Florida State football is in the danger zone for the 2026 season, and have to perform at a high level for its head coach, Mike Norvell. He has been on the hot seat for many analysts across the country, and they show negativity towards him with every chance they get.
The Seminoles have a chip on their shoulder to prove the doubters wrong, but we saw what happened in the offseason after the snub when Florida State had the same mindset. They went out and had a 2-10 record in 2024.
Mike Norvell cannot afford another losing season. As a result, he went out and added several players to his roster through the recruiting ranks and the transfer portal. One player that the coaching staff is excited about is former Texas A&M defensive end transfer Rylan Kennedy.
Rylan Kennedy is getting praise from the national media, and he could be a player to monitor in 2026
Florida State fans thought that the defensive line could be serviceable last year, but to put it bluntly, the unit was a disaster. Guys like James Williams and Jayson Jenkins have moved on, and the Seminoles are embracing the Desir Twins and Kevin Wynn as young leaders on the defensive line.
With that said, Rylan Kennedy is a veteran who should make a difference in 2026. The staff didn't add any more pass rushers in the portal other than Kennedy. Many individuals say that he was scratching the surface of his potential with the Aggies.
ESPN dropped its list of the top 100 newcomers in college football (see the full list here), and they had Rylan Kennedy at No. 95. To be honest, given how much hatred that Florida State has gotten this offseason, I was surprised to see anyone on the list (Wide receiver Devin Carter was also on the list at No. 97).
Florida State has benefited from transfer defensive ends in the past from players such as Jermaine Johnson II, Keir Thomas, Jared Verse, and now, hopefully, Rylan Kennedy. If the Seminoles' defense wants to be successful in 2026, they have to get after the opposing quarterback.
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