FSU flips four-star legacy WR Devin Carter from Auburn

Florida State continues its hot streak on the recruiting trail after completing the flip of four-star wide receiver Devin Carter from Auburn on Monday. The move brings the talented 2026 prospect back to his legacy roots in Tallahassee, where he was once committed.

Unfortunately, when Carter committed to FSU the first time, the program wasn’t in a good place and the staff he committed to was being replaced. The reversal comes after multiple visits, where Carter was able to build confidence in the new staff and the direction of the program. This culminated in his decision to rejoin the Seminoles, a program his father, Dexter Carter, famously played for before a distinguished NFL career.

Carter, a dynamic playmaker out of Douglas County (GA), had initially committed to Auburn in January of this year, but FSU’s relentless pursuit, particularly under the guidance of new offensive staff, including offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr., ultimately swayed the highly sought-after recruit.

“This is it for me,” Carter told On3, emphasizing the impact of his recent visits to Tallahassee. “When I visited for the first time this spring, it felt different. Then I went back a week later. And my official visit this summer put the stamp on it. I knew.”

The flip marks another major victory for Mike Norvell and the FSU coaching staff and continues their hot streak on the recruiting trail. Carter, one top wide receivers in the 2026 class, brings elite athleticism and playmaking ability to the Seminoles’ future offense. He’s known for his versatility and the ability to make an impact wherever he lines up. Speed and explosiveness are what come to mind when we talk about the 6-foot, 175-pound prospect. He put up 669 yards on 41 receptions with 5 touchdowns last season.

Devin ranks as a consensus four-star and top 200 recruit nationally according to the 247 Composite rankings. He comes in at No. 120 nationally, the No. 17 wide receiver and No. 15 player in Georgia. Carter held a whopping 37 offers, including most of the big names like Clemson, UGA, Alabama and Auburn.

His father, Dexter Carter, was a first-round NFL Draft pick out of Florida State in 1990 and a Super Bowl XXIX champion with the San Francisco 49ers. The legacy connection undoubtedly played a role in Devin’s initial attraction to FSU and ultimately his return. However, it was the confidence in the changes that have been made in Tallahassee to bring the program back to its proud roots, like when his father suited up. Of course, they must back it up with results on the playing field, but that is something FSU fans should be happy to hear coming directly from the mouth of a prized recruit.

The addition of Carter further strengthens FSU’s already impressive and growing 2026 recruiting class. Credit to new wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn for getting Carter back in garnet and gold.

After a few more moves happened faster than I could write this article, FSU landed two more recruits, bringing Tribe26 up to 19 commitments and earning them a top-10 ranking (9th) in the 247 Composite. There’s real momentum on the recruiting trail in Tallahassee right now, and what this staff has done is impressive, given the circumstances. Stay tuned for the latest news on the Noles!