Florida State received some interesting support from an ESPN analyst a few days ago when talking about how much returning production the Noles would have on each side of the ball. The Noles will be among the top 50 teams nationally with returning production.
If we couple that with some experienced and talented transfers, the case can be made for FSU to surpass all expectations in 2026(granted, they are much lower than the standard of competing for championships).
That same analyst (Bill Connelly) posted some more interesting stats at ESPN with his SP+ advanced metrics. Connelly’s SP+ preseason stats have FSU as the No. 35 team nationally. He has FSU with the No. 45 on offense, No. 30 on defense, and No. 94 on special teams.
FSU finished 5-7 last year, but lost four of those games by a touchdown or less. One of the biggest things that plagued FSU in the losses was turnovers and the inability to score touchdowns in the red zone.
FSU should have been better than its 5-7 record a year ago.
FSU had to replace its quarterback and most of its offensive line, and lost Darrell Jackson Jr. in the middle of the defensive line. They added some experience and talent from the transfer portal, but will it be enough to surprise those still doubting FSU? Â Â
We’ll probably know fairly early. FSU should win its season opener before hosting SMU and traveling to Alabama. That two-game stretch will probably dictate how well the season goes. This team can surprise some folks if they can avoid turnovers, injuries, and do the little things right. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for the past two years under Mike Norvell. Maybe they can get it right in 2026?