In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star twin defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have officially flipped their commitments from Florida State to Alabama, marking one of the most significant recruiting shifts of the 2027 cycle. The Miami-born twins were considered cornerstone recruits for the Seminoles, and their decommitment just weeks before National Signing Day has drastically altered the recruiting landscape. The brothers had also been heavily courted by Penn State, Nebraska, Georgia, and Texas A&M, making their decision to join Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide even more impactful.
Darryll and Mandrell Desir have been two of the most highly regarded defensive prospects in the country since their breakout junior seasons. At 6’5” and 260 pounds each, the twins possess elite size, athleticism, and explosiveness off the edge, drawing comparisons to former Alabama greats like Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Allen. Analysts have repeatedly praised their high football IQ, work ethic, and versatility, making them ideal fits for Alabama’s defensive scheme.
Florida State had been building significant recruiting momentum over the past few seasons, and the Desir twins were seen as the crown jewels of their 2027 class. Their abrupt change of heart has raised questions about internal issues within FSU’s program, while simultaneously reaffirming Alabama’s dominance on the recruiting trail—even after Saban’s semi-retirement and handoff to his successor, defensive coordinator-turned-head coach Glenn Davis.
“It’s a power move, plain and simple,” said former ESPN recruiting analyst Marcus Taylor. “Alabama didn’t just win a pair of elite athletes—they weakened a potential College Football Playoff rival and further solidified their own defensive front for years to come.”
The decision is particularly disappointing for programs like Penn State and Nebraska, who had invested heavily in recruiting the twins. Nebraska, under Matt Rhule, was hoping to turn the Desirs into the centerpiece of their defensive rebuild, while Penn State viewed them as critical pieces to finally surpass Michigan and Ohio State in the Big Ten pecking order.
From a broader perspective, this move has implications beyond just rosters. It underscores the increasing volatility in high-level recruiting, where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, coaching stability, and championship pedigree all play pivotal roles. While neither twin has publicly addressed the role NIL may have played in their decision, industry insiders speculate that Alabama’s robust NIL infrastructure was a deciding factor.
As the 2027 season approaches, Alabama now boasts arguably the most intimidating defensive line class in the nation, with the Desirs joining an already-stacked recruiting haul. Florida State must regroup quickly, possibly turning to the transfer portal to fill the sudden void.
Ultimately, the Desirs’ flip is a reminder of Alabama’s enduring appeal and the ever-evolving nature of college football recruiting. Programs must not only recruit hard but also recruit smart—and adapt fast. For now, Alabama fans can celebrate securing two game-changers who could be household names by the time the next College Football Playoff rolls around.
