Looking Ahead: Eight 2025 Targets to Watch for FSU Football (Defense)

As we enter a brief lull between Florida State’s flurry of commitments earlier in the week and some more announcements expected later this month, now is a good time to take a quick look to the future.

FSU already has two commitments for the 2025 class — quarterback Tramell Jones and receiver DL Hardison — but the Seminoles are making moves for several other as well.

Here’s a look at Eight Florida State Targets to Watch on defense for the 2025 class. Of particular note is the quality of prospects the Seminoles are in good shape for at defensive tackle and linebacker.

We previously brown down Eight Targets to Watch on offense.

Eight FSU targets to watch on defense

Five-star DT Armondo Blount of Miami

The Skinny on Blount & FSU

While 2024 has been a struggle for FSU at the defensive tackle position, that doesn’t appear to be the case for 2025, and the top guy in that group is Blount. And boy did FSU nail its first impression when he visited this spring with his family. His mother was particularly blown away. I have the ‘Noles in the top spot here and the clear leader based on the early intel. Miami and then Florida are next in line. FSU sits in a good spot at this point.

Four-star DE Zion Grady of Alabama

The Skinny on Grady & FSU

Yes we know Alabama and Auburn are going to be a strong factor here. However, Grady visited for the Seminole Showcase at Doak Campbell earlier this summer and had very high praise for the ‘Noles. The need at this position and the cultural fit for Grady is really strong with Florida State. I would not just chalk this one up to him staying in-state. I believe the interest is quite genuine.

Four-star DE Jared Smith of Alabama

The Skinny on Smith & FSU

This is another defensive end to keep your eye on for Florida State in the 2025 class. He also worked out at the Seminole Showcase event in June, and there’s a very different vibe when he talks about Mike Norvell compared to other coaches. He also is very high on the way FSU uses its defensive ends and the freedom they get. Georgia, Auburn and even some with Alabama are teams to put up there in the top group with FSU.

Five-star LB Zayden Walker of Georgia

The Skinny on Walker & FSU

Walker is arguably the top overall target for FSU in 2025, and the ‘Noles have made a strong impression on the last two visits. The last one being when he joined his brother and four-star DB Jalewis Solomon on his official visit. I think FSU is trending a little higher currently than South Carolina and Florida. But I also feel that whoever lands Solomon likely holds the upper hand here with Walker. I have FSU as the leader for Solomon currently.

Five-star LB Jadon Perlotte of Georgia (UGA commit)

The Skinny on Perlotte & FSU

I’m sure that including Perlotte in this group might surprise some, but you can’t ignore the visits and the interest here. Despite that pledge to Georgia, I believe FSU is a school Perlotte is highly interested in. He even plans to attend the FSU-LSU game in Orlando. That speaks to the interest. I also think there is a unique connection between him and Norvell that keeps bringing him back to campus. I actually feel we will see him at FSU for a couple of games this fall, so this is one to keep paying attention to. There’s still work to do, but the more he’s on campus, the more the chances trend up here.

Four-star LB Elijah Barnes of Dallas

The Skinny on Barnes & FSU

Barnes made a multiple-day visit to Florida State in June, and the ‘Noles really knocked it out of the park. I currently like where FSU sits in this one. Part of it is the FSU staff and comfort, but the other part is he’s very tight with FSU freshman Dylan Brown-Turner. I think FSU has done the best job so far in this recruitment. He plans to return for a couple of games this fall.

Five-star DB DJ Pickett of Zephyrhills

The Skinny on Pickett & FSU

This is a very intense battle for Pickett between the Gators and ‘Noles. I would give the edge to the Gators currently since he’s been there a few more times. Michigan, Ohio State and Georgia are some other teams in the picture here early for Pickett. Southern Cal could be another to watch moving forward. He plans to be back again at FSU and UF this summer, I’m told.

Four-star DB Rasean Dinkins of Georgia

The Skinny on Dinkins & FSU

FSU has one of the longest and best relationships with Dinkins. He also got a great feel for an FSU practice and the fit there. It was quite clear that the ‘Noles developed such a strong bond early that they are the team to watch. I do expect his offer list to blow up more, so the competition could pick up for the Seminoles. However, for a young target out of state, this is why you develop these early connections.

*ALSO SEE ON THE PRB: Additional 2025 defensive targets to watch

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