Better Skill Players Around Him
As I mentioned, it wasn’t all DJ Uiagalelei’s fault. The skill players at wide receiver and tight end were frankly terrible. They struggled to get open, struggled to win 50-50 balls, and struggled to catch passes when they were wide open.
The running backs weren’t great, but it’s hard to put too much blame on them when the offensive line couldn’t do much to help them find running lanes.
That won’t be the case in 2025. FSU went to the transfer portal and added two former blue-chip receivers, a proven tight end who has had excellent production in Gus Malzahn’s offense, and has better talent at the running back position with the additions of transfer Gavin Sawchuk and freshman Ousmane Kromah.
Once we add the four new offensive line transfers to the mix, the overall starting offensive unit should be a significant upgrade compared to last year. The biggest concern is that the offensive line didn’t have any time to gel in spring camp because three of those guys were nursing injuries.
However, that’s why the early schedule is so important, with the Kent State and East Texas A&M games coming after the Alabama season opener. It’ll be like an extended fall camp for a few weeks to get right before the ACC schedule starts.