The Seminoles will have to turn to other options.
Florida State has landed multiple legacies in its 2026 recruiting class.
To this point, the Seminoles have added commitments from four-star wide receiver Devin Carter, four-star defensive back Jay Timmons, and three-star offensive lineman Michael Ionata. All three have major ties to Tallahassee.
The Florida State Seminoles recently experienced a setback in their recruiting efforts when three-star offensive tackle Aaron Thomas decided to commit to Ohio State. This unexpected decision came after Thomas had been considering several top programs, including the Seminoles, Texas A&M, Texas, and Washington. Thomas even teased Florida State fans by briefly wearing a garnet and gold hat and making a gesture, only to ultimately choose the Buckeyes.
The Seminoles had extended an offer to Thomas back in May, and the program had a personal connection to him through his father, Eric Thomas, who played for FSU from 1995 to 1999. Despite this connection, Thomas chose to pursue his collegiate career with Ohio State. As a result, the Seminoles will need to shift their focus to other talented offensive tackle prospects to strengthen their lineup.
The loss of Thomas is a significant blow to FSU’s recruiting efforts, but the team’s 2026 class remains strong. With 19 verbal commitments, the Seminoles are ranked No. 9 in the country. The class includes several promising offensive linemen, such as Michael Ionata, Jakobe Green, and Luke Francis. Thomas, who is regarded as the No. 439 overall prospect, the No. 36 OT, and the No. 5 recruit in Arizona, had a strong high school career at Mountain Pointe High School. He played a crucial role on the left side of the line and even contributed on the defensive side of the ball.
The Seminoles will need to regroup and focus on attracting other top talent to their program. With a strong class already in place, FSU is well-positioned to continue building a competitive roster. The team’s ability to adapt and respond to recruiting challenges will be crucial in maintaining its edge in the competitive world of college football.
