Breaking News: 4-Star Linebacker Dylan Smith-Turner Flips to Florida State
In a stunning turn of events that is reverberating throughout the college football recruiting world, 4-star linebacker Dylan Smith-Turner has officially flipped his commitment to Florida State University. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound defensive phenom from Texas had previously been committed to another Power Five program, but after months of speculation and behind-the-scenes momentum, Smith-Turner has announced that he will don the garnet and gold in Tallahassee.
Ranked as one of the top linebackers in the nation, Smith-Turner’s combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him a coveted recruit in the 2025 class. Known for his explosive tackling ability and sideline-to-sideline range, the Texas native quickly became a household name among scouts and analysts. His flip to Florida State is being viewed as a major win for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles’ coaching staff, who have worked tirelessly to secure top-tier talent in a fiercely competitive recruiting cycle.
“I believe in what Coach Norvell is building,” Smith-Turner said in a statement. “The energy around the program is real, and I want to be a part of something special in Tallahassee. The culture, the fans, and the chance to compete at the highest level—it all just felt right.”
Florida State’s 2025 recruiting class now sees a significant boost, with Smith-Turner likely to be one of its cornerstones. His addition bolsters a defensive unit that already features several elite commitments, signaling that FSU is not only back in the national recruiting conversation, but poised to contend for titles in the near future.
This move is also a gut-punch to his former commitment, as Smith-Turner was viewed as a foundational piece of that program’s future. Though he hasn’t publicly disclosed the reasons for his departure, insiders cite a growing connection with Florida State’s defensive coaching staff and a deepening interest in the university’s academic and athletic culture.
Smith-Turner’s decision comes on the heels of Florida State’s strong finish to the 2024 season and a renewed sense of urgency in returning to college football’s elite. With the early signing period approaching, his commitment is expected to trigger further recruiting dominoes in FSU’s favor.
Recruiting battles are never over until pen meets paper, but for now, Seminole fans have every reason to celebrate. Dylan Smith-Turner is heading to Tallahassee, and the implications could be felt for years to come.
Could this be the spark that leads FSU back to the national spotlight?