FSU's Hail Mary: Can They Lure Legacy Star Devin Carter Back?

Tallahassee, Florida, United States - The Florida State Seminoles are navigating some choppy waters as they look to rebuild their football program, particularly in their recruitment efforts. Amid this, one name has risen to the forefront of discussions—Devin Carter, a talented four-star wide receiver from the Class of 2026. The Seminoles‘ coaching staff is keen on welcoming Carter for an official visit this weekend, hoping to sway him back into their fold. Previously committed to Florida State, he had decommitted and opted for Auburn instead. Perhaps the team’s dismal 2-10 record in the 2024 season played a role in his changing allegiance, as noted by ChopChat.

Carter is not just any prospect; he’s a legacy recruit, the son of former Seminoles running back Dexter Carter. His connection to the program adds a layer of significance to his recruitment. In his final season at Cedar Grove High School, he caught 51 passes for 923 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading his team to a state championship. Currently playing at Douglas County High School, he’s already made an impact with 32 receptions for 535 yards and four touchdowns over just ten games this season. Yet, despite these impressive stats, Carter has narrowed his options to 11 schools and is actively excluding Florida State from the mix, according to Sports Illustrated.

Recruitment Challenges

The current landscape for Florida State’s recruiting efforts is challenging. The team has not only struggled recently but has also lost all three of its blue-chip wide receiver commitments in the 2025 class. Adding to the pressure, they recently welcomed a new wide receivers coach, Tim Harris Jr., after parting ways with Ron Dugans due to performance issues. Coach Mike Norvell has openly expressed concerns about the development and recruiting at this critical position, which makes securing Carter’s commitment all the more vital.

Despite their recent setbacks, Florida State remains competitive in recruitment overall, currently ranked No. 6 in the 2026 class. Notable commitments include four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel and four-star linebacker Izayia Williams. However, with Efrem White, another four-star wide receiver, being pursued by Notre Dame and Darryon Williams torn between Florida State and Florida, any uncertainty surrounding these commitments adds urgency to the team’s strategy to land Carter.

On-Field Woes

Fans of the Seminoles are hoping the recruitment woes won’t translate into further struggles on the field. Last season’s stats paint a bleak picture: the offense managed only 270.3 passing yards per game but fell short on the ground with a dismal average of 89.9 rushing yards. With defensive stats highlighting significant vulnerabilities—385.9 passing yards allowed on average—a turnaround seems necessary if they want to revert to their former glory.

In a year that’s seen more losses than victories, Florida State’s administration, coaches, and fans are all looking for a sign of revival. The addition of players like Carter could be a vital piece of that puzzle—a revitalization of talent that might just turn the tide.

As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Devin Carter to see if the allure of his father’s legacy will pull him back into the Seminoles‘ fold, or if he’ll continue down a path set in stone with Auburn. In a time where Florida State is seeking to regain its footing, that decision could make all the difference.

In the world of college football, there’s often a fine line between success and failure, and this weekend’s developments might just tip that balance for the Seminoles.

For more on Florida State’s recent performances and player statistics, you can check Sports Reference.