The Week 3 slate is nearly here, and Florida State will be challenged with traveling down to Tuscaloosa to face No. 10 Alabama. The Crimson Tide has arguably one of the most fearsome rosters in college football this season, and with the loss to the Seminoles from 2025 still on the mind, many expect the game to be completely one-sided.
The Seminoles were in this position last season, and the team was able to deliver a winning performance that virtually nobody saw coming. The subsequent results the rest of the way through were not what Florida State wanted, and the start to the 2026 season has been the same. A win over the Crimson Tide at home would be mind-boggling, and there are three players specifically who need to play exceptionally well to do so.
RB Ousmane Kromah - Season totals: 36 carries, 231 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Sophomore running back Ousmane Kromah has been the heart of an otherwise lackluster Florida State offense during the 2026 season. Kromah has over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in both games this season, as well as multiple rushes of over 50 yards. What has helped set Kromah apart early is his combination of physicality and speed, with an average of 6.4 yards per carry.
Alabama has allowed a total of 65 rushing yards through two games this season, thanks to a very skilled defensive front led by Devan Thompkins. Kentucky was unable to keep any sort of consistent run game going against Alabama, and the result was stalled drives and crucial errors in the passing game. Florida State cannot afford to hit roadblocks on the ground like the Wildcats did, which is where the power rushing ability of Kromah is going to come in handy.
There is no doubt that wide receiver Duce Robinson needs to have a big game as well, but failing to ignite the ground game could leave the team trapped. Kromah has provided a notable spark out of the backfield that SMU and New Mexico State both had a difficult time stopping. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer has experience playing against quarterback Ashton Daniels and understands his weaknesses, which could force Florida State to rely upon Kromah.
DB Ja'Bril Rawls - Season totals: 14 tackles, one pass defense
Heading into the 2026 season, one of the most talked-about members of the defense for Florida State was Ja'Bril Rawls. After stepping into a larger role in 2025, Rawls was expected to take another step forward in his senior year. Coverage and communication issues have held down the Seminoles' secondary so far, and the injury issues through the first two games did not help.
Rawls is almost fully healthy, along with the rest of the secondary, and his best performance of the season is needed if Florida State has any chance at taking down Alabama. Rawls recorded six tackles and a pass defense in the win over the Crimson Tide in 2025, but there were still far too many big connections that Florida State needed to be eliminated. The Seminoles cannot win in a shoot-out given the current inconsistencies on offense, which means multiple defenders need to step up in a big way.
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell recorded 256 passing yards against East Carolina, but it was the rushing attack that ultimately put the Crimson Tide in the win column. Russell is still young and new to the speed of college football, which resulted in two costly interceptions and a lost fumble. An experienced defensive back like Rawls could prove to be a problem for Russell if he makes the same careless mistakes.
DL Mandrell Desir - Season totals: 4 tackles
If there is one specific defender that has had a disappointing start to the season, it would very clearly be defensive lineman Mandrell Desir. After entering the transfer portal alongside his brother, Darryll, and receiving a notable raise, Desir has been a ghost on the field for Florida State. The defender struggled to generate pressure against the New Mexico State offensive line and then failed to register a tackle or a sack against SMU.
Desir recorded 6.5 sacks and 24 pressures as a freshman in 2025, and proved that he certainly is capable of playing at a high level. Given the start he has had and his comments towards fans on social media, Desir is in need of a massive game to quiet all of the noise.
Russell has been sacked five times this season through two games, and Florida State needs to continue that trend to have any sort of chance in Tuscaloosa. Desir is arguably the most talented defensive lineman on the team, and the Seminoles need Desir to find a way to make more of an impact.
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