In a significant recruiting victory for the Florida State Seminoles, highly-touted cornerback Sean Johnson from Severn, Maryland, has announced his commitment to the program.1 The 6-foot-2, 195-pound defensive back, a consensus top prospect in the 2026 class, chose the Seminoles over strong pushes from Wisconsin, Penn State, and his home-state Maryland Terrapins.2 Johnson’s decision underscores the growing momentum and national appeal of Mike Norvell’s program in Tallahassee.
Johnson, who plays for Archbishop Spalding High School, is known for his impressive size, athleticism, and ball skills.3 His frame allows him to match up well against bigger receivers, while his agility and quick hips enable him to stay with quicker, shiftier players. He’s also recognized for his strong instincts and physicality, traits highly valued by defensive coordinator Tony White and the Seminoles’ coaching staff.
The recruitment of Johnson was spearheaded by new safeties coach Evan Cooper, highlighting the impact the revamped defensive staff is already having on the recruiting trail.4 Johnson visited Florida State in March and was impressed by the environment and the program’s rich history of producing top-tier defensive backs.5 This visit seemingly solidified his decision, culminating in his commitment announcement.
Adding a player of Johnson’s caliber is a major boost to Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class. He joins four-star safeties Darryl “Tre” Bell and Tedarius Hughes as defensive backs already committed to the Seminoles, signaling a clear emphasis on bolstering the secondary for the future.6 With Johnson’s commitment, Florida State’s 2026 class has climbed in the national recruiting rankings, further solidifying their position as a program on the rise.
Johnson’s statement accompanying his commitment, “It’s DBU not PBU,” speaks volumes about his belief in Florida State’s legacy of producing elite defensive backs. The moniker “DBU,” or Defensive Back University, is a title many programs claim, but Florida State has a strong case to make. The Seminoles have a long and storied history of sending defensive backs to the NFL, including legends like Deion Sanders, Terrell Buckley, and Jalen Ramsey.7 This tradition of excellence clearly resonated with Johnson and played a significant role in his decision.
The competition for Johnson’s commitment was fierce, with Wisconsin and Penn State known for their strong defensive traditions, and Maryland making a strong push to keep the talented in-state prospect home. Florida State’s ability to sway Johnson to Tallahassee speaks to the program’s recruiting prowess and the allure of playing in a conference known for its high-level competition and national exposure.
The addition of Sean Johnson is not just a win for the present recruiting cycle; it’s an investment in the future of the Florida State defense. His talent and potential suggest he could become the next in a long line of elite defensive backs to don the Garnet and Gold. As the Seminoles continue to build their program under Coach Norvell, securing commitments from top-tier players like Johnson will be crucial for sustained success on the national stage. His pledge further cements Florida State’s reputation as a premier destination for defensive backs and reinforces their claim to the “DBU” title.
