Florida State Offers Trending Blue-Chip Defender

Sep 6, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before the game against the East Texas A&M Lions at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Florida State Offers Trending Blue-Chip Defender

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Jul 26, 2026 8:00 AM ET

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The Florida State Seminoles addressed multiple needs on the recruiting trail over the summer.

Along the defensive front, the Seminoles netted five pledges, including four-star defensive lineman Sam LeJeune, three-star defensive end Jaxon Holly, and reclassified defensive end Meshi Dobson.

It's clear that the combination of defensive line coach Terrance Knighton and EDGEs coach Nick Williams is starting to pay off for Florida State.

Though the Seminoles may be searching for a final piece in the trenches and need to focus on retaining their current commitments, the staff can start to think about the future of the position.

Florida State Offers Four-Star DL After Standout Offseason

Earlier this month, Florida State extended a scholarship to four-star defensive lineman Nikolas Stevens, a member of the 2028 class. Stevens referred to Knighton when revealing the news on social media.

The rising junior is a trending recruit in his cycle. He's picking up major interest, with Miami, Penn State, LSU, Ohio State, Kentucky, Colorado, and Virginia Tech among some of the programs that have offered him this offseason.

Stevens has visited Penn State, Ohio State, LSU, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Miami, and Tennessee in recent months.

Blessed to have earned a offer from Florida State University!!!! #AGTG #GoSeminoles❤️ @Coach_Knighton @tanksdaman2 @DenocD @DavisEra_ @CoachMcGregor @DMCoachbrown6 pic.twitter.com/ZnwkNsWjQr
— Nikolas Stevens (@Nstevens_99) July 21, 2026

In June, Stevens was named the Defensive Line MVP at UA Next Baltimore, cementing his status as a rising prospect.

During his sophomore season at DeMatha Catholic High School, Stevens contributed to an 11-0 season and a second straight state championship.

The 6-foot-3, 283-pound defensive lineman is regarded as the No. 162 overall prospect, the No. 19 DL, and the No. 7 recruit in Maryland in the 2028 class, according to the 247Sports Composite Ratings.

Stevens has yet to visit Florida State.