Darryll and Mandrell Desir have decommitted from Florida State University and flipped their commitments to the Alabama Crimson Tide. The five-star prospects from Miami Norland High School, long considered a package deal, made the announcement via social media late Thursday night, instantly vaulting Alabama into the spotlight of the 2026 recruiting cycle. The brothers, known for their explosive first steps, relentless motor, and rare combination of size and speed, had been verbally pledged to the Seminoles since early 2025, but a whirlwind final push from Kalen DeBoer’s staff proved too much to resist.
The Desirs’ decision caps a fierce recruitment battle that included blue-blood programs Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina, all of whom made late surges for the twins’ services. Sources close to the recruitment say Alabama’s pitch centered on immediate playing time in a defensive scheme tailor-made for edge rushers, elite NFL development under new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, and the unmatched tradition of producing first-round pass rushers. “Bama showed us the plan—Day 1 impact, national title contention, and a straight path to the League,” one source quoted the brothers as saying. The flip delivers a crushing blow to Florida State, who viewed the twins as foundational pieces for their defensive rebuild.
At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds (Darryll) and 6-foot-3, 260 pounds (Mandrell), the Desir twins dominated South Florida high school football with a combined 28 sacks and 65 tackles for loss over their junior and senior seasons. Ranked as top-50 national prospects and top-10 edge rushers by most major services, their arrival in Tuscaloosa addresses a critical need for Alabama following the departure of several veteran defenders to the NFL. Analysts are already projecting the duo as future cornerstones of a reloaded Crimson Tide front seven that could terrorize SEC quarterbacks for years to come.
The commitment is being hailed as a signature recruiting victory for DeBoer, who continues to prove he can win head-to-head battles against the nation’s elite programs despite being in just his second full cycle at Alabama. Landing the Desirs not only bolsters an already strong 2026 class but sends a clear message to the rest of college football: the Crimson Tide remain a premier destination for the nation’s best talent, even in the ever-chaotic NIL and transfer portal era. Roll Tide Nation is celebrating what many are calling the steal of the cycle.
With the early signing period looming, this flip has the potential to reshape the balance of power in the SEC for years to come. The Desir twins join an Alabama class that now boasts multiple five-star defenders and could climb into the top five nationally with a strong finish. As one recruiting expert put it, “Alabama didn’t just get two great players—they got a brotherhood that plays with fire. This is the kind of move that championships are built on.” Roll Tide.
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