The Seminoles looked like a fit early on for Alifeleti Tuihalamaka. Here's who where the Seminoles can turn to.
Florida State football entered the race early to land Alifeleti "Tolo" Tuihalamaka. Landing him would've risen as a prominent west coast pickup for the Seminoles, especially in the name of boosting the edge rush room.
"Tolo" now will boost USC's room...as the Trojans landed the Oaks Christian High standout on Saturday.
NolesRoundtable cited Tuihalamaka as a west coast prospect to watch for the Noles. Citing the belief his versatility and power can improve the FSU defensive line up front.
Granted, losing "Tolo" isn't a loss at the local level for FSU. But the Noles still lose out on landing one of the nation's top defenders. Especially after getting on his board early.
Looking at the larger picture, FSU doesn't have much left to choose from in filling the edge rusher spot.
Are any Edge Rushers Coming to Florida State?
FSU has just one edge rusher committed for 2027: Anthony Cavallaro out of Indian Rocks Christian School in nearby Largo. The 6-foot-5 rusher is also a four-star per 247Sports composite. But a three-star elsewhere.
Still, he's the only one currently slated to come on board for the '27 class.
Tuihalamaka's USC decision again takes one of the top remaining pass rushers off the recruiting board.
While Cavallaro draws intrigue for the future, the trio of head coach Mike Norvell, defensive coordinator Tony White and edge rush coach Nick Williams all know they need to fill out the future edge rush room.
Which now leads to who's left...and if the Noles have plenty to choose from still.
Pool of Remaining Edge Rushers Dwindling
Most of the nation's best pass rush options at defensive end are off the board outside of the Oaks Christian High star Tuihalamaka.
Here's who's leftover including what chance FSU has in closing out on them.
KJ Green: The nation's No. 2 overall edge rusher is yet to decide on his home. However, the Stone Mountain, Ga., native doesn't list FSU in his final running.
Chris Whitehead: He's a five-star who's still undecided. FSU offered the Chesterfield, Va., native. But the Seminoles didn't make the cut and Virginia Tech is the only Atlantic Coast Conference school still in the running.
Abraham Sesay: East coast talent from Exton, Pa., is another closing fast on a decision among his 35 total offers. FSU is in the final running...with Notre Dame, LSU and FSU's ACC rival Duke also in the final four. Williams is courting Sesay hard, per multiple reports.
Jabarrius Garror: He's another early FSU target who appeared to be gaining steam with the Seminoles. The four-star from Mobile, Ala., however, grew impressed with Miami on a recent recruiting visit.
Wyatt Smith: The 6-foot-6 edge rusher is a local talent out of Fort Lauderdale powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. But FSU hasn't offered and national champion Indiana is courting him now.
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