Florida State Seminoles Target Top Defensive Recruits for Class of 2027
The Florida State Seminoles are focusing on recruiting for the Class of 2027 after the 2026 Transfer Portal window closed. Currently ranked No. 18 in recruiting, the Seminoles are targeting four-star safety Mekhi Williams as a key player in their recruitment efforts.
The team is particularly interested in strengthening their defensive line and is eyeing the No. 14-ranked edge defender, Frederick Ards II, who hails from Jones High School in Orlando, Florida. Ards has narrowed down his choices to five schools, with Florida State being one of them. Despite receiving an offer from FSU in January 2025, Ards has yet to visit the campus officially, but he is expected to attend the Seminoles' final Junior Day of the month.
Among the other schools in contention for Ards are Florida Gators, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Alabama. Ards has already taken official visits to the Aggies, Gators, and Gamecocks in the summer of 2026. With offers from over 20 programs, including Michigan State, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss, Ards is a highly sought-after recruit.
Ards had an impressive junior season at Jones High School, recording 102 total tackles, 18 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 30 quarterback hurries in 14 games. Securing Ards' commitment will be a top priority for the Seminoles' coaching staff, especially under the guidance of new defensive ends coach Nick Williams, who joined the university in December.
In the Class of 2027, Ards will be joining other defensive standouts like linebacker Gregory Baston and safety Jamari Foreman. The Seminoles have also signed defensive linemen Earnest Rankins, Franklin Whitley, Cam Brooks, Chris Carbin, Wihtlley Cadeau, and Luke Francis in 2026, further bolstering their defensive lineup.