Florida State football hasn't had much excitement over the past couple of years, so when players do well, it is worth celebrating. The Seminoles have had seven wins in the last two seasons, and that isn't going to cut it for a place that expects to compete for championships.
Florida State did a complete overhaul of its roster via the transfer portal and high school recruiting ranks. This is typical for college football nowadays, but the fan base wants to see continuity in the roster from year to year.
Head coach Mike Norvell will be the offensive playcaller for the Seminoles in 2026 after former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn unexpectedly retired this offseason. The offensive scheme was a bit gimmicky under Malzahn with the jet sweeps and motions, but it was productive in between the 20-yard lines and not so much in the red zone.
Norvell isn't a stranger to calling plays because he has done it for the majority of his coaching career. He has already hinted at the quarterback position with the battle between Ashton Daniels and Kevin Sperry, and we know about the wide receivers Duce Robinson, Micahi Danzy, Jayvan Boggs, Devin Carter, and Jasen Lopez, but what about the tight end position?
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell raves about former ECU tight end transfer Desirrio Riles
I can see the eye roll from the individuals reading this article and thinking: Why are we discussing the tight end position? Well, in Mike Norvell's offense, the tight end spot is important because they carry multiple responsibilities of being able to block on the line, catch out of the backfield and perimeter, and even serve as fullbacks.
Fans saw veteran Randy Pittman Jr. transfer out to SMU, but Florida State was able to bring back contributors Landen Thomas and Chase Loftin (who they are excited about). However, the big pickup this offseason was ECU transfer, Desirrio Riles.
Mike Norvell spoke about Riles after Thursday's practice, stating that he was fully back at practice and looked really good. He also gave an encouraging update where Norvell mentioned that he made a huge play in today's practice.
Riles had 28 receptions for 362 yards and two touchdowns during the 2025 season for the ECU Pirates (according to ESPN Stats and Information). As a result, the Jacksonville, Florida, native likely expects to be a main contributor in what Florida State wants to do offensively in 2026.
The tight end position could create a safety blanket for whoever the quarterback is, given that the Seminoles will play SMU and Alabama in the first three games of the season.