Florida State made perhaps its biggest addition yet on the offensive line Friday morning when Auburn left tackle Xavier Chaplin made his commitment.
Chaplin started 12 games at left tackle for Auburn in 2025, earning a 71.1 pass-rush grade and 56.4 run-block grade from Pro Football Focus.
“What stood out to me most about Florida State was the coaching staff and the culture they’ve built,” Chaplin shared in a direct message to the Osceola. “From the first conversation, the coaches made it clear how much they believe in me, not just as a player but as a person.
“I felt a genuine connection and trust, and I could see how invested they are in developing their athletes on and off the field. The program’s tradition, competitive mindset, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level were huge factors for me as well.”
The 6-foot-7, 348-pound Chaplin also started two seasons at Boston College (2023-24) and one game for the Eagles in a redshirt season in 2022. He is a South Carolina native.
Chaplin will bring 37 college starts in the ACC and SEC to Tallahassee, where he will anchor FSU's restocked offensive line. And Chaplin will be reunited with quarterback Ashton Daniels, who also played at Auburn in 2025.
He is the fourth offensive lineman to commit to FSU, joining center-guard Paul Bowling (Troy), center-guard Bradyn Joiner (Purdue) and guard-tackle Nate Pabst (Bowling Green). FSU also has a few dependable linemen returning from 2025 in center Chavez Thompson and guard Andre’ Otto.
FSU lands Notre Dame cornerback
FSU also received a commitment from Notre Dame cornerback Karson Hobbs, who had five tackles in seven games as a sophomore. Hobbs had two tackles as a freshman in 2024.
A Cincinnati native, Hobbs was considered one of the top 25 players in Ohio in the class of 2024.
Hobbs played 108 snaps and graded at 48.4 by Pro Football Focus.
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