Blountstown’s own four‑star tailback Amari Thomas officially reopened his recruitment on July 18, stepping away from his months-long pledge to Florida State. The move marked a significant loss for the ‘Noles—Thomas was their lone running back commit for the 2026 class and a homegrown prospect with game-changing upside. But Thomas had communicated with the FSU staff before making the news public, and that the split was mutual and amicable. 

The Seminoles were among the first major programs to push for the Blountstown product, and their personal rapport with him had grown strong over time. Still, after a wave of unofficial and official visits—including a May 30 trip to Columbia and a follow-up in early July—momentum began to shift. South Carolina emerged as the lead contender, with Georgia Tech, UCF, and Florida also gaining consideration. Recruiting insiders, including On3 and Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett, flagged the swing toward the Gamecocks, while Warchant’s Michael Langston labeled it “a blow” to FSU.

Despite the setback, there’s no indication that FSU is backing off. Though Thomas has decommitted, the Seminoles remain in the picture and are expected to continue recruiting him into the fall. They haven’t rushed to overhaul their RB targets or make public pivots. If anything, their approach remains calculated and patient; they had anticipated this possibility and are prepared to play the long game.

According to Warchant’s Michael Langston, the Seminoles have maintained open dialogue with Thomas even after July 18, and the decommitment was explicitly noted as “not adversarial”. On3 also reports Thomas remains in “evaluation mode,” watching closely to see how FSU’s offense and team chemistry develop this fall—and they’re betting that strong on-field performance could earn them another look. Rather than chase panic‑mode replacements, FSU is staying engaged in private, letting the season play out, and positioning itself for a late‑cycle return that could hinge on results and momentum more than flip‑flopping recruiting tactics. Still, FSU isn’t banking everything on Thomas alone.

Behind the scenes, the staff has been proactive in reshaping its 2026 recruiting board—and the most notable name gaining steam is four-star RB Carsyn Baker, currently committed to Florida. In his junior season, Baker rushed for over 1,200 yards and recorded 13 touchdowns on the ground, showcasing elite acceleration and footwork that make him a good fit in FSU’s scheme. The Seminoles were one of the earliest programs to prioritize Baker, and they left a strong mark early on. 

He made multiple stops in Tallahassee across spring and summer, and according to On3, his family came away impressed with the program’s culture, facilities, and the relationships they’d begun to form. While Florida ultimately pulled ahead, FSU never hit pause. The staff—especially OC Alex Atkins, RB coach David Johnson, and HC Mike Norvell—has kept steady contact, maintaining a long-game strategy as the 2024 season approaches.

What makes Baker’s case particularly interesting is the presence of his teammate, four-star tight end Xavier Tiller, who’s already pledged to FSU. Tiller’s presence on campus gives FSU a built-in advocate—someone who knows Baker personally and can vouch for the culture and player experience inside the locker room. Beyond Carsyn Baker, the Seminoles have their eyes on multiple backs, each at varying levels of traction.

Four-star Jae Lamar has been on the radar for a while, and while pulling him from South Georgia won’t be easy—given the regional tug-of-war and stiff SEC interest—FSU’s proximity offers a subtle edge. Last season saw him rush for 885 yards on 112 carries as he scored 11 touchdowns. It’s something that would give FSU a game-breaking edge if they can flip him. Sources close to the situation believe Lamar could become more receptive if Florida State starts hot in the fall and shows clear run-game continuity. Lamar’s recruitment isn’t trending in FSU’s favor right now, but it’s a relationship the staff isn’t abandoning.

Although less known nationally, TJ Hodges’ name has long floated within the FSU building. The four-star Georgia native has drawn steady interest from Missouri and Arkansas—particularly the Razorbacks—but recent reports suggest Florida State has picked up momentum. He’s a name to track, especially if he follows through on plans to attend an early-season game in Tallahassee. 

Meanwhile, CJ Givers, a Duke commit with a strong academic and athletic profile, is being monitored. FSU hasn’t made a full push yet, but they’re keeping tabs. Other names to know include Wisconsin commit Amari Latimer and three-star Li’Darious Pryor—both of whom bring versatility and breakaway speed, aligning with FSU’s evolving offensive identity.

So, whether or not Thomas circles back, the Seminoles are far from cornered. Their strategy now is less about salvaging momentum and more about widening the lane—evaluating the right fits, not just the available ones. But if fall results deliver, they’ll be in striking distance of not just one big-name flip, but a reloaded backfield vision for 2026.