In one of the most captivating recruiting stories of the 2025 cycle, twin brothers Mandrell and Darryll Desir have officially announced their commitment to play college football at Arizona State University, choosing the Sun Devils over powerhouses Georgia and Notre Dame. The announcement, made via a coordinated social media reveal and later confirmed at a press conference in Miami, Florida, marks a transformative moment for both the Desir twins and the Arizona State football program.
For first-year head coach Ken Dorsey, who took over the Sun Devils’ reins after the departure of Kenny Dillingham, the Desir twins represent more than just high-level recruits—they are a signal to the college football world that Arizona State is ready to compete for elite talent on the national stage.
The Desir Twins: A Dual Threat From South Florida
Born and raised in the football hotbed of Miami-Dade County, Mandrell and Darryll Desir are the epitome of South Florida grit and gridiron excellence. Playing for the powerhouse Miami Northwestern High School, the twins have carved out impressive résumés that caught the attention of nearly every major Division I football program.
Mandrell Desir, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound outside linebacker, is known for his blazing sideline-to-sideline speed and bone-crushing hits. A consensus four-star recruit, Mandrell has drawn comparisons to former Alabama star and NFL linebacker C.J. Mosley for his football IQ and explosiveness.
On the other side, Darryll Desir is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound hybrid safety who excels in both coverage and run support. A versatile defender who thrives in nickel packages, Darryll is equally comfortable locking down receivers or blitzing off the edge. Ranked as a top-100 player nationally by multiple recruiting services, Darryll has been touted as a future All-American with a sky-high ceiling.
A Recruiting Saga Followed Coast-to-Coast
The Desir recruitment took on a life of its own. From unofficial visits in the spring of 2024 to televised 7-on-7 showcases in the summer, the twins remained at the center of college football’s recruiting orbit. Their final three schools—Georgia, Notre Dame, and Arizona State—each offered unique appeals.
Georgia, with its two national titles under Kirby Smart and a perennial top-five defense, pitched the Desirs on legacy and NFL development. With a reputation for sending defensive players to the league, it was widely assumed that Georgia had the upper hand, especially after the twins made multiple visits to Athens during the fall.
Notre Dame, on the other hand, offered tradition, elite academics, and an opportunity to be foundational pieces under Marcus Freeman, a defensive-minded head coach with charisma and recruiting prowess. The Desirs reportedly had strong relationships with Freeman and his staff, especially safeties coach Chris O’Leary and linebackers coach Max Bullough.
But it was Arizona State, under new leadership, that emerged as the wild card. Despite finishing with a losing record in 2024, the Sun Devils’ program showed flashes of explosive potential. When Ken Dorsey, former Miami Hurricanes quarterback and NFL offensive coordinator, was hired to lead the program, it changed everything.
The Ken Dorsey Effect
Dorsey, who took over in January 2025, immediately began reshaping the Sun Devils’ culture and recruiting identity. Known for his cerebral approach to the game and deep ties to the South Florida football community, Dorsey made landing the Desir twins a top priority from Day One.
“From the moment I got the job, I told my staff: if we want to send a message, we get the Desir twins,” Dorsey said during Friday’s press conference in Tempe. “These guys are the future. They’re competitors, they’re leaders, and they play with that edge you need to win championships.”
Dorsey made frequent trips to Miami during the recruiting period, even attending one of the twins’ playoff games in November. His personal involvement and authenticity struck a chord with both players and their family.
“Coach Dorsey wasn’t just talking about building something—he showed us what that would look like,” Mandrell said. “He made us feel like we weren’t just another name on a board. We were part of his blueprint.”
The Announcement: A Sun Devil Surprise
With fans and recruiting analysts leaning toward Georgia or Notre Dame, few expected the Desir twins to pick Arizona State. But in a televised announcement from their high school auditorium, wearing matching gold-and-maroon suits, the brothers flipped hats and revealed Arizona State Sun Devils caps, igniting cheers from the crowd.
“Our hearts are in Tempe,” Darryll said. “We prayed on this, talked with our family, and felt peace with this decision. We want to go somewhere where we can make an impact, be different, and put something special on the map.”
Their parents, community mentors, and coaches stood behind them in support, echoing the sentiment that Arizona State wasn’t just a football decision—it was a life decision.
What the Commitment Means for Arizona State
For Arizona State, landing Mandrell and Darryll Desir is nothing short of program-changing. It marks the first time since 2015 that the Sun Devils have secured two top-100 players in the same recruiting class, and the first time ever that they’ve done so with out-of-state players from Florida.
More than that, it sends a message to other elite recruits: Arizona State is no longer a second-tier option. With an energetic new coach, a refreshed NIL strategy, and a renewed commitment to winning, Tempe has become a destination again.
The Sun Devils are expected to use the Desirs as centerpieces of a defense that struggled in 2024 but showed flashes of potential. With Darryll in the secondary and Mandrell anchoring the linebacker unit, Arizona State could see a defensive renaissance as soon as 2026.
“They’re both Day 1 starters,” said ASU defensive coordinator Nick Toth. “We’re going to build around them, no doubt. These are culture-setters.”
What Georgia and Notre Dame Missed Out On
For Georgia and Notre Dame, the loss stings—but not for lack of effort. Both programs were heavily invested, with top-tier visits, official dinners, and family-oriented pitches that showcased their national clout.
Kirby Smart’s staff in particular had high hopes that Mandrell would step into a key role in the Bulldogs’ linebacker-heavy schemes. Similarly, Notre Dame had penciled in Darryll as a rotational safety with potential to start by his sophomore year.
But in the end, what Arizona State offered was authenticity, vision, and opportunity.
“They could’ve gone anywhere,” said one ACC assistant coach who recruited the Desirs. “And they chose to go be legends somewhere instead of just adding to a legacy. That’s powerful.”
The NIL Factor
It would be naïve to ignore the role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in the recruitment. Sources close to the family indicate that Arizona State’s NIL collective, Sun Devil United, offered a multi-year package that included branding, business mentorship, and endorsement opportunities centered around the twins as a duo.
With Tempe’s growing tech scene and media access through Phoenix, the Desirs have a chance to become faces of a program and, potentially, the Pac-12 at large—assuming the conference survives its current instability or aligns with a new structure.
“They wanted a chance to build a brand and legacy,” said the twins’ high school coach, Anthony Jefferson. “Arizona State gave them both.”
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
The Desirs will arrive in Tempe in June, ready to begin summer workouts and prepare for their freshman season. While expectations are high, both brothers are known for their humility and relentless work ethic.
“From the first day of practice, we’ll be grinding,” Mandrell said. “This ain’t a vacation. We’re trying to win. Period.”
Arizona State’s 2025 class, now ranked in the top 15 nationally thanks to the Desirs’ commitment, has suddenly become one of the most talked-about in the country. And with Ken Dorsey at the helm, more surprises could be on the horizon.
