FSU football takes shot at flipping breakout defender from LSU

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The end of July is swiftly approaching.

Florida State's 2026 recruiting class is in much better shape than it was at the beginning of the summer. With that being said, the Seminoles still need to make a few more additions at three critical positions; running back, offensive tackle, and defensive end.

To this point of the cycle, FSU has struggled to recruit pass-rushers, striking out on basically every target on the board in recent weeks.

That has the Seminoles circling the wagons and searching for new names who could be attainable.

On Friday, Florida State extended a scholarship to three-star defensive end and LSU commit, DeAnthony Lafayette. The rising senior pledged his services to the Tigers earlier this month, choosing the program over Miami and Oklahoma.

Lafayette referred to defensive line coach Terrance Knighton when revealing the news on social media.

#AGTG Blessed to recieve an offer from @Coach_Knighton to play at the @FSUFootball @daubrey52 @trenchmenAC @chadmavety55 @TomLoy247 @ChadSimmons_ @BrianDohn247 @On3Keith @SWiltfong_ @JohnGarcia_Jr @GregBiggins @BrandonHuffman @adamgorney @odellhaggins @gross904 pic.twitter.com/czclaB0Hp1
— DeAnthony “4⭐️” Lafayette 6’1 230 OLB/EDGE (@DeAnthony2_18) July 18, 2025

During his junior season, Lafayette had a breakout season for Lake Nona High School. He totaled 73 tackles, six tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, three pass deflections, and one interception.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound defensive end is regarded as the No. 530 overall prospect, the No. 49 EDGE, and the No. 74 recruit in Florida in the 2027 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.