BREAKING NEWS: Twin Defensive Ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir Decommit from Florida State, Sign with Alabama Over Penn State, Nebraska, and More
In a seismic shift in college football recruiting, five-star twin defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have officially decommitted from Florida State and signed with Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide for the 2025 season. The move sends shockwaves through the recruiting landscape, as the dynamic duo was expected to be cornerstone pieces for Florida State’s defensive line. However, after a last-minute change of heart, the Desir twins chose to take their talents to Tuscaloosa over other top programs, including Penn State, Nebraska, Georgia, and Miami.
The decision marks a massive win for Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class, which was already shaping up to be among the best in the nation. Meanwhile, for Florida State, the decommitment of two elite defensive prospects presents a significant setback in their quest to return to national championship contention.
The Stunning Flip: Why the Desir Twins Chose Alabama
The Desir twins, both 6-foot-5, 260-pound pass-rushing forces, had been verbally committed to Florida State since the summer of 2024. Their decision to join the Seminoles was initially considered a huge victory for head coach Mike Norvell, especially as FSU sought to rebuild its defense into an elite unit.
However, over the past few weeks, speculation mounted that the twins were reconsidering their options. Alabama, Penn State, Nebraska, and Georgia continued to push hard in their recruitment, with Alabama emerging as the most serious threat to flip them.
What Led to Their Change of Heart?
In a statement released after their decision, Darryll Desir cited Alabama’s history of developing defensive stars as a key factor:
> “We have nothing but respect for Florida State, and it was a really tough decision. But when we looked at everything—how Alabama develops pass rushers, the competition level in the SEC, and the overall culture—it just made sense. Alabama is the best place for us to take our game to the next level.”
Mandrell Desir echoed those sentiments, emphasizing Nick Saban’s defensive legacy:
> “Playing for Coach Saban is a dream come true. The way he prepares guys for the league, the championships, the intensity—it’s everything we wanted. We’re coming to Tuscaloosa to be great.”
The Role of Alabama’s Coaching Staff in the Flip
One of the key figures in Alabama’s successful flip was defensive line coach Freddie Roach, who built a strong relationship with the Desir twins and their family. Roach emphasized how Alabama’s system would maximize their development and best prepare them for the NFL.
According to sources close to the recruitment, Roach’s pitch to the twins was simple:
Alabama consistently produces NFL-caliber defensive linemen. Recent examples include Will Anderson Jr., Dallas Turner, and Chris Braswell.
The Crimson Tide’s strength and conditioning program is unmatched in preparing players for the physicality of the SEC.
Alabama’s winning culture and national championship pedigree made them the perfect place for competitors like the Desir twins.
Additionally, Nick Saban himself made a late push, hosting the twins on a secret visit to Tuscaloosa in early February. That visit, according to insiders, was the defining moment when the Desir brothers realized Alabama was their true home.
What This Means for Alabama
Landing Darryll and Mandrell Desir is a monumental win for Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class. The Tide have now secured two immediate-impact defensive ends, ensuring their pass rush remains dominant for years to come.
With Alabama already losing several key defensive linemen to the NFL, including potential first-round picks, the Desir twins could see early playing time as true freshmen. Their combination of size, speed, and explosiveness off the edge makes them ideal fits for Alabama’s multiple-front defensive scheme.
Nick Saban, in a statement, expressed his excitement about the signings:
> “Darryll and Mandrell are two of the most talented edge rushers we’ve seen in this class. They bring a relentless work ethic, elite athleticism, and a passion for the game that fits right into our culture. We’re thrilled to have them at Alabama.”
Projected Impact on Alabama’s Defense
The Desir twins are expected to contribute immediately to Alabama’s defensive rotation, potentially working their way into a starting role by their sophomore seasons.
What Alabama is getting in the Desir twins:
Elite pass-rushing ability: Both players have a quick first step and elite closing speed.
Versatility: They can play both stand-up edge rusher and hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, making them valuable in Alabama’s defensive scheme.
High football IQ: The twins excel at reading offensive linemen and adjusting their pass-rush moves accordingly.
Many analysts believe that Darryll and Mandrell Desir could follow in the footsteps of recent Alabama greats and become first-round NFL Draft picks within the next three years.
What This Means for Florida State
For Florida State, this is a devastating loss. The Desir twins were expected to be the centerpiece of FSU’s 2025 defensive class, and their sudden departure leaves a massive hole in the Seminoles’ future pass-rush plans.
How Does FSU Recover?
FSU’s coaching staff now faces an uphill battle to replace two elite defensive linemen. Some potential options include:
Hitting the transfer portal: Florida State may look for experienced pass rushers to fill the void left by the twins’ departure.
Flipping other recruits: FSU could try to poach committed defensive ends from other programs, though time is running out.
Developing current players: The Seminoles may need to fast-track the development of their young defensive linemen.
Head coach Mike Norvell addressed the decommitment, saying:
> “We’re obviously disappointed, but we wish Darryll and Mandrell the best. We’ll continue to build a championship-caliber program here at Florida State.”
FSU fans, however, are expressing frustration over losing such a high-profile duo. Some are questioning whether Florida State’s NIL program played a role in the twins’ departure, while others blame Alabama’s dominant recruiting infrastructure.
Who Else Was in the Mix?
While Alabama ultimately won the battle, several other powerhouse programs made serious pushes to land the Desir twins.
Penn State: James Franklin and his staff worked relentlessly to bring the twins to Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions pitched their defensive success under Manny Diaz, but ultimately fell short.
Nebraska: Matt Rhule made an aggressive late push, selling the idea of immediate playing time and the chance to be foundational players in Nebraska’s rebuild.
Georgia: Kirby Smart tried to pair them with the Bulldogs’ elite defensive line, but Georgia already had a deep class at the position.
Miami: The Hurricanes tried to keep the twins in Florida, but ultimately couldn’t compete with Alabama’s development track record.
In the end, Alabama’s winning culture, coaching staff, and NFL pipeline proved to be the deciding factors.
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Conclusion: The Desir Twins Are Headed to Alabama
Darryll and Mandrell Desir’s stunning flip from Florida State to Alabama will be remembered as one of the most dramatic recruiting moments of the 2025 cycle. Their decision solidifies Alabama’s defensive future while leaving Florida State scrambling for answers.
For Crimson Tide fans, the arrival of the Dominant Desir Duo signals another potential championship run in the making. As Alabama continues to reload with elite talent, the program once again proves why it remains the gold standard in college football recruiting.
For Florida State, the loss is painful, but in the ever-changing world of college football, recruiting battles are never over. The Seminoles will have to regroup, adjust, and find new ways to compete with the best.
One thing is for certain: The Desir twins are coming to Tuscaloosa, and the SEC just got a whole lot more dangerous.
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