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Oct 26, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on from field against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Blue-chip recruit spurns FSU football for the SEC

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 9:16 PM ET

The search for a defensive end to add to #Tribe26 continues on for Florida State.

For one reason or another, the Seminoles have missed on a variety of edge prospects dating back to the start of June. The position has quickly become a dire need for head coach Mike Norvell and his staff.

On Monday, four-star defensive end Jaquez Wilkes announced his commitment between Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, Miami, and Texas A&M.

It didn't truly seem like the Seminoles were in the running in this recruitment and that was confirmed by Wilkes' choice. He elected to pledge his services to the Auburn Tigers over the Seminoles, Crimson Tide, Hurricanes, and Aggies.

This doesn't feel like much of a miss since Wilkes didn't he even officially visit Florida State.

The Seminoles offered Wilkes in May of 2024 but he's never believed to have been to Tallahassee for a visit. How they made his top-5 at all is certainly a question worth asking.

Wilkes did take trips to Auburn, Miami and Texas A&M.

The Alabama native is a three-sport star at the prep level, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive end is regarded as the No. 90 overall prospect, the No. 11 EDGE, and the No. 6 recruit in Alabama in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports composite ratings.

Florida State holds 21 verbal commitments in its 2026 class which ranks No. 15 in the country.

The Seminoles previously landed four-star defensive lineman Earnest Rankins, four-star defensive lineman Tico Crittendon Jr., four-star defensive lineman Tank Carrington, and three-star defensive lineman Wihtlley Cadeau. However, the quartet of defenders are all expected to begin their careers along the interior.