Xavier Payne Commits to Florida State Football

The Georgia Bulldogs have lost another transfer target to the Florida Gators, as quarterback DeShawn Purdie has committed to Florida after considering Georgia. Purdie, who completed 100 passes for 1,802 yards at Charlotte, will join a Gators team already bolstered by another Georgia target, J. Michael Sturdivant. In contrast, Florida State has had a successful recruiting period, recently landing offensive tackle Xavier Payne, who is part of a top 10 recruiting class. Payne, a 6-foot-7 prospect, committed after a visit to FSU and is the first high school offensive lineman in their 2026 class. Additionally, FSU is actively pursuing Ole Miss transfer Micah Pettus to strengthen their offensive line. The Seminoles, under new offensive line coach Herb Hand, have made significant strides in both high school and transfer portal recruiting, solidifying their future prospects.