Desir Twins Flip Commitment to Alabama, Reshaping 2027 College Football Landscape
In a major recruiting shakeup, highly coveted five-star defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have officially switched their college commitment from Florida State to Alabama. The twin brothers, previously seen as foundational pieces in FSU’s future defense, are now set to join the Crimson Tide — turning down offers from powerhouse programs such as Penn State, Nebraska, and several others.
Elite Talent Out of Florida
The Desir twins hail from Norland High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they’ve dominated high school football with their physicality and instincts. Darryll, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, is celebrated for his burst off the edge and aggressive quarterback pursuit. His twin, Mandrell, comes in slightly bigger at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, and brings a more balanced game, excelling at both pass rushing and run defense.
Together, they’ve formed one of the most impactful defensive duos in recent recruiting history. Their natural synergy, honed over years of playing side by side, makes them a rare and valuable package deal.
A Bold Move to Tuscaloosa
Initially, both brothers committed to Florida State, generating excitement among Seminole fans and coaches. But after reevaluating their options, they made the dramatic decision to flip to Alabama a school that consistently develops elite defenders and competes for national championships.
The switch reaffirms Alabama’s national recruiting pull and the ongoing strength of the SEC. For the Desirs, Alabama presents not just a top-tier program but also a proven path to the NFL.
Boosting Alabama’s Defensive Arsenal
The commitment of Darryll and Mandrell is a significant win for Alabama, particularly for its defensive line, which remains a cornerstone of its success under Coach Kalen DeBoer. The twins’ presence adds immediate depth, talent, and flexibility to the Tide’s front seven.
Given their ability to pressure quarterbacks and plug running lanes, the Desir brothers could see the field early. Their skill sets allow Alabama to rotate pass rushers without sacrificing productivity a critical advantage in the SEC’s high-octane matchups.
Fallout for Rival Programs
This decision is a major blow to Florida State, which had been counting on the Desirs to anchor its defensive rebuild. Penn State and Nebraska also fall among the disappointed programs that heavily recruited the duo. Each of these schools now has to reconfigure their defensive recruiting boards and find new targets to fill the gap.
Florida State, in particular, had invested heavily in the relationship, making this flip a stinging reminder of how fluid the recruiting landscape can be.
A Game-Changing Addition for 2027
Looking ahead to the 2027 season, the arrival of the Desir twins in Tuscaloosa is likely to be a storyline all year. Their development and integration into Alabama’s defensive system will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
If they live up to their potential, the Desirs could be instrumental in Alabama’s quest for another national title further cementing the program’s dominance in the NIL and transfer portal era. With both brothers possessing NFL caliber skills, the buzz around Alabama’s defense has only intensified.
Their commitment not only strengthens Alabama’s depth chart but also shifts the balance in future SEC and national championship races.
