Florida State Continues Recruiting Surge with Commitment from 4-Star DL Tico Crittendon Jr.
The Florida State Seminoles are riding a serious wave of momentum on the recruiting trail this June, with a string of blue-chip commitments adding depth and star power to their #Tribe26 class. Over the past nine days alone, FSU has secured five verbal pledges, pushing their 2026 recruiting class firmly back into the national top-20 rankings, currently sitting at No. 19 after the latest addition.
The most recent high-profile commitment came on Tuesday evening when four-star defensive lineman Tico Crittendon Jr. announced that he would be heading to Tallahassee. Crittendon chose the Seminoles over a trio of major programs—Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas Tech—opting instead to join head coach Mike Norvell and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton at Florida State.
The 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive lineman hails from Lithonia, Georgia, and had long been a target for FSU. Although he initially planned to announce his college decision on July 4th, Crittendon apparently felt so confident in his choice that he moved the timeline up, making his decision public shortly after his official visit to campus this past weekend.
Florida State had been trending in Crittendon’s recruitment for some time, especially after extending an offer to him back in March. His visit to Doak Campbell Stadium only solidified those feelings, and Coach Knighton played a pivotal role in sealing the deal. The defensive line coach’s relationship-building skills and track record with player development likely made a big impression on Crittendon and his family.
In his junior season at Lithonia High School, Crittendon delivered an impressive stat line. He totaled 25 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles over just six appearances. His disruptive presence up front was felt in every game he played, as he registered multiple tackles for loss in each contest. His best performance came in a commanding 42-0 victory over Northview High School, where he posted seven tackles, four tackles for loss, and both of his forced fumbles.
Crittendon is considered one of the better defensive line prospects in the 2026 class. According to the 247Sports composite rankings, he’s currently listed as the No. 336 overall recruit in the nation, the No. 40 defensive lineman, and the No. 42 player in Georgia. His commitment gives the Seminoles yet another powerful presence on the defensive front in what’s shaping up to be an elite class.
With Crittendon now on board, Florida State’s 2026 class stands at 14 commitments, climbing eight spots in the rankings from No. 27 to No. 19. That number could rise even further if the Seminoles continue their recent recruiting hot streak. The program has clearly found its rhythm this cycle, with strong momentum particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Prior to Crittendon’s announcement, the Seminoles had already landed two other talented four-star defensive linemen in James Carrington and Wihtlley Cadeau, adding significant depth and future potential to the trenches. These three recruits—Carrington, Cadeau, and Crittendon—give Florida State a trio of high-upside linemen who could anchor the defense for years to come.
Full List of Florida State’s 2026 Commitments (as of June 18, 2025):
Four-Star WR Efrem White
Four-Star WR Darryon Williams
Four-Star DB Darryl Bell III
Four-Star RB Amari Thomas
Four-Star DB Tedarius Hughes
Four-Star WR Brandon Bennett
Four-Star DL James Carrington
Four-Star DL Tico Crittendon Jr.
Three-Star DB Sean Johnson
Three-Star LB Karon Maycock
Three-Star OL Michael Ionata
Three-Star OL Xavier Payne
Three-Star DL Wihtlley Cadeau
Three-Star LB Noah LaVallee
This well-rounded group features strong talent on both sides of the ball, with notable additions at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive back, and defensive line. The depth at key positions reflects the staff’s strategic approach to balancing offensive firepower with defensive toughness.
As the coaching staff looks ahead to the 2025 season, the current defensive tackle rotation also appears solid. Returning veterans and rising talents give the Seminoles a strong presence in the interior, ensuring that younger players like Crittendon will be able to grow within a competitive and experienced environment.
Projected 2025 Defensive Tackles for Florida State:
Redshirt Senior Darrell Jackson Jr.
Redshirt Junior Daniel Lyons
Redshirt Junior Jayson Jenkins
Junior Tyeland Coleman
Redshirt Sophomore KJ Sampson
Redshirt Freshman Jamorie Flagg
True Freshman Kevin Wynn
This depth chart not only gives the program stability heading into the upcoming season but also sets the stage for younger recruits like Crittendon to learn and develop under proven veterans. It’s a sign of a healthy, well-managed program that continues to reload rather than rebuild.
Head coach Mike Norvell and his staff have clearly hit their stride on the recruiting trail, identifying prospects early and building strong relationships throughout the process. With their #Tribe26 class gaining traction, there’s a renewed sense of optimism around the program’s future. If the current momentum continues, Florida State could push into the top-15—and possibly top-10—by the time signing day rolls around.
For now, the Seminoles are enjoying the fruits of their labor. Another four-star commitment in the books. Another blue-chip talent headed to Tallahassee. And a growing sense that the Seminoles are once again becoming a recruiting powerhouse on the national stage.
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