Florida State football did not have a 2025 season that they would remember, especially since they beat the Alabama Crimson Tide in the opener. The fan base has been critical of head coach Mike Norvell, given that he has had four losing seasons in his six years at the helm.
The Seminoles have expectations of competing for a championship. However, that has not happened as of late for the program.
With that said, fans have always liked seeing seniors perform in matchups to help their draft stocks. The season might not have gone how they expected, but individuals can still cheer on their team's representative.
Defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. has been added to the Senior Bowl roster
The Senior Bowl doesn't have too many late additions, but it turns out that Darrell Jackson Jr. will be participating in the Senior Bowl after his strong performance this week at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr. has been added to the Senior Bowl roster, per source. After a standout week at the East-West Shrine Bowl, he will join the National Team for practice today in Mobile.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 28, 2026
Florida State had capable players on a roster, but after the Alabama victory, the squad self-destructed. A notable player who had a bit of flashes is redshirt senior Darrell Jackson Jr.
The former transfer from Maryland and Miami decided to come to Florida State to care for his ailing mother. The NCAA denied his eligibility waiver, so he was unable to play the entire 2023 season (except for the Orange Bowl blowout against Georgia).
Jackson Jr. has exceptional size at 6'5" and 337 pounds, and is seen as a gigantic figure even against offensive linemen. The defender had 44 tackles and one sack during the 2025 season (according to ESPN Stats and Information).
Florida State football originally didn't have anyone participating in the 2026 Senior Bowl, but now Jackson Jr. will be in the matchup and will be on the National Team, according to a report from Jordan Reid.
This is great for Seminole fans to actually be able to tune into the game, which will be televised on NFL Network on Saturday, January 31st at 2:30 PM EST at South Alabama's Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.