Florida State Lands Massive Offensive Tackle Prospect

Douglasville, Georgia native Donald Akhibi signs with Seminoles on National Signing Day

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Florida State University has added a highly touted offensive tackle prospect to its 2026 recruiting class. Donald Akhibi, a 6-foot-7, 275-pound offensive lineman from Douglasville, Georgia, signed his letter of intent with the Seminoles on National Signing Day. Akhibi, who was recruited by assistant coaches Devin Rispress and Herb Hand, chose FSU for its tradition of offensive line development and education.

Why it matters

The addition of Akhibi is a significant boost to Florida State's offensive line for the 2026 season. As a massive, athletic tackle prospect with high upside, he has the potential to develop into an NFL-caliber player under the Seminoles' coaching staff. His commitment is also a win for the program on the recruiting trail, as they continue to build a top-ranked 2026 class.

The details

Akhibi, who played at New Manchester High School, chose Florida State over other offers from schools like Florida Atlantic, FIU, and Georgia State. His high school coach, Olton Downs, praised Akhibi's work ethic, coachability, and physical tools, saying he has "NFL ability" and the "most potential" of any lineman he's coached. Akhibi has yet to visit the FSU campus but is eager to get to Tallahassee and continue his development under the Seminoles' coaching staff.

  • Akhibi signed his letter of intent with Florida State on National Signing Day, February 4, 2026.

The players

Donald Akhibi

A 6-foot-7, 275-pound offensive tackle prospect from Douglasville, Georgia who signed with Florida State University on National Signing Day 2026.

Mike Norvell

The head football coach at Florida State University, who landed the commitment from Akhibi as part of the Seminoles' 2026 recruiting class.

Olton Downs

The head football coach at New Manchester High School in Douglasville, Georgia, where Akhibi played prior to signing with Florida State.

Devin Rispress

An assistant coach at Florida State University who was instrumental in recruiting Akhibi to the Seminoles.

Herb Hand

An assistant coach at Florida State University who also played a key role in recruiting Akhibi to the program.

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What they’re saying

“The tradition of offensive line play and education the university has is very major to me. I can be developed on and off the field.”

— Donald Akhibi (on3.com)

“What I love about Donald, he trusts and believes everything. He takes his drill to the fields and applies them. I'm so proud, from everything to the field work, weight room work, parents believing in him has come to fruition. I'm proud of that.”

— Olton Downs, New Manchester High School Head Coach (on3.com)

“I believe if Donald continues working he has NFL ability. Not every day you look up and see a 6-7 young man with unbelievable length that is super coachable.”

— Olton Downs, New Manchester High School Head Coach (on3.com)

“This kid is a hard worker. Goes the extra mile to get whatever he's working at done. This summer he would try and walk to practice. Get in my car. He goes the extra mile. Stays after practice, gets more work on the sled, his steps, he goes over and beyond.”

— Evan Mann, Florida State Assistant Coach (on3.com)

“His potential. He has a very huge upside. At one point Donald was 300 pounds. He can carry that weight.”

— Evan Mann, Florida State Assistant Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Akhibi plans to visit the Florida State campus as soon as possible to get acclimated with the program and coaching staff ahead of his enrollment in 2026.

The takeaway

The addition of the massive and talented offensive tackle prospect Donald Akhibi is a major recruiting win for Florida State as they continue to build a top-ranked 2026 recruiting class. Akhibi's combination of size, athleticism, and coachability make him an exciting addition to the Seminoles' offensive line of the future.