In a significant recruiting win for Florida State, Da’Ron Parks, a four‑star offensive tackle in the 2026 class, recently announced his commitment to the Seminoles over powerful programs including Ohio State, Auburn, and Georgia. Parks, who transferred to Nitro High School in West Virginia for his senior year, chose Florida State amidst extensive competition and attention from more than 45 schools across the country .

Parks stands out because of his immense physical profile—a 6‑foot‑5, 350‑pound lineman with good feet and clear upside. He has drawn praise for his agility and strength for someone of his size. Analysts consider him one of the top offensive tackle recruits in the class, and OSU was among the finalists trying to sway him

His commitment to Florida State highlights how the Seminoles have been able to recruit elite talent even under pressure. Parks had numerous offers from SEC and Big Ten schools, and yet he selected FSU because of the staff’s relationships and the campus environment. His decision reflects Florida State’s rising appeal and shows that the Seminoles are increasingly competitive with the giants of college football recruiting

For Ohio State, losing Parks is a setback. The Buckeyes have been relatively strong at bringing in offensive line talent in the Midwest, with multiple four-star commits already in the 2026 class. They have in-state four-stars like Sam Greer and Maxwell Riley, as well as three-stars such as Aaron Thomas and Tucker Smith—though few of those were elite blue-chippers from other regions  Parks would have added national size and depth to their offensive line room.

Ohio State’s head coach and staff remain active in high-profile lineman recruitment. They are still in the running for five-star recruits like Jackson Cantwell, and multiple four-star prospects including Da’Ron Parks, Micah “Champ” Smith, and Jayvon McFadden are considering the Buckeyes . But losing out on Parks, with his frame and skill set, may slow down their offensive line rotation plans.

Florida State’s recruiting momentum this summer has been strong. They recently also added Michael Ionata—a three-star interior lineman and legacy recruit whose father also played at FSU—helping revitalize their offensive line depth board . Parks represents a major escalation: an elite tackle who brings power and size to the Seminoles’ future front.

The presence of coaches like Herb Hand—FSU’s offensive line coach—has been critical. Parks cited his early comfort and alignment with the coaching staff, and his visit to Tallahassee reportedly gave him confidence. That connection likely helped sway him against schools with deeper traditions or larger national profile .

Parks could be projected as an immediate contributor for Florida State. With his frame and mobility, many believe he could challenge for a starting role early in his college career if he puts on a bit more technique and seasoning under Hand’s guidance. For Florida State, that might beef up their offensive front more rapidly than previous seasons allowed.

From Ohio State’s perspective, this underscores a broader reality: even in the Big Ten pipeline, elite linemen are still willing to take other paths when they see fit. Ohio State’s 2026 class has some strength, but missing Parks suggests they may still need to land a top-tier out-of-state tackle to complement their in-state depth.

The Seminoles now have a clearer path to improving their national standing in offensive line recruiting. Parks joins Xavier Payne, a five-star tackle they already locked up earlier, and other four-star linemen in the 2026 class, including Michael Ionata. Together, they help FSU build toward long-term depth and competitiveness in the trenches .

For Ohio State, focus will now shift to flipping other targets or landing portal additions. With Coach Justin Frye leading the line recruiting effort, the staff may accelerate pitches for other elite tackles like Jackson Cantwell, Micah Smith, and Jayvon McFadden—all of whom have Ohio State in their top group .

Still, Parks’ commitment to FSU signals that prestigious in-state or conference ties don’t always guarantee a recruit. Factors such as coaching relationships, campus environment, and perceived opportunity remain powerful motivators. His family’s moves from Florida to West Virginia may have also played into his decision—a recognition that community and comfort matter just as much as program prestige.

In sum, Da’Ron Parks choosing Florida State over Ohio State marks a defining moment for both programs. It’s a recruiting victory that could shape the offensive line for the Seminoles in future years and a missed opportunity for the Buckeyes to add a nationally ranked offensive tackle. The announcement reinforces the shifting nature of modern college recruiting, where tradition and history aren’t always decisive.

Florida State continues building its new era under coach Mike Norvell, and Parker’s pledge is concrete proof that the program is attracting high-end talent beyond its historic midsize footprint. Meanwhile, Ohio State must recalibrate, chase other blue-chip linemen, and push to maintain its offensive line reputation in top cycles moving forward.

Fans from both sides will watch closely to see who steps up next. If FSU can convert Parks into a starter and continue stacking elite line talent, they’ll ease concerns about past inconsistency. If Ohio State lands Cantwell or another high-profile tackle, they prove that momentum can shift back quickly. But Parks’ decision is a reminder: recruiting is about more than state lines and tradition it’s personal, it’s relational, and it’s about vision.