Florida State’s Elite Defensive Line Commit Earnest Rankins Officially on Flip Watch as SEC Pressure Mounts
As the new college football season draws closer, recruiting battles continue to intensify, and Florida State is now facing a growing concern regarding one of its most valuable commitments. Four-star defensive lineman Earnest Rankins, who has emerged as the cornerstone of the Seminoles’ 2025 defensive line recruiting class, has officially been placed on “flip watch” — a term commonly used in recruiting circles to describe a commit who may be considering switching their commitment to another school.
Rankins, a standout talent from Ellenwood, Georgia, committed to Florida State after a late recruiting surge by the Seminoles, during which they managed to edge out Auburn University for his pledge. Despite Florida State’s success in securing his commitment, Auburn has remained aggressive in its pursuit of the talented defensive lineman, and there’s now growing concern that Rankins could reconsider his decision before the early signing period.
This potential flip is particularly troubling for FSU because Rankins isn’t just any recruit—he’s widely viewed as the anchor of the defensive line group in the current class. Alongside Rankins, the class includes three other prospects: Tico Criittendon, Wihtley Cadeau, and James Carrington, all of whom are rated as three-star talents. While solid in their own right, none carry the same level of elite upside and national attention as Rankins.
The recruitment drama began to escalate after Rankins made an official visit to Auburn on May 16. Following the visit, reports indicated that Auburn had reemerged as the leader in Rankins’ recruitment. The Tigers gave him plenty to think about during his stay on campus, impressing him with their facilities, coaching staff, and vision for the future. Those close to Rankins have hinted that the visit significantly shifted his outlook, possibly pushing Auburn back to the forefront of his mind.
However, the Seminoles weren’t about to let one of their top defensive targets go without a fight. A few weeks after his Auburn trip, Rankins traveled to Tallahassee for an official visit to Florida State. The visit was strategically timed and, by all accounts, successful. FSU rolled out the red carpet for Rankins, with coaches emphasizing his potential role in their defensive system and the legacy he could build in garnet and gold. The experience gave Rankins pause, allowing Florida State to reestablish their position and keep the battle alive.
Still, with the early signing period approaching, the pressure is mounting for Florida State to secure Rankins’ full commitment. The Seminoles’ staff is reportedly keeping in close contact, continuing to recruit him as if he were still uncommitted—an approach commonly used with high-profile recruits who are vulnerable to flipping.
The situation highlights a broader challenge in modern recruiting: verbal commitments are far from final, especially when SEC powerhouses like Auburn remain persistent. With months still to go before players can officially sign, FSU must remain vigilant in maintaining relationships, building trust, and reinforcing why Tallahassee is the best place for Rankins to develop and succeed.
For now, Rankins remains a Florida State commit, but his position on “flip watch” sends a clear message to Seminole fans and coaches alike: the job is not done. As Auburn continues to press and the recruiting landscape remains volatile, the battle for Earnest Rankins is far from over.
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