Top FSU football target commits to rival Florida Gators
![Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell holds his head between his legs during the second half against the Florida Gators at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 25, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell holds his head between his legs during the second half against the Florida Gators at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 25, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_300,y_178,w_4249,h_2390/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/nole_gameday/01jxpda130ra4fkqrssv.jpg)
In this story:
Florida State was dealt a setback on the recruiting trail to end off the week.
The Seminoles beat out the Gators for a top prospect on Thursday, now Florida has responded with a victory of its own.
READ MORE: Florida State lands four-star wideout Brandon Bennett over Gators and Bulldogs
On Friday, four-star running back Carsyn Baker announced he was committing to Florida over Florida State, South Carolina, and Ohio State.
The Seminoles got the final visit leading up to his decision as Baker was in Tallahassee last weekend. Obviously, that didn't matter with the blue-chip recruit going off the board to the Gators.
Baker was one of Florida State's top targets in the backfield. Head coach Mike Norvell continues to search for another recruit to add alongside four-star running back Amari Thomas.
BREAKING: Four-Star RB Carsyn Baker has Committed to Florida, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 14, 2025
The 6’2 200 RB from Fairburn, GA chose the Gators over Florida State, South Carolina, & Ohio State
“Gator Nation I’m home🐊🐊🐊”https://t.co/TSz0gR8sHc pic.twitter.com/6vU68uPDbZ
As a junior, Baker rushed 145 times for 1,282 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching nine passes for 89 yards. He rushed for 100+ yards in six games, including a season-high eight carries for 149 yards and a touchdown in a 52-16 victory against Mays High School on August 23.
The 6-foot-0.5, 195-pound running back is regarded as the No. 187 overall prospect, the No. 15 RB, and the No. 22 recruit in Georgia in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports composite ratings.
Florida State holds 11 verbal commitments in its 2026 class which ranks No. 30 in the country.
Other targets at running back include four-star Derrek Cooper, four-star Ezavier Crowell, and four-star Jae Lamar.
Who Is Committed To FSU In The 2026 Class?
Four-Star WR Efrem White
Four-Star WR Darryon Williams
Four-Star DB Darryl Bell III
Four-Star RB Amari Thomas
Four-Star DB Tedarius Hughes
Four-Star WR Brandon Bennett
Three-Star DB Sean Johnson
Three-Star LB Karon Maycock
Three-Star OL Michael Ionata
Three-Star OL Xavier Payne
Three-Star DL Wihtlley Cadeau
Who Does Florida State Have At Running Back For The 2025 Season?
Redshirt Senior Roydell Williams
Redshirt Senior Caziah Holmes
Redshirt Junior Jaylin Lucas
Redshirt Sophomore Samuel Singleton Jr.
Sophomore Kam Davis
Redshirt Freshman Zay Parks
Redshirt Freshman Jeremiah Johnson
True Freshman Ousmane Kromah
READ MORE: Coveted recruiting target has disappointing news for Florida State football
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Lewis joined NoleGameday in 2016 and is currently in the role of Editor-In-Chief. A graduate of Florida State, Lewis contributes to football, recruiting, and basketball coverage. Connect with Dustin on Twitter at @DustinLewisNG.
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