Florida State eyes state’s No. 1 recruit as national recruiting heats up

The Seminoles are expanding their recruiting board.

Nov 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Florida State Seminoles helmet on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Florida State is adding a new name to its recruiting board in the 2027 class. It's relatively early in the cycle, and this is the time for the Seminoles to expand their list of offers.

Earlier this weekend, four-star cornerback Hayden Stepp announced that he'd picked up an offer from Florida State. Stepp referred to defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. when revealing the news on social media.

READ MORE: Former Florida State QB makes NFL preseason debut for Los Angeles Chargers

After a great conversation with Coach @psurtain23 I am blessed to say I have received an offer from Florida State University! pic.twitter.com/vw4T8HhKmW

— Hayden Stepp (@HaydenStepp412) August 2, 2025

The rising junior stands at 6-foot-3.5, 175 pounds. He's regarded as the No. 30 overall prospect, the No. 4 CB, and the No. 1 recruit in Nevada in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports composite ratings.

Hayden Stepp Is A Highly-Coveted Recruit

A composite five-star recruit, plenty of programs across the country are interested in gaining Stepp's services.

Stepp has reported over 35+ offers, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M, and USC, among others.

During his junior season at Bishop Gorman High School, Stepp totaled 20 tackles, one fumble recovery, six pass deflections, and an interception.

The Next Step For Florida State In This Recruitment

Florida State is now Stepp's most recent suitor. With the offer on the table, the coaching staff will focus on continuing to foster a relationship while trying to get him to Tallahassee for a visit.

It's not believed that Stepp has ever been to campus and making the trip from the West Coast during the season will probably be tough. If the Seminoles can't get Stepp in town this fall, they should prioritize a visit early in the offseason.

Information On Florida State's 2027 class

Florida State holds three verbal commitments in its 2027 class which ranks No. 5 in the country.

The Seminoles previously landed four-star safety Mekhi Williams and four-star cornerback Bryce Williams.

Who Is Committed To FSU In The 2027 Class?

Four-Star DB Mekhi Williams

Four-Star DB Bryce Williams

Three-Star TE Connor Winn

Who Does Florida State Have In The Defensive Backfield For The 2025 Season?

Redshirt Senior Shyheim Brown

Redshirt Senior Jeremiah Wilson

Redshirt Junior Earl Little Jr.

Redshirt Junior Ashlynd Barker

Redshirt Junior Christian White

Junior Conrad Hussey

Junior Quindarrius Jones

Junior Donny Hiebert

Redshirt Sophomore Edwin Joseph

Redshirt Sophomore KJ Kirkland

Redshirt Sophomore Ja'Bril Rwls

Redshirt Freshman Charles Lester III

Redshirt Freshman Ricky Knight III

Redshirt Freshman Cai Bates

Redshirt Freshman Jamari Howard

Redshirt Freshman Jarvis Boatwright

True Freshman Gregory Xavier Thomas

True Freshman Shamar Arnoux

True Freshman Max Redmon

True Freshman Antonio Cromartie Jr.

---

READ MORE: Florida State athlete to get rare two-way opportunity in fall camp

Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the 2025 season

Follow NoleGameday on and Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

More Florida State News

• FSU football sends official scholarship offer to brother of quarterback legend
  

• Florida State DB Jeremiah Wilson's extraordinary work ethic fueling turnaround in Tallahassee
  

• Florida State DB names two wide receivers who have his attention
  

• True freshman QB Kevin Sperry impresses Florida State staff with maturity