Florida squads targeting rising six-offer 2026 Tampa OL Canon Pickett
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A typical Friday night in Tampa watching Wharton High School on the gridiron includes seeing Canon Pickett tossing defenders around like ragdolls. The upside for the 6-5, 280-pound, tackle is tremendous already playing with sound technique and controlled aggressiveness. Six offers have been extended to the ’26 talent, seeing a recruiting war already brewing between rival in-state programs.
After taking on 3M Sunshine State competition, Pickett spoke about the season turned in, “Personally, I took a big step this season. It went really well.”
Pickett added, “I’d say my technique improved a lot thanks to my trainer and coach Ray. My one-on-one pass blocking improved a lot. Going against my older brother Booker, that really helped me improve.”
Already gearing up for next season, a plan is in place for the winter, spring, and summer months.
Canon Pickett with FSU coach Gabe Fertitta.
“This offseason, I want to get a lot stronger and faster too,” Pickett stated. “I want to work on my pad level, especially in run blocks; staying low and keeping my hands tight.”
The last two programs to offer Pickett were Florida State and Miami. The Seminoles’ opportunity came over the summer.
“The FSU offer came when I was on campus,” Pickett shared. “I was there for a camp, but it was cancelled. It felt great getting the offer. FSU is a top school in Florida. Even growing up as a Miami fan, once I started being recruited, I forgot about all of that and looked at the playing opportunities.”
The ties to the Hurricanes are strong for Pickett – it truly is a family thing.
“Growing up, my father went to Miami and so did my mom,” Pickett said. “Miami has always been a dream school, especially with my brother committed there. Getting that offer was a great feeling.”
The ‘Canes offer was announced on Dec. 4.
“I had a conversation with coach (Mario) Cristobal,” Pickett stated. “He said we want to officially offer you. I asked, and it is committable offer. That was a great feeling.”
Charlotte, UCF, Penn State, and UCF are the other teams to offer with new interest coming Pickett’s way.
“I have Twitter follows from Oklahoma and Arkansas,” Pickett said. “Interest from Georgia Tech came in person. They came by our school the other day.”
Pickett added to the meeting with the Yellow Jackets, “He said I am a great prospect, but I did not have much time to talk; I had a test.”
Three in-state programs hosted Pickett for games working on building that needed rapport.
“I went to Miami, FSU, and a Gators’ game; the one against Georgia,” Pickett stated. “I went to multiple FSU games.”
The relationship with the Seminoles’ staff was discussed, “I like their coaches, coach (Alex) Atkins (OL) and coach (Gabe) Fertitta (OA); they are big personality guys. Coach (Mike) Fuller has come up to my school a couple of times; he is a great guy.”
Nothing is set yet, but Pickett has ideas on which schools he wants to visit in 2024.
“I want to go back to Miami, to UCF, and to FSU,” Pickett shared.
Older brother Booker Pickett Jr. is a four-star edge rusher in the ’24 class. The Hurricanes landed his verbal commitment on Oct. 19.