![Florida State wide receiver Duce Robinson (0) makes a catch during the first half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_148,w_2035,h_1144/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/270/01kf46m1az6qxpebnf0q.jpg "Florida State wide receiver Duce Robinson (0) makes a catch during the first half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]")
Florida State football did not have the season that it wanted last season, where it finished with a 5-7 record. With the Seminoles' struggles, it was difficult to figure out which players wanted to return to the program.
Florida State relieved defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., which was a polarizing decision by Mike Norvell. Obviously, this caused some in the position group to enter the transfer portal. However, bringing back Ja'Bril Rawls and Ashlynd Barker was massive for the success of the secondary.
Duce Robinson shocked many individuals when he returned to Florida State for 2026
Fans were so excited when former USC wide receiver transfer Duce Robinson decided to sign with Florida State. The 6'6" pass catcher was a legacy player with the university, where his father (Dominic) played wide receiver.
Robinson already had Florida State in his blood, so the choice was probably very easy for him. The playmaker had over 1,000 yards last season and was a go-to weapon for the Seminoles. Florida State had to replace the likes of quarterback Thomas Castellanos, with whom he was close friends.
Plus, Robinson had a solid chance to fairly high NFL draft pick. The fan base was fully anticipating that he would declare for the NFL Draft, and the program would have to find a new number one receiver. However, he shocked the world by announcing that he would return to the Seminoles in 2026.
Robinson had a chance to speak to the media on Friday afternoon, where he talked about why he came back to Florida State.
Duce Robinson wanted to come back because of the FSU fans.
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) January 16, 2026
"You know, having the season we had last year, it felt unfair to the fans. Because they've given me so much, so I want to try and give them something in return." pic.twitter.com/MWyxWH2BVy
Logan Robinson of NoleGameday posted this quote on Twitter (X) about Robinson's reasoning, and it has to get the fan base excited. He could have chosen to go to the NFL and make some quick money, but the pride that he felt to get it right in 2026 for Florida State was admirable. Whether it happens or not, the wide receiver will always be remembered by the Seminole faithful.