Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before a game against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Top recruit chooses Florida Gators over Florida State in major decision

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 6:42 PM ET

Florida State finds itself in position to push for a top-10 recruiting class as the summer moves on.

The Seminoles have bulked up #Tribe26 in recent weeks but will need to add a few high-profile targets to the commitment sheet to hold weight when other programs catch up in numbers.

As it stands, head coach Mike Norvell and his coaching staff are in the running for multiple top-100 prospects who will decide this month.

FSU is taking a small hit in the trenches early in June. Earlier today, four-star defensive lineman Kendall Guervil announced his commitment to Florida over Florida State and Texas.

Guervil recently named the Seminoles to his top three after officially visiting Tallahassee from May 30 to June 1. He also saw the Longhorns and Gators, along with Georgia, last month.

The Florida native has held an offer from Florida State since 2023. However, his trip to campus in March marked Guervil's first chance to meet with new defensive coordinator Tony White and new defensive line coach Terrance Knighton.

It is worth noting that the Seminoles added four-star defensive lineman Earnest Rankins to the fold after previously landing four-star Tico Crittendon Jr., four-star Tank Carrington, and three-star Wihtlley Cadeau.

During his junior season at Fort Myers High School, Guervil totaled 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

The 6-foot-4.5, 315-pound defensive lineman is regarded as the No. 77 overall prospect, the No. 12 DL, and the No. 9 recruit in the state of Florida in the 2026 class according to 247Sports.

Florida State holds 21 verbal commitments in its 2026 class which ranks No. 11 in the country.