Florida State has landed a significant commitment for its 2026 recruiting class, as four-star defensive lineman Earnest Rankins of Decatur, Georgia, announced his pledge to the Seminoles. Rankins, a highly coveted prospect, chose FSU over Auburn and became another addition to what is shaping up to be a strong future class for Mike Norvell’s program.
Rankins, who hails from Southwest DeKalb High School, is considered one of the top defensive line prospects in the nation for the 2026 cycle. His commitment immediately elevates him as the top-ranked recruit in Tribe 26. Rankins is a consensus four-star recruit and ranks in the top 150 nationally and is a top 15 defensive lineman in the 2026 class.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing around 275 pounds, he possesses the physical tools and traits of a top-tier defensive lineman. Long frame, wide wingspan, and brute strength are what give him considerable upside. Rankins may still be somewhat of a raw prospect who needs some development. Still, the glimpses of power, explosiveness, and athleticism show why this commitment could pay long-term dividends for the Seminoles. Once he fills out his frame with some additional mass, he’ll possess the size that Tony White covers in the middle of his defensive front.
The decision for Rankins came after an official visit to Tallahassee last month. Sources close to the recruitment indicate that the Seminoles coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton, played a crucial role in securing his commitment. Rankins himself spoke about the “feeling” he got from FSU, likening it to a championship-caliber team built on hard work and a determined drive to succeed. “It gave me the feeling, a feeling I had two years ago when I first made my way to the championship at Cedar Grove… It’s just that team, how it was, FSU just reminds me of that year. Work, hard work. A team that comes from the bottom, that was there at one point,” Rankins told 247Sports.
His commitment continued the recruiting momentum for Florida State, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Rankins joins fellow defensive linemen Tico Crittendon, James Carrington, and Wihtlley Cadeau in the 2026 class, creating what could be a solid foundation for the Seminoles’ future defensive front. The program has been actively prioritizing big bodies who can disrupt from the interior, aligning with Defensive Coordinator Tony White’s scheme. Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class is up to 21 commitments and ranks 13th in the 247 Composite rankings. Thanks for reading and Go Noles!
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