Seminoles shock CFP powerhouses – FSU lands four-star OL over Georgia and Ohio State

Mike Norvell and his staff get a big win on the recruiting trail over some big-time programs. Get to know the newest FSU commit in the 2026 class.

Zach Berry — College Football Trending News Writer
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On Saturday, Florida State pulled off a big-time upset, landing Nitro (W.V.) offensive lineman Da'Ron Parks. The four-star prospect chose the Seminoles over notable overtures from Auburn, Georgia, and Ohio State, among others.

The 6-foot-4, 360 pound prospect was at one point trending towards both Auburn and Ohio State, but a late run by the Noles landed him in its 2026 class. Mike Norvell's class is now ranked 14th nationally after the Parks announcement.

Parks spoke with Rivals after revealing the news over the weekend.

“They have a great coaching staff built,” Parks told Rivals in announcing his decision. “Especially on the offensive side of the ball with Gus (Malzahn), Herb (Hand) and Coach (Mike) Norvell obviously. They recruited me at UCF, too, so I’ve built a relationship with all of those coaches for a long time — and then they came together.

Florida State now has the No. 3 class in the ACC.

Norvell's 2026 group is led by five-star Chauncey Kennon. The class also features four-stars Earnest Rankins, Devin Carter, Lawrence Timmons, Xavier Tiller, Efrem White, Brandon Bennett, Jaden O'Neal, Tedarius Hughes, Darryl Bell, Darryon Williams, and Jasen Lopez.

55 percent of the class is from Florida and 59 percent of has a blue chip rating. With 22 commits heading into fall camp, Norvell and FSU have a very talented group and could be poised to focus its efforts on a few big flips down the stretch. There are also a few top names to watch out for in the 2027 class.

Four-star quarterback Trent Seaborn has been a name on the internet for a few years now. Ever since he burst onto the scene for Thompson (Ala.) as an eighth-grade quarterback, he has grown on the field and has seen his offer sheet grow as well.

For now, Florida State and South Carolina are two programs who seem to have his attention early.

Two offensive linemen to keep an eye on are five-star Mark Matthews and four-star Peyton Miller. Matthews preps at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), one of the premier programs in the country. Rivals' Michael Langston says FSU is one of the top programs after him to pay attention to.

"FSU has a very legit shot at this five-star prospect. He has developed a great relationship with OL coach Herb Hand, and development will be a big deal in this recruitment," Langston said. "The early intel suggests that Florida State and Florida stand out early for the talented tackle. He is without question the No. 1 target on the offensive line for the Seminoles."

247Sports' director of scouting Andrew Ivins thinks there's potential for best football days ahead for Da'Ron Parks.

Gigantic offensive line prospect that wins at the point of attack with his sheer mass. Measured just over 6-foot-5, 350 pounds spring before senior year and came in with a near 6-foot-10 wingspan. Heavy up top, but can slide his feet and find his balance in tight quarters. Tends to play with a higher pad level, but has shown in a camp setting that he can get low and establish leverage. Defeats opponents with a nasty punch, but needs to do a better job of syncing up the lower half. Spent junior season working at left tackle, but future is likely at one of the guard spots as speed rushers present trouble. Must continue to improve conditioning and is tracking for a redshirt, but projects as a potential multi-year contributor at the Power Four level that could fit into a zone or gap blocking scheme. Could exceed expectations if he gets the body right and soaks up coaching. – Andrew Ivins, 247Sports

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