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Mandrell & Desir Twins Return to FSU Football

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 15th 2026 at 23:11 GMT by Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee, FL - January 16, 2026 - In a move that has electrified the Florida State University football fanbase, the highly anticipated return of the Mandrell and Desir twins has been confirmed. Darryll and Dazil Mandrell, affectionately known as the 'Mandrell Twins,' and Devin and Dante Desir, the 'Desir Twins,' have officially re-entered the transfer portal and committed to returning to the Seminole program. This unexpected development significantly bolsters Coach Mike Norvell's squad, addressing a key need for experienced players as the team looks to build on recent seasons.

Just a few years ago, these four players were among the most celebrated recruits in the nation, representing a wave of high-potential talent heading to Tallahassee. However, their initial FSU careers were complicated by a combination of unfortunate injuries and a fiercely competitive roster, ultimately leading them to seek opportunities elsewhere. Darryll and Dazil Mandrell spent the past season at Arizona State, while Devin and Dante Desir transferred to the University of Texas, each pursuing playing time and contributing to their respective teams.

Coach Norvell has consistently emphasized the importance of adding veteran leadership to the program, a sentiment that makes this return particularly strategic. The Seminoles have been working to rebuild and strengthen their roster, and having four players with prior familiarity with the program's offensive and defensive schemes presents a considerable advantage. The twins' existing knowledge of FSU's playbook and coaching philosophies will drastically shorten the learning curve and allow them to contribute more quickly than typical transfer additions.

"We're incredibly excited to have Darryll, Dazil, Devin, and Dante back in garnet and gold," Coach Norvell stated in an official press release issued late Thursday. "They're exceptionally talented players who possess a deep understanding of what we're trying to achieve here. Their experience, both on and off the field, will be invaluable as we prepare for the upcoming season."

The initial recruitment of the Mandrell and Desir twins generated considerable buzz, with scouts touting their athleticism and potential to be immediate impact players. Darryll and Dazil, both defensive backs, possess impressive speed and coverage skills. Devin and Dante Desir, also defensive backs, are known for their physicality and ability to read opposing offenses. While injuries certainly played a role in their limited opportunities during their initial stints with the Seminoles, the return provides them a chance to realize the potential that initially captivated so many. It's a chance to rewrite their FSU narrative and demonstrate the impact they can have within the program's current framework.

While the details surrounding their eligibility - specifically, whether they will have two or three years of eligibility remaining - and their projected roles within the team's depth chart are yet to be finalized, expectations are high. Many analysts believe that the Mandrell twins will compete for starting roles in the defensive backfield, while the Desir twins could see significant playing time in various defensive packages. The increased competition at these positions will undoubtedly benefit the entire defensive unit.

This unexpected homecoming has injected a palpable sense of optimism into the Seminole faithful. Social media platforms have been abuzz with excitement, and fans are eager to witness the twins' return to Doak Campbell Stadium. The prospect of these familiar faces, once considered lost to the transfer portal, donning the garnet and gold once again underscores the dynamic nature of college football and the enduring appeal of Florida State's program. The team's performance in the upcoming season will undoubtedly be closely watched, with many anticipating a significant contribution from these experienced returnees.