Florida State University secured a significant commitment from highly-rated EDGE Franklin Whitley, who chose them over several other top-tier programs. This decision comes after Whitley's impressive resurgence in football, having not played since his fifth grade. His talent didn't go unnoticed, attracting offers from renowned universities like South Carolina, Florida State, Auburn, Florida, and Alabama.
Whitley's recruitment intensified as he visited South Carolina's Gamecocks and Florida State, as well as Tennessee. With National Signing Day approaching, he made a swift decision, committing to the Seminoles. This commitment bolsters Florida State's top-15 class under the leadership of Mike Norvell.
During his official visit, Whitley was impressed by the coaching staff's transparency and their approach to coaching and handling setbacks. He spent time with defensive line coach Terrence Knighton and Norvell, who emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication. Whitley's commitment aligns with his belief in the program's values.
This commitment marks a significant recruiting win for Florida State, who recently secured two other players, Chris Carbin and Daylen Green, in quick succession. Whitley's addition to the class brings a player with immense potential, as he has already demonstrated his prowess with 31 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and three sacks in just 10 games this fall, despite his recent absence from the sport.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, Whitley is ranked as the 494th overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He is also the nation's 53rd-ranked EDGE and the top-rated recruit in South Carolina. This commitment further solidifies Florida State's strong position in the upcoming recruiting cycle.
