Florida State University’s (FSU) tight end room is in a tough spot as they look ahead to the 2026 season. They’re juggling a mix of untested players and some nagging injury worries.
The Seminoles are already making moves to shore up their future, especially by looking for young talent at the high school level. One early offer has gone out to AJ Criss, a big, athletic tight end prospect from Texas.
Let’s dig into where FSU’s tight end group stands, how they’re recruiting, and why AJ Criss is such an interesting target for the program.
FSU’s Tight End Room: A Closer Look
Right now, the tight end unit is a real question mark for the Seminoles. They’re losing at least two players after the fall, so there’s a lot riding on a few guys stepping up.
Desirrio Riles is supposed to handle the jump to the Power 4 (P4) level. Meanwhile, Landen Thomas and Chase Loftin just need to stay healthy—easier said than done, honestly.
Current Roster and Challenges
The group is thin, and that’s putting it mildly. The team is basically counting on:
- Desirrio Riles: Making the leap to P4 football without missing a beat.
- Landen Thomas and Chase Loftin: Hoping both can actually stay on the field.
FSU’s already brought in two tight ends for their #Tribe26 recruiting class. Still, it’s clear they’re not done yet—there’s a lot of work left for the next few cycles.
Recruitment Strategy: Eyeing the Future
FSU isn’t just waiting around; they’re handing out early offers to high school standouts. Earlier this month, they were among the first to offer AJ Criss, a rising junior tight end out of Texas.
Who is AJ Criss?
AJ Criss is a name to remember from Texas. He’s a legit 6-foot-7 and tips the scales at 205 pounds, with two more years left in high school.
He actually started out as a basketball recruit, but his football skills are starting to turn heads across the country.
Criss’ High School Performance
Last season at Krum High School, Criss put up some eye-catching numbers:
- 34 receptions
- 574 yards
- 8 touchdowns
He found the end zone in seven out of eleven games. Criss picked up the All-Area Offensive Newcomer award and made first-team All-District, which says a lot about his upside.
FSU’s Early Offer: A Strategic Move
By offering Criss early, FSU is trying to get a jump on the competition. Criss mentioned tight ends coach Chris Thomsen, who recruits Texas, when he shared the offer news on social media.
This kind of early connection could make a real difference for FSU as they try to rebuild the tight end group.
Other Programs Showing Interest
At the moment, Texas Tech is the only other school that’s offered Criss. That makes FSU’s early move look even smarter—it’s always better to be first in line for a rising star.
Looking Ahead: The Future of FSU’s Tight End Unit
There’s no doubt the tight end unit will look very different in the next few years. With key players likely leaving, bringing in young talent like AJ Criss is crucial.
Current Commitments
FSU already holds two verbal commitments in their #Tribe28 recruiting class, which is currently ranked No. 7 in the country. The class includes:
- Three-Star TE Troy Silberzahn
- Three-Star DB Chayse Brown
If they can add someone like Criss, that would be a huge boost for the future of the position.
Key Players to Watch
Besides the new recruits, a handful of current players will be key for FSU moving forward:
- Greyson Labiad, Redshirt Senior
- Desirrio Riles, Senior
- Landen Thomas, Junior
- Chase Loftin, Redshirt Freshman
- Gavin Markey, Redshirt Freshman
- Xavier Tiller, Freshman
- Corbyn Fordham, Freshman
That group, together with any new faces, will shape the tight end room for the next few seasons. It’s a lot of pressure, but maybe that’s what makes college football so fun—there’s always someone new ready to break out.
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment for the Future
FSU’s early offer to AJ Criss really stands out as a bold, forward-thinking move. They’re clearly focused on building a tight end unit that can hold its own for years to come.
There’s a good mix of current talent and some recruits who look pretty promising. The Seminoles seem to be setting themselves up for long-term success, though of course, nothing’s ever guaranteed in college football.
If you’re curious about FSU’s recruitment strategy or just want the latest updates, check out the full article here.
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