The Florida State football offense was an absolute disaster during the 2024 season. Head football coach Mike Norvell was frustrated because the standard was not met. As a result, Norvell made an offseason change, where he made six new coaching hires.
On the offensive side of the football, he hired offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, offensive line coach Herb Hand, and wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. While Malzahn gets a ton of the discussion, I believe that Coach Hand is one of the more pivotal hires.
The Seminoles' offensive line has been a mess over the past decade, and the perception of the position group needs to change quickly. Coach Hand has been with several Power Five programs throughout the years and is looking to change Florida State's unit for the better.
With that said, I want to highlight how I believe the offensive line rotation will play out in 2025.
LEFT TACKLE
1. Gunnar Hansen
2. Lucas Simmons
Analysis: The Seminoles added Vanderbilt's Gunnar Hansen via the transfer portal this offseason. He has started 35 games in his four seasons with the Commodores. We saw how experience played out last season, but I am hopeful that Hansen will result in better play. As for Simmons, I hope that the former four-star prospect will develop properly behind him and get meaningful reps in 2026.
LEFT GUARD
1. Adrian Medley
2. Joshua Raymond
Analysis: I believe that it is a safe bet to assume that former UCF offensive line transfer Adrian Medley will be starting at one of the guard positions, considering that he has familiarity with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and offensive line coach Herb Hand. He started all twelve games last season with the Knights at left guard. Maybe, this is me projecting, but I think that Florida State could utilize recently acquired Vanderbilt transfer Joshua Raymond at backup guard this year as well.
CENTER
1. Luke Petitbon
2. Andre Otto
Analysis: Well... Florida State cannot rely on Maurice Smith being its center anymore, as he has graduated from the Garnet and Gold. However, the Seminoles decided to pick up more experience in the portal with former Wake Forest center Luke Petitbon, who started 22 games with the Demon Deacons. It looks like the staff wants to see Andre Otto at center when Petitbon graduates. I hope that Otto can develop properly at the position for 2025.
RIGHT GUARD
1. Richie Leonard IV
2. Jacob Rizy
Analysis: Florida State added many offensive linemen via the transfer portal, but one returning piece that could be heavily in the starting rotation is former Florida transfer Richie Leonard IV. The veteran suffered an injury last season, but has been very productive in the spring when healthy. As for Rizy, I think the former Harvard transfer is a veteran who could be useful in the rotation with playing different positions throughout his career.
RIGHT TACKLE
1. Micah Pettus
2. Jonathan Daniels
Analysis: Florida State added Ole Miss transfer Micah Pettus, whom they value a ton. Pettus is 6'7" and 350 pounds. The downside to him last season for the Rebels was that he had an abundance of penalties. Pettus has dealt with injuries this spring, but the coaching staff is hopeful that his 29 career starts at right tackle while at Ole Miss will help them. As for Daniels, Mike Norvell has raved about him this spring, where he has even gotten opportunities at tackle with the first team. I believe that he could be special.