
BREAKING NEWS: Twin Defensive Ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir Decommit from Florida State, Sign with Alabama over Penn State, Nebraska, and More
Tuscaloosa, AL – May 11, 2025
In a dramatic twist to the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, twin defensive end sensations Darryll and Mandrell Desir have officially decommitted from Florida State University and announced their commitment to the University of Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over top programs including Penn State, Nebraska, Oregon, and Texas A&M.
The Desir brothers, both rated as 5-star recruits and widely considered among the top defensive prospects in the nation, made the announcement during a nationally televised press conference from their hometown of Pompano Beach, Florida.
“After long talks with our family and deep consideration, we’ve decided that Alabama is the place where we can thrive both as athletes and as men,” said Darryll Desir, flanked by his brother Mandrell and their parents. “Coach Kalen DeBoer and Coach Freddie Roach made us feel like family. We’re ready to make history in Tuscaloosa.”
The decision comes as a major recruiting win for Coach Kalen DeBoer, who has continued to demonstrate Alabama’s national pull despite only recently taking over the reins of the program.
The Desir twins had originally committed to Florida State in July 2024, citing strong relationships with the Seminoles’ coaching staff and the chance to help restore FSU’s legacy. But with coaching staff changes and a re-evaluation of fit, the duo quietly reopened their recruitment in March.
Since then, the Alabama staff stayed relentless.
A Dominant Duo
At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds (Mandrell) and 6-foot-4, 247 pounds (Darryll), the twins have terrorized offensive lines throughout South Florida. Their film is loaded with explosive first steps, violent hands, and a relentless motor—traits that have earned them comparisons to former Alabama stars Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Allen.
Mandrell, the slightly taller of the two, is known for his elite pass-rushing technique and ability to bend the edge, while Darryll dominates with power moves and has even shown the versatility to kick inside on passing downs.
Together, they combined for 37 sacks, 92 tackles for loss, and 12 forced fumbles in their senior season at Blanche Ely High School, leading their team to a state semifinal appearance.
Recruiting Shockwaves
Their decommitment is a huge blow to Florida State, who had envisioned the twins as cornerstone pieces of their 2025 defensive rebuild. It also sends ripples through programs like Penn State and Nebraska, who had made strong late pushes.
“This is a recruiting stunner,” said 247Sports Director of Recruiting **Steve Wiltfong
BREAKING NEWS: Twin Defensive Ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir Decommit from Florida State, Sign with Alabama over Penn State, Nebraska, and More
May 11, 2025 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama
In a bombshell development that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, elite twin defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have officially decommitted from Florida State University and announced their commitment to the University of Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over several powerhouse programs, including Penn State, Nebraska, Oregon, and Texas A&M.
The highly anticipated announcement came Sunday evening during a nationally televised press conference held at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Florida, where the twins have become local legends and nationally ranked prospects.
“After careful thought, prayer, and deep conversations with our family and mentors, we’ve decided to take our talents to the University of Alabama,” Darryll Desir said as he and his brother revealed Alabama hats and matching crimson jackets. “We’re excited to be part of something legendary.”
Mandrell added, “From the moment we stepped on campus in Tuscaloosa, it just felt right. The coaching staff, the atmosphere, the history—it’s everything we were looking for. Alabama is where we belong.”
A Massive Recruiting Victory for Alabama
This commitment marks a major win for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, who continues to reinforce the Crimson Tide’s dominance on the recruiting trail following the departure of legendary coach Nick Saban. The Desir twins, both rated as five-star edge rushers, were among the most coveted defensive prospects in the nation.
Standing at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds (Mandrell) and 6-foot-4, 247 pounds (Darryll), the twins have been unstoppable forces on the field. In their senior season, they combined for 37 sacks, 92 tackles for loss, and 12 forced fumbles, earning All-State honors and national recognition.
Recruiting services such as 247Sports and Rivals rank both brothers in the top 10 nationally, with Mandrell listed as the No. 1 edge rusher and Darryll closely behind at No. 3. Their dynamic play style has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Myles Garrett and Joey Bosa.
“This is the kind of haul that could change the landscape of a defensive unit for years to come,” said national recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “These are game-wreckers who can anchor a defense from Day One.”
What Went Wrong at Florida State?
The Desir twins originally committed to Florida State in July 2024 after a strong recruiting pitch by then-defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and head coach Mike Norvell. The Seminoles were seen as the frontrunners thanks to their Florida ties and the promise of playing close to home.
However, after a disappointing 2024 campaign and staff turnover in the defensive coaching department, sources say the brothers began re-evaluating their options in early 2025. Rumors of a quiet decommitment started swirling in March when the twins opted to visit Alabama, Penn State, and Nebraska on back-to-back weekends.
“It was nothing against Florida State,” said their father, Maurice Desir. “But we had to do what’s best for their future, development, and opportunity to compete at the highest level.”
Why Alabama?
The brothers were particularly impressed with Alabama’s defensive development track record and the opportunity to work with defensive line coach Freddie Roach, who has a reputation for turning elite talent into NFL-ready stars.
“Coach Roach treated us like men from the start,” Mandrell said. “He told us how hard it would be, but also showed us how much better we’d become. That’s the kind of challenge we want.”
Alabama’s facilities, strength and conditioning program, and legacy of putting defenders into the NFL also weighed heavily in their decision. The twins join what is already shaping up to be one of the nation’s top recruiting classes for 2025, with the Crimson Tide securing commitments from seven other top-100 players.
What’s Next?
With National Signing Day still months away, the Desir brothers made it clear they are fully locked in with the Crimson Tide and plan to enroll early in January 2026.
“We’re 100% committed,” Darryll said. “This is where we want to be. Roll Tide forever.”
For Alabama, it’s another reminder that even in the post-Saban era, the Tide continues to roll. And with the Desir twins now on board, opposing offensive lines in the SEC have every reason to be nervous.
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