Desir Twins Rewarded with Coveted Jersey Numbers for Staying at Florida State

The brothers will wear their high school numbers as a show of appreciation from the Seminoles.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:39pm

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The Desir Twins, Mandrell and Darryll, have been rewarded by Florida State football with their coveted high school jersey numbers after deciding to stay with the Seminoles for the 2026 season. The brothers, who were standout defensive linemen as freshmen in 2025, had entered NIL negotiations but ultimately chose to remain at Florida State, providing a major boost to the team's defense.

Why it matters

Retaining top talent is crucial for Florida State as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 5-7 season in 2025. The Desir Twins were heavily recruited out of high school and their decision to stay with the Seminoles is a win for the program, especially given the current landscape of college football where players have more freedom to transfer.

The details

Mandrell Desir will wear jersey number 1, while Darryll Desir will wear number 3 - the same numbers they wore in high school at Miami Norland. These single-digit jersey numbers are typically reserved for the team's top players, signifying the Seminoles' appreciation for the twins' decision to stay.

  • The Desir Twins were part of Florida State's 2025 recruiting class.
  • During the 2025 season, Mandrell Desir had 30 tackles and 6.5 sacks, while Darryll Desir had 23 tackles and 1 sack.
  • In the offseason, the Desir Twins entered NIL negotiations but ultimately decided to return to Florida State for the 2026 season.

The players

Mandrell Desir

A defensive lineman who had a standout freshman season for Florida State in 2025, recording 30 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

Darryll Desir

The twin brother of Mandrell Desir, Darryll is also a defensive lineman who had 23 tackles and 1 sack for Florida State in 2025.

Mike Norvell

The head football coach at Florida State University.

Tony White

The defensive coordinator at Florida State University who praised the Desir Twins as "big-time ball players" during their recruitment.

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What they’re saying

“The Desir Twins were raved about by the defensive coordinator Tony White, who mentioned that they were "big-time ball players".”

— Tony White, Defensive Coordinator, Florida State University (chopchat.com)

What’s next

The Desir Twins will look to build on their successful freshman campaigns and lead Florida State's defensive line in the 2026 season as they aim to help the Seminoles bounce back from their 5-7 record in 2025.

The takeaway

The Desir Twins' decision to stay at Florida State despite NIL negotiations is a major win for the Seminoles, who are rewarding the brothers' loyalty with their coveted high school jersey numbers. This move demonstrates the program's commitment to retaining top talent and building a strong foundation for the future.