FSU Eyeing Top RB Target Damarius Yates for 2026 Class
Florida State is aiming to add a second running back to its 2026 recruiting class, and four-star prospect Damarius Yates has emerged as one of their top priorities. Hailing from De Kalb, Mississippi, Yates returned to Tallahassee this week for his first visit in a while, getting a closer look at the Seminoles’ revamped coaching staff, led by new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.
Despite the time away, Yates remains very high on FSU.
“I feel great about FSU,” he told Warchant’s Michael Langston.
Ranked No. 148 overall and the No. 12 running back in the nation according to On3’s industry rankings, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Yates is also the No. 6 player in Mississippi.
Though he hasn’t locked in a date, Yates said he plans to return for an official visit—likely in June—and also mentioned Ole Miss, Alabama, and Tennessee as potential official visit destinations.
Landing top talent from Mississippi is no easy feat, but FSU has a key connection: Yates was high school teammates and remains close friends with Mario Nash Jr., a 2025 Florida State offensive line signee. The duo was dominant last season, with Yates racking up 1,339 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 131 carries, averaging an eye-popping 10.2 yards per attempt.
