Florida State is right back into game mode after receiving a bye in Week 8 to recuperate for the final five games of the 2026 season. The year has been far from what the fans had hoped for, but unfortunately, it has been eerily similar to what many experts felt it would be. Once again, the Seminoles are in an awkward position as the light that comes with winning is slowly fading away.
Coach Mike Norvell took the podium this afternoon following practice for his first press conference of the week, and some injury updates were provided. Norvell revealed that senior linebacker Blake Nichelson is "progressing" but likely still would not be able to return to play just yet. With Clemson coming to Tallahassee on October 31, Nichelson may need more time to properly rehab his injury.
The linebacker recorded three total tackles against New Mexico State in the season opener in Tallahassee before going down with an injury. Nichelson has not seen the field since, but a return during the season has never been ruled out.
Florida State could greatly benefit from a Blake Nichelson return this season
For the Seminoles, virtually the entire roster has been hit with injuries at one point or another this season, and some positions took big hits. The secondary has been running with nearly no depth due to the number of injuries, and other positions have been playing without key players for most of the season.
At linebacker, Nichelson was expected to take another step forward this season for Florida State, with a bigger role on defense. However, Nichelson's injury forced the Seminoles' staff to move things around, and nearly every linebacker has been included in an injury report this season. The Seminoles need to get healthy to be more competitive this season, and getting Nichelson back would be a huge boost defensively.
Nichelson has been a Florida State mainstay the past few seasons, with 115 total tackles since the 2023 season. Losing Nichelson so early on in the season was an unfortunate blow, as what should have been a breakout season for the linebacker has turned into a disappointing year.
Both for Nichelson and Florida State, returning to the field this season would be extremely beneficial, given the struggles the team has had. The Seminoles are down so many players at some positions that some players are playing significantly more than the staff would like. Nichelson gives the rest of the linebackers a chance to breathe, and he offers the staff a veteran presence that can help the defense work out some of the communication issues present.
Norvell also provided a key update on defensive back Jordan Crutchfield, who should be in line to see the playing field this week against Clemson. Crutchfield originally joined the team with very high expectations as a freshman, but his first collegiate season has mainly been slowed down by injuries.
Florida State may finally be able to bring a potentially key piece of the puzzle back into the equation in the secondary, which is where the most help is needed at the moment.
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