrell are two of the most complete players we’ve scouted in years,” said recruiting analyst Brian Dohn. “They’re technically sound, play with violent hands, and have a natural feel for the game. It’s not just athleticism—it’s IQ, it’s motor, it’s leadership.”

 

Florida defensive line coach Sean Spencer, nicknamed “Coach Chaos,” was reportedly instrumental in sealing the deal, making weekly check-ins with the twins and their family and leading multiple in-home visits.

 

“This is what it takes to win in the SEC,” Spencer said in a brief statement. “Championship teams are built in the trenches. These young men will help us get there.”

 

Fallout at Florida State

 

For Florida State, this is a major blow. The Seminoles had been counting on the Desirs to headline a defensive rebuild and help maintain their recent surge under Mike Norvell. Losing them to an in-state rival, and particularly to a rebuilding Florida program, is a bitter pill to swallow.

 

“I’m not going to lie—it hurts,” one anonymous source inside FSU’s athletic department admitted. “We invested so much in those guys, and losing them this close to signing day is tough.”

 

The Seminoles now face an uphill battle to find replacements this late in the cycle. While they remain in contact with several top edge rushers, none offer the chemistry or pedigree the Desir twins brought to the table.

 

What’s Next for the Desir Twins?

 

With their decisions finalized, the twins plan to enroll early at the University of Florida in January, allowing them to participate in spring practices and begin learning the playbook immediately. Both brothers are expected to compete for playing time as true freshmen, with potential roles in special packages designed to maximize their disruptive potential.

 

Off the field, Darryll and Mandrell have quickly become media darlings, known for their humorous twin banter, humble attitudes, and strong academic focus. They plan to major in Sports Management and have already signed NIL deals with two Florida-based apparel companies, further boosting their profile.

 

“We’re just getting started,” Darryll said with a smile. “Gator Nation, we’re bringing the storm.”

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Desir twins’ decision marks a defining moment in the 2025 recruiting class and could be a turning point for Florida’s football resurgence under Billy Napier. With Gainesville gaining momentum and Tallahassee left scrambling, the battle for state supremacy just got a lot more intense.