Florida State's Amari Thomas Picks South Carolina in Shocking Decommit!
Amari Thomas, four-star running back, commits to South Carolina after decommitting from Florida State. What's next for FSU?
Florida State's Amari Thomas Picks South Carolina in Shocking Decommit!
In a significant turn of events for Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class, four-star running back Amari Thomas has officially decommitted from the Seminoles and pledged his loyalty to the South Carolina Gamecocks. This announcement comes after weeks of intense speculation, and it marks a new chapter in Thomas’s recruitment journey. The 5’10“, 185-pound athlete showcased his interest in South Carolina earlier this summer by sporting Gamecocks gloves at an FSU camp in June, an early indication that he might be leaning towards a change.
Thomas’s commitment to South Carolina was solidified during a ceremony at Blountstown High School, just a stone’s throw from his hometown. Despite committing to Florida State for nearly seven months, the allure of the Gamecocks proved too enticing to resist. According to SI.com, Thomas is ranked as the No. 341 overall prospect and the No. 22 running back nationally, as well as the No. 48 recruit from Florida.
A New Chapter for Amari Thomas
In his impressive junior season, Thomas racked up 1,880 yards and 34 touchdowns over just ten games, alongside a productive run during his sophomore year with 1,365 yards and 22 touchdowns. His talent has been widely acknowledged by various programs, with other finalists for his commitment including prestigious schools like Auburn, Florida, and Miami, reflecting his status as a highly sought-after player.
While Florida State currently boasts 22 verbal commitments in its 2026 class, placing them at No. 14 nationally, Amari’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in their recruiting strategy. As 247Sports reports, he becomes the first major high school commitment for South Carolina’s running backs coach Marquel Blackwell, who joined the coaching staff in January 2024. The Gamecocks have gained a standout addition to their roster and look set to benefit from Thomas’s skills in the upcoming seasons.
Implications for Florida State
Florida State’s coaching staff faces a challenge as this development follows a trend of missing out on key running back targets, with several commitments sliding to rival programs. The loss of Thomas is notable, as he was the only running back in the Seminoles‘ 2026 class, suggesting that Florida State may need to pivot their focus towards other local prospects. Meanwhile, the roster currently features a mix of experienced players and fresh recruits, including redshirt seniors Roydell Williams and Caziah Holmes, and sophomore Kam Davis.
Looking ahead, the Seminoles remain hopeful for a potential flip from Thomas before the Early Signing Period, reflecting the competitive nature of college football recruiting. It’s worth noting that NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) considerations may have played a role in Thomas’s decision to shift allegiances. As Florida State recalibrates its strategy in light of this loss, they have their eyes set on securing commitments from other talented running backs throughout the season, as outlined by Tomahawk Nation.
As the college football landscape continues to shift and evolve, developments like this remind us of the unpredictable nature of recruiting and the impacts of personal choices on team dynamics. For now, Amari Thomas is poised to make his mark as a Gamecock, and Florida State will be watching closely as they navigate the coming months in search of their next star running back.