Florida State football went 5-7 last season after starting with a victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. Individuals thought that the program had what it took to be a contender in the College Football Playoff, but that notion quickly went to bed as the program lost seven of its last nine games to close the year.
Going 7-17 in the last two seasons doesn't have the fan base in a positive mindset. It should never put you in that frame of mind because this is a place like Florida State, which expects to compete for championships.
This isn't exactly the place that the legendary Bobby Bowden built, and the fan base just wants to get back to sustainable success that they thought they had accomplished just two years ago. The college football media and even the fan base have a negative mindset at times (it's understandable), but I want to highlight three reasons why fans should feel excited for the 2026 season.
1. Multiple dynamic wide receivers in the offense
Florida State received fantastic news this offseason with wide receiver Duce Robinson announcing that he would be returning for his senior year. The offense was also able to keep Micahi Danzy and Jayvan Boggs, then they grabbed youngsters like Devin Carter, Jasen Lopez, EJ White, and Brandon Bennett from the high school ranks. Whoever the quarterback is should feel happy about the playmakers.
2. The Desir Twins are back again
There wasn't much positivity to highlight in the back half of the season, as the Seminoles struggled to string victories together. However, defensive lineman Mandrell Desir performed very well as a true freshman. He and his twin brother Darryll Desir announced they would be entering the portal this offseason, but the Seminoles were able to bring them back. This should be a huge year for both of them as the Florida State defense will try to do a better job in getting after the quarterback.
3. The secondary should be much improved
Let me start by saying that veteran safety Earl Little Jr. was a loss, as he announced that he would be transferring to Ohio State this offseason, but the former Alabama product was inconsistent at times. The staff was able to bring back Ja'Bril Rawls and Ashlynd Barker after they flirted with the portal, and Barker is expected to fill Little Jr's ROVER position that he had. Florida State also added transfers like MeKhi Jones, Nehemiah Chandler, CJ Richard, and Karson Hobbs. It should be improved.