In a stunning turn of events, twin defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have decommitted from Florida State and signed with the Tennessee Volunteers, opting to take their talents to Knoxville. The highly touted duo, who had garnered offers from powerhouse programs like Penn State, Nebraska, and others, made their decision official late Wednesday night, marking a monumental recruiting victory for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and his staff.
Hailing from Miami, Florida, the Desir twins have been a dominant force on the high school football scene. Standing at 6’5” and 250 pounds each, they bring a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism to the defensive line. Darryll, known for his explosive first step and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, is ranked as a top-10 edge rusher in the 2025 recruiting class. Mandrell, a versatile lineman with a knack for disrupting plays in the backfield, is equally highly regarded and has been praised for his football IQ and leadership on and off the field.
The twins initially committed to Florida State earlier this year, citing their admiration for the program’s rich history and defensive schemes. However, as the recruiting process unfolded, Tennessee emerged as a serious contender, offering a vision of immediate impact and development under the guidance of defensive coordinator Tim Banks.
In their announcement, the Desir twins pointed to Tennessee’s culture, facilities, and coaching staff as key factors in their decision.
“We felt the love and commitment from Coach Heupel and Coach Banks throughout the process,” Darryll said. “They made it clear that Tennessee is where we can develop into the best players and men we can be.”
Mandrell echoed his brother’s sentiments, adding, “The atmosphere at Neyland Stadium is unmatched. We want to be part of something special, and Tennessee is building something big.”
The Vols’ aggressive recruiting approach, coupled with the program’s resurgence under Heupel, played a significant role in flipping the twins from Florida State. Tennessee’s recent success in landing top-tier recruits and developing NFL-ready talent was undoubtedly appealing to the Desir family.
The addition of the Desir twins is a game-changer for Tennessee’s defense. The Vols have made significant strides under Heupel, but adding a pair of elite pass rushers provides a critical boost to their defensive line.
Darryll and Mandrell are expected to contribute immediately, with their ability to collapse pockets and set the edge against the run. Their versatility allows the coaching staff to deploy them in various schemes, adding depth and flexibility to the defensive unit.
“This is a huge win for us,” Coach Heupel said in a statement. “Darryll and Mandrell are exceptional players with the talent and drive to make an immediate impact. We’re thrilled to have them join our family and can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish in the orange and white.”
The twins’ decision to decommit from Florida State and sign with Tennessee sends shockwaves through the recruiting world. It underscores the Vols’ growing reputation as a destination for top talent and raises questions about Florida State’s ability to hold onto high-profile recruits.
Tennessee’s ability to fend off other major programs like Penn State and Nebraska further cements its status as a recruiting powerhouse in the SEC. The Desir twins’ commitment could also have a domino effect, encouraging other top recruits to take a closer look at Knoxville.
With Darryll and Mandrell Desir on board, Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the program’s best in recent memory. The Vols are poised to continue their upward trajectory in the SEC and beyond, with the Desir twins likely playing a central role in their success.
For Tennessee fans, the future looks bright as the program continues to build a championship-caliber roster. The addition of the Desir twins is yet another step toward reclaiming the Vols’ place among college football’s elite.