The Seminoles continue to hold the No. 1 class in the 2026 recruiting cycle

This summer, much of the spotlight is rightfully on Florida State’s 2025 class, but the program is also laying the groundwork for an impressive upcoming recruiting cycle. There’s still plenty of time until signing day, but #Tribe26 currently holds the top spot in the national rankings.

Adding to their success, the Seminoles welcomed another promising player on July 4. Tedarius Hughes, a rising junior and three-star defensive back, announced his commitment to Florida State over Louisville and Syracuse.

In April, Hughes received an offer from FSU, and the coaching staff, including defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., senior analyst Greg Moss, and defensive analyst Philip Simpson, were all actively involved in his recruitment. Following his participation in the Elite Camp in Tallahassee last month, it seems that the coaching staff were impressed by his performance.

The young player from Florida recently completed his sophomore season at South Dade High School, during which he recorded 15 tackles and four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Despite being early in Hughes’ high school career, he already possesses impressive physical attributes, good pre-snap awareness, and exceptional ball-handling skills.

With the addition of Hughes, Florida State’s 2026 class now includes five commitments. In addition to Hughes, the Seminoles have secured commitments from four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, four-star athlete Darryon Williams, four-star wide receiver Efrem White, and four-star Darryll Bell III.

Hughes, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound defensive back, is ranked as the No. 374 overall prospect, the No. 32 at his position, and the No. 64 recruit in Florida for the 2026 class by 247Sports.