Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class has already established itself as one of the most promising in the country, bolstered by a series of longstanding commitments. Among the standout recruits is four-star defensive back Darryl “Tre” Bell III, who has been committed to the Seminoles for more than a year, having pledged his allegiance back in October 2023.
Despite his early commitment, Bell III recently announced that his recruitment remains open, signaling his willingness to explore other options. This revelation has drawn interest from several programs, including a prominent contender from the SEC. On Wednesday, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart extended an official scholarship offer to Bell III, highlighting the Bulldogs’ intent to bolster their defensive backfield. Notably, Georgia has yet to secure a safety in its 2026 recruiting class, making Bell III an even more coveted target.
Bell III’s junior season was nothing short of exceptional, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability on the field. He racked up an impressive 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, one fumble recovery, two blocked punts, one blocked kick, and two interceptions. One of those interceptions was particularly memorable, as he returned it 93 yards for a touchdown in a dominant 20-7 victory over American High School on October 5. On the offensive side of the ball, Bell III added two receptions for 23 yards and another touchdown, underscoring his multifaceted impact on the game.
Bell III continued to shine during the postseason, recording seven tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a blocked kick in Goleman High School’s hard-fought 27-21 playoff loss to Boca Raton High School on November 15. His contributions were instrumental in helping Goleman achieve a 6-5 record and secure a playoff berth for the second consecutive year.
A native of Florida, Bell III has maintained a strong connection with Florida State since his commitment. He visited the Seminoles’ campus three times in 2024, including attending their high-profile home game against North Carolina in November. However, with interest from powerhouse programs like Georgia, the Seminoles will need to reaffirm their commitment to Bell III and ensure he remains a cornerstone of their 2026 recruiting class.
Standing at 6-foot-0 and weighing 180 pounds, Bell III is ranked as the No. 299 overall prospect, the No. 23 safety, and the No. 44 recruit in Florida for the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. His skill set, combined with his proven performance on both sides of the ball, makes him a valuable asset to any program.
Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class currently consists of six verbal commitments and is ranked No. 8 nationally. The class features a mix of highly-rated prospects across various positions:
Committed Players in Florida State’s 2026 Class:
Four-Star QB Brady Smigiel
Four-Star WR Efrem White
Four-Star WR Darryon Williams
Four-Star DB Darryl Bell III
Three-Star DB Tedarius Hughes
Three-Star OL Xavier Payne
Notable Decommitments from the 2026 Class:
Four-Star WR Devin Carter
Four-Star CB Jaelen Waters (who has since committed to Florida)
Four-Star LB Izayia Williams
As the competition for Bell III’s signature intensifies, Florida State will need to navigate a challenging recruiting landscape to retain their top prospects. With the Bulldogs now in the mix, the Seminoles face a pivotal test in keeping their 2026 class intact and maintaining their status as a national recruiting powerhouse.
Georgia Bulldogs Offer Four-Star Florida State Defensive Back Commitment
