BREAKING: Former Texas A&M Commit, 2026 Four-Star TE Malik “Tank” Richardson Flips to Florida State in Massive Recruiting Win
TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves across the recruiting landscape, four-star tight end Malik “Tank” Richardson, formerly committed to Texas A&M, has officially flipped to Florida State. The announcement came early Tuesday morning via Richardson’s personal social media, where the 6-foot-5, 235-pound playmaker posted a picture in Seminoles gear with the caption: “Unconquered. I’m home.”
Richardson, ranked as the No. 4 tight end nationally in the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite, originally pledged to the Aggies in March following a visit to College Station. However, after a strong push from FSU tight ends coach Chris Thomsen and multiple return trips to Tallahassee this spring, momentum began shifting. Sources close to the situation confirmed that Florida State’s use of dynamic tight ends and the program’s resurgence under head coach Mike Norvell played a pivotal role in Richardson’s decision.
“This wasn’t just about football,” said Richardson during an exclusive interview with Warchant.com. “It was about family, development, and legacy. Coach Norvell showed me how I can thrive on and off the field, and that stuck with me.”
The flip is a monumental win for Florida State’s 2026 class, which now boasts five top-100 commitments and continues to rise in the national recruiting rankings. Richardson’s addition gives the Seminoles a versatile offensive weapon—he’s equally dangerous lining up in-line or split out wide, with a skillset that mirrors current NFL stars like Kyle Pitts.
For Texas A&M, the loss stings, particularly given how early they secured his verbal commitment. Still, with nearly two years until Signing Day, Jimbo Fisher’s staff has time to pivot and fill the void.
As for FSU, this flip marks another signal that the Seminoles are not only back in the national conversation—they’re ready to dominate it.
