Breaking News: Desir Twins Flip Commitment from Florida State to Oklahoma, Surpassing Offers from Georgia and Tennessee

In an unexpected twist in college football recruiting, Darryll and Mandrell Desir, twin brothers and two of the most highly sought-after defensive line prospects in the 2024 recruiting class, have made the decision to decommit from Florida State University (FSU). Instead, the standout duo has announced their pledge to the Oklahoma Sooners, bypassing significant interest from other elite programs, including the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers. The surprising announcement, shared via social media earlier today, has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, altering the recruiting landscape and making headlines across the country.

The Desir Twins: Dominant Defensive Talent

At an imposing 6’6” and weighing over 270 pounds each, Darryll and Mandrell Desir have solidified their reputation as two of the most dominant defensive linemen in recent high school football history. Both twins have excelled in multiple roles on the defensive front, with Darryll often lining up as a defensive tackle and Mandrell showcasing his skills as a defensive end. Their combination of size, speed, and athleticism has made them coveted targets for college programs with a history of developing NFL-caliber talent.

The twins initially committed to Florida State in January 2023 after an official visit to the Seminoles’ campus. They were reportedly impressed by FSU’s coaching staff, training facilities, and the program’s trajectory under head coach Mike Norvell. Their decision at the time was seen as a significant win for FSU, as it highlighted the school’s growing appeal to top-tier recruits.

However, the months leading up to their decommitment were marked by mounting speculation about the twins reconsidering their options. Reports suggested that powerhouse programs with a history of defensive success, including Georgia and Tennessee, were actively courting the Desirs, positioning themselves as viable alternatives. Despite the strong relationship they had built with FSU, the twins’ ultimate decision to flip to Oklahoma indicates that their priorities shifted toward a program they believe offers the best pathway to individual and team success.

A Calculated Move: Why Oklahoma?

The Desir twins’ decision to join the Oklahoma Sooners appears to be a deliberate and strategic choice, reflecting both their long-term aspirations and the program’s evolving defensive identity. Oklahoma, historically renowned for its offensive prowess, has recently turned its attention to building a formidable defense, particularly under the leadership of head coach Brent Venables. Venables, who joined the Sooners after a highly successful tenure as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, is known for his ability to develop elite defensive talent and mold championship-caliber units.

In their announcement, the Desirs expressed their excitement about becoming Sooners, stating, “After much thought, prayer, and discussions with our family, we are thrilled to announce our commitment to the University of Oklahoma. The coaches, the vision for the program, and the opportunities ahead are unmatched. We’re ready to contribute to something special and make our mark as Sooners.”

The Desirs’ decision to flip their commitment comes after months of careful evaluation of Oklahoma’s football program. The Sooners’ combination of top-tier facilities, a competitive environment, and a renewed focus on defense under Venables seems to have been the key factors in winning over the twins. Additionally, Oklahoma’s consistent presence in the national spotlight and its reputation for developing NFL-ready talent undoubtedly appealed to the Desirs as they considered the next step in their football careers.

Rival Programs Left in the Wake

The Desir twins’ recruitment saga wasn’t just a contest between Florida State and Oklahoma. Other top-tier programs, including Georgia and Tennessee, were also heavily in the mix and made strong cases for the twins’ talents. Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has established itself as a juggernaut in college football, boasting a defensive unit that has been the cornerstone of its recent success, including back-to-back national championships. The Bulldogs have consistently produced elite defensive linemen who transition seamlessly to the NFL, making them an attractive option for recruits like the Desir twins.

Tennessee, led by head coach Josh Heupel, has made significant strides in recent years, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. However, Heupel’s efforts to rebuild the Volunteers’ defense have also started to bear fruit, positioning Tennessee as a rising contender in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). For the Volunteers, landing the Desirs would have been a statement victory in their quest to return to national prominence.

Despite these strong pitches, Oklahoma emerged victorious in the recruiting battle. Analysts speculate that the depth chart and immediate opportunities for playing time at Georgia may have worked against the Bulldogs, while Tennessee’s rebuilding process likely made the Sooners a more appealing choice for the twins, who are eager to compete for championships early in their college careers.

What the Desir Twins Bring to Oklahoma

Adding Darryll and Mandrell Desir to Oklahoma’s 2024 recruiting class is a massive win for the Sooners, both in terms of talent and momentum. The twins bring a rare combination of physical tools and football IQ that will immediately elevate the program’s defensive line. Their versatility to play multiple positions—Darryll excelling in interior pass rush and run-stopping roles, while Mandrell thrives on the edge as a disruptor—provides Oklahoma with unmatched flexibility in defensive schemes.

Head coach Brent Venables expressed his enthusiasm for the twins’ decision, saying, “Darryll and Mandrell are exceptional athletes and even better young men. Their commitment to excellence on and off the field makes them a perfect fit for our program. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the Sooner family and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make on our defense.”

The addition of the Desir twins also bolsters Oklahoma’s national recruiting profile, signaling that the program is serious about competing with the SEC’s elite as it prepares to transition to the conference in 2024. The Sooners’ ability to secure commitments from players of the Desirs’ caliber sends a clear message to the college football world: Oklahoma is not just an offensive powerhouse but is building a defense capable of competing at the highest level.

The Fallout for Florida State

For Florida State, the loss of the Desir twins is undoubtedly a significant blow to their recruiting efforts. The Seminoles had invested considerable resources and time in securing the twins’ initial commitment, and their presence on FSU’s defensive line would have been a cornerstone of the program’s future. Head coach Mike Norvell and his staff must now regroup and refocus their efforts to ensure that FSU remains competitive in the recruiting landscape.

While the Seminoles have several talented recruits in their 2024 class, the departure of the Desirs underscores the challenges of competing against programs with stronger recent success and greater national appeal. However, Florida State remains a program on the rise, and its coaching staff will likely use this setback as motivation to double down on their efforts to attract top-tier talent.

Implications for Georgia and Tennessee

For Georgia and Tennessee, missing out on the Desir twins is disappointing but not entirely devastating. Both programs have proven their ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent, and they remain strong contenders for other elite prospects in the 2024 class. Georgia’s defensive line remains one of the deepest and most talented in the country, and the Bulldogs are likely to continue dominating the recruiting trail under Kirby Smart.

Tennessee, meanwhile, has made impressive strides under Josh Heupel and is steadily building a competitive roster. While the Volunteers may not have landed the Desirs, their involvement in the recruitment of such high-profile players indicates that they are on the right track and are gaining credibility as a program capable of competing with the best.

A Defining Moment for Oklahoma

For Oklahoma, the commitment of Darryll and Mandrell Desir represents more than just the addition of two elite players; it is a statement of intent. As the Sooners prepare to enter the SEC, they are making it clear that they are ready to compete with the conference’s best programs on both sides of the ball. The Desirs’ decision to join Oklahoma reflects the program’s growing appeal under Brent Venables and its commitment to building a balanced, championship-caliber roster.

With the Desir twins anchoring the defensive line and the Sooners’ recruiting momentum showing no signs of slowing, Oklahoma’s future looks brighter than ever. As the twins prepare to embark on their college careers, their decision to flip their commitment has already left an indelible mark on the college football landscape. Whether on the field or in the recruiting battles, the Desir twins have proven that they are game-changers in every sense of the word.