The spotlight has largely been on Florida State’s impressive additions through the NCAA Transfer Portal, and rightfully so.
However, from both a high school and junior college perspective, the Seminoles have essentially completed their 2025 recruiting class. Now, attention is shifting toward the 2026 cycle, where FSU has already compiled one of the nation’s top classes.
On Saturday evening, 2026 offensive tackle Xavier Payne announced his commitment to Florida State after an unofficial visit to Tallahassee. Payne became the first high school prospect offered by new offensive line coach Herb Hand after his hire at FSU, and the decision has quickly proven beneficial for the Seminoles.
Payne played his junior season as the starting left tackle at Jones High School, leading the Tigers to the state championship game. Although they fell short 40-31 to American Heritage, Payne’s impressive performance stood out. With one more season remaining in high school, he brings remarkable size and a powerful playing style.
A Florida native, Payne was previously offered by Hand when he was the offensive line coach at UCF. He visited the Knights several times, forging strong relationships with Hand and now-FSU offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. Their prior connection, combined with FSU’s need at the position, made Payne a natural fit for the Seminoles.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and 290 pounds, Payne is not yet ranked in the 2026 class by 247Sports. He chose Florida State over more than 20 other offers, including from programs like Florida, Arkansas, Miami, Ole Miss, Penn State, Syracuse, Tennessee, West Virginia, and USF, among others.
With Payne’s commitment, the Seminoles now have six pledges in their 2026 class, which currently ranks No. 9 nationally. Payne joins four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, four-star wide receivers Efrem White and Darryon Williams, three-star defensive backs Darryl Bell III and Tedarius Hughes.
