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Florida State Earns Major Recruiting Win over Alabama on Monday

Originally posted on College Football News
By Mathey Gibson | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 4:31 PM ET

Florida State scored a significant recruiting win on Monday, flipping the script in a heated SEC-ACC rivalry by landing one of the nation’s premier tight ends.

Four-star tight end Xavier Tiller confirmed his commitment to the Seminoles, sharing his excitement with Hayes Fawcett of On3 Recruits, saying, “I’m home! Go Noles!”

At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, the standout from Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, GA, opted for Florida State over powerhouses Alabama and Auburn.

Tiller had recently narrowed his choices to those three schools, with many experts predicting Auburn as the likely destination.

Where home ? pic.twitter.com/v4N4bod7ih
— Xavier Tiller (@XavierTillerLH) June 16, 2025

However, the Seminoles pulled off a major surprise for the native Georgian.

Ranked as the No. 4 tight end in the 2026 class by ESPN, Tiller had previously committed to Texas A&M in November 2024 before reopening his recruitment this past February.

During his sophomore year, Tiller recorded 25 catches for 352 yards and seven touchdowns while teaming up with five-star Ohio State signee Air Noland.

He continued to impress in 2024, securing another 25 receptions for 344 yards and three touchdowns as a junior.

This commitment is a big win for head coach Mike Norvell and the FSU staff, who are making significant inroads in Georgia.

By bringing in a top-tier, athletic tight end like Tiller from the heart of SEC territory, Florida State just outpaced two elite programs head-to-head in move that’s sure to raise eyebrows across country.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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