Major Shakeup in College Football Recruiting: Five-Star Twin Defensive Ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir Flip from Florida State to Missouri Tigers, Snubbing Alabama, Nebraska, and Other Top Programs
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star twin defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have flipped their commitment from Florida State to the Missouri Tigers. The Haitian-American duo from Miami’s Edison High School had long been considered locks for the Seminoles, but after a last-minute visit to Columbia, Missouri, the twins made their surprise announcement via a joint Instagram post Thursday night.
The commitment marks one of the most significant recruiting coups in Missouri football history. Darryll, ranked No. 8 nationally in the 2026 class, and Mandrell, No. 12, are considered generational edge rushers with elite size (6’5”, 250 lbs), speed, and versatility. The Desir twins had also been heavily recruited by Alabama, Nebraska, Georgia, and USC, all of whom had sent coaching staffs for in-home visits over the past month.
“This is a seismic shift,” said recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “You’re talking about two of the best defensive prospects in the country choosing a program that hasn’t traditionally won these battles. It’s a testament to what Eli Drinkwitz and his staff are building in Columbia.”
Sources close to the Desirs cite Missouri’s defensive scheme, NIL package, and strong cultural connection with the coaching staff as deciding factors. The twins reportedly connected with Tigers defensive line coach Al Davis, who has Caribbean roots and has developed multiple NFL players in recent years.
Florida State fans expressed shock and disappointment across social media, as the Desirs had been committed for over eight months. The flip leaves a massive hole in FSU’s 2026 class and adds pressure on head coach Mike Norvell to shore up a defense that has struggled with depth in the trenches.
Meanwhile, Missouri’s 2026 recruiting class now jumps into the national top five, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. The Tigers are coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons and appear poised to make a serious run at the expanded College Football Playoff.
“The implications for the 2027 season and beyond are massive,” said ESPN’s Heather Dinich. “If the Desirs perform as expected, Missouri could be a serious contender in the SEC — not just a spoiler, but a power.”
For the Tigers, it’s not just about two elite players — it’s a message to the rest of the nation: Missouri is no longer a sleeper. They’re awake, they’re hungry, and they just made their boldest move yet.
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