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Florida State just beat out one of their biggest rivals and a few blue-chip programs in a way they desperately needed

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 12:07 AM ET

The Florida State Seminoles have been quietly killing it this summer when it comes to the 2026 class. They have not let their brutal two-win season in 2024 stop them from snagging some really good recruits.

Sure, head coach Mike Norvell is on the hot seat after a season like that, but there seems to be a belief that he can turn it around. And, we know that because they have been landing some big-time recruits, and they wouldn't be landing them if those guys didn't think they could get back to the top, or at least near it.

The Seminoles are on fire as of late, as they have recently landed defensive lineman Earnest Rankins, quarterback Jaden O’Neal, who was a flip from Oklahoma, wide receiver Devin Carter, a flip from Auburn, and cornerback Jay Timmons, a flip from Indiana, tight end Xavier Tiller, and wide receiver Brandon Bennett. All of these have some extreme upside potential and can help the Noles turn their program around.

And now they can add one more to the list -- one that they stole from the Florida Gators, as well as some other blue-chip programs.

Seminoles land elite 2026 CB Chauncey Kennon

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Chauncey Kennon, a four-star cornerback from Booker High School in Sarasota, Florida, is a top prospect in the 2026 class who was once thought to be a pretty big name for the Gators, but on Sunday, he chose the Noles. At 6'2" and 185 pounds, he has the size, speed, and athleticism to excel as a modern cornerback, especially in the ACC.

As a junior, Kennon recorded 33 tackles, 16 pass breakups, one interception, and a forced fumble on defense, while also adding 10 catches for 317 yards and six touchdowns as a wide receiver. He can really do it all, and he's just getting started in his development.

Kennon received 37 scholarship offers from major programs. He narrowed his choices to Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, and Oregon before committing to Florida State. The elite CB will be coached by Patrick Surtain Sr., who played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs, and even had an All-Pro season. His son, Pat Surtain II, was just the Defensive Player of the Year for the Denver Broncos.

The kid may have made the right choice for his future development.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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