BREAKING NEWS: Twin Defensive Ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir Decommit from Florida State, Sign with Oklahoma Sooners over Penn State, Nebraska, and More
Oklahoma Scores Big in Stunning Recruiting Flip
In a seismic shift on the recruiting trail, twin defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have officially decommitted from Florida State and signed with the Oklahoma Sooners, dealing a massive blow to the Seminoles and other top programs vying for their services. The Miami-based duo, regarded as two of the most dominant pass rushers in the 2025 recruiting class, had been considered key future pieces for Florida State’s defense. However, after a series of visits and deep discussions with their family and coaching circles, the twins made the unexpected decision to head to Norman.
Oklahoma edged out Penn State, Nebraska, and several other programs in a fierce battle for the Desir twins, solidifying their status as a defensive powerhouse under head coach Brent Venables.
From Florida State to Oklahoma: A Dramatic Flip
Darryll and Mandrell Desir initially committed to Florida State last summer, citing the program’s legacy and defensive tradition as key factors. At the time, they spoke highly of head coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, believing Tallahassee would be their future home.
However, as the season progressed and the recruiting process intensified, the Desir twins began to have second thoughts. Sources close to the family revealed that while they still held Florida State in high regard, they wanted to ensure they were making the absolute best decision for their long-term development and NFL aspirations.
“Florida State is a great program, but we had to think about where we’d develop the most and have the best opportunity to grow as players and as men,” Darryll Desir told reporters. “After visiting Oklahoma and seeing how Coach Venables and Coach [Miguel] Chavis run the defense, we knew this was the place for us.”
Mandrell echoed his brother’s sentiments, emphasizing Oklahoma’s defensive vision.
“We want to be dominant on the field, and after meeting with the staff, watching film, and seeing how they develop pass rushers, we felt like this was the best place to do that,” Mandrell said. “Coach Venables’ defense is aggressive, and that fits our style perfectly.”
The Sooners’ Recruiting Win: How Oklahoma Pulled Off the Flip
Oklahoma’s ability to flip the Desir twins is a testament to Brent Venables’ defensive pedigree and the culture he is building in Norman. When Venables took over as head coach, he made it clear that the Sooners would prioritize elite defensive talent, shifting away from the offensive-heavy identity they had become known for in the past.
Landing Darryll and Mandrell Desir is a major statement. The twins, both standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at around 265 pounds, possess the athleticism, power, and technique to be immediate impact players in the Sooners’ front seven.
Defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis played a crucial role in their recruitment, forming a strong bond with the twins and their family. According to sources, Chavis and Venables visited the Desir household multiple times, outlining their vision for the future.
“The message from Oklahoma was clear: They see us as cornerstone players,” Darryll said. “Coach Chavis has played at the highest level, and he knows what it takes to get there. Coach Venables is a mastermind on defense. That was hard to ignore.”
The Fallout for Florida State
For Florida State, this loss stings. The Seminoles were banking on the Desir twins to be foundational pieces of their defensive rebuild, and their sudden departure leaves a gaping hole in their 2025 recruiting class.
Recruiting experts note that while Florida State still has a strong class, losing two elite pass rushers at this stage in the cycle could force them to scramble for alternatives.
“This is a tough one for FSU,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “They built their defensive plan around Darryll and Mandrell, and now they have to find replacements late in the process. This is the reality of recruiting today—nothing is set in stone until those letters are signed.”
Florida State’s coaching staff, while disappointed, remained professional in their response.
“We respect Darryll and Mandrell’s decision,” head coach Mike Norvell said in a statement. “They are great young men with bright futures, and we wish them nothing but the best.”
Penn State, Nebraska, and Others Left on the Outside
The Desir twins’ decision also impacted other programs that were in the mix. Penn State and Nebraska had been making strong pushes, and sources indicated that both schools believed they were in a prime position heading into the final stretch.
Penn State, known for its defensive prowess under James Franklin, had been a strong contender. Their ability to develop pass rushers—most recently with players like Micah Parsons—made them an appealing option. However, they ultimately fell short.
Nebraska, under Matt Rhule, also made a late push, hoping to capitalize on their upward trajectory as a program. Rhule’s staff was aggressive in their approach, emphasizing the culture shift in Lincoln and the opportunity to be part of a rebuilding powerhouse.
Ultimately, though, Oklahoma’s defensive pedigree and the presence of Venables and Chavis proved too strong to overcome.
What This Means for Oklahoma’s Future
The addition of Darryll and Mandrell Desir could be a game-changer for the Sooners’ defensive unit. The twins bring a combination of speed, strength, and technical skill that is rare at the high school level.
With Oklahoma set to enter the SEC, the need for elite defensive talent has never been greater. The Desir twins could be key players in helping the Sooners compete against the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Brent Venables has made defense a priority, and this recruiting win signals that Oklahoma is ready to re-establish itself as a dominant force in college football.
The Twins’ Impact: What to Expect on the Field
Fans should expect to see Darryll and Mandrell making an impact early in their collegiate careers. The twins have drawn comparisons to former Oklahoma greats like Dan Cody and Tommie Harris, with scouts raving about their ability to disrupt offenses.
“They are explosive, relentless, and have an NFL-caliber motor,” said Rivals analyst Adam Gorney. “Oklahoma is getting two guys who could be Day 1 contributors, and if they develop as expected, they’ll be high draft picks.”
Darryll and Mandrell are known for their high football IQ, strong work ethic, and natural leadership abilities. Both have expressed a desire to not only win championships but also to leave a lasting legacy at Oklahoma.
“We want to bring rings to Norman,” Mandrell said. “We’re coming in ready to work, and we’re going to give everything we’ve got to this program.”
The Road Ahead
With National Signing Day approaching, Oklahoma’s recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the country. The Desir twins’ commitment is a major coup, and it could help attract even more top-tier talent to Norman.
As for Florida State, Penn State, and Nebraska, they’ll have to regroup and adjust their recruiting strategies moving forward. The loss of the Desir twins will undoubtedly be felt, but college football recruiting is a never-ending battle.
For Oklahoma, this victory on the recruiting trail could be the first step in their return to national prominence. If Darryll and Mandrell Desir live up to their potential, they could go down as two of the most impactful defensive recruits in Sooners history.
One thing is certain: The future in Norman just got a lot brighter.
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