Florida State football has suffered six losing seasons in eight years, and the fan base is starving for sustainable success wherever they can find it. Once the administration decided to retain head coach Mike Norvell for the 2026 season, some individuals lost interest.
Make no mistake about it, this is a make-or-break year, but many in the fan base don't believe that Florida State football can be successful in 2026. I get that the program has crumbled since former quarterback Jordan Travis suffered the season-ending injury in 2023, and it is not even close to the same product that the legendary Bobby Bowden built.
However, all the Seminoles can do is move forward and put their best foot in front of them. FanSided's Oklahoma site (Stormin' in Norman) contributor Dekota Gregory featured a piece talking about three way-too-early predictions for the Sooners in 2026, so I thought it would be appropriate to share my thoughts from the Seminoles' point of view.
1. Duce Robinson will be in the top five in total receiving yards by the end of the year
One of the biggest developments is that the offense returned the playmaking ability of wide receiver Duce Robinson. Even though the Seminoles don't have an established quarterback, the pass catcher had unfinished business in 2026. He finished with 1,081 yards last year, which was 11th in the FBS (according to the NCAA Database). They are going to force-feed him the football this season.
2. Florida State gets its first road victory of the season against Louisville
Florida State football has not won a road game since the 2023 matchup against Florida. That is difficult to fathom. However, something has to give for the Seminoles' road woes. The first road game of the season is against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, in a spot where they want revenge on Florida State after last year. Florida State plays the next road game against Louisville on a Friday night. It might sound like a trap game, but the Cardinals have to play Ole Miss, SMU, Wake Forest, and NC State before the Seminoles.
3. The linebacker position will be the most improved unit on the squad
Florida State elevated former player Ernie Sims to linebackers coach this offseason. The loss against arch-rival Florida to end the Seminoles' bowl hopes stung. The defense couldn't stop running back Jadan Baugh. Coach Sims was able land talented pieces this offseason, such as Southern Miss transfer Chris Jones, North Carolina transfer Mikai Gbayor (who played in Tony White's defense), and four-star Izayia Williams. These players alone should maximize the floor of the linebacker room.