Florida State football is continuing its spring practices, as it hopes to flush the last two seasons down the toilet after the Seminoles combined to have seven wins. The college football outsiders are filled with negativity when discussing the program.
However, there are reasons to be bullish on Florida State as they head into the 2026 season. Head coach Mike Norvell is now responsible for calling the plays after former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn unexpectedly retired in the offseason.
Norvell has called plays for his entire coaching career, so it is nothing new to him. That is one of the primary reasons that the Seminoles hired him away from Memphis due to his high-powered offense.
Duce Robinson is going to be a special player for the Seminoles in 2026
Florida State might not have an answer on its quarterback room yet, with Ashton Daniels and Kevin Sperry battling it out for the starting reps (maybe Malachi Marshall when he enrolls in the summer).
The Seminoles do have an answer at the wide receiver position with veteran Duce Robinson, as he elected to return to Tallahassee for his senior season. The former USC transfer recorded 56 receptions for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns during the 2025 campaign (according to ESPN Stats and Information).
Norvell did speak to the media after Saturday's scrimmage and mentioned that they have been limiting Duce Robinson in practice to give other wide receivers opportunities. This is a smart idea, and a big reason why we are hearing a name like Devin Carter emerging as a consistent weapon.
Position coach Tim Harris Jr. has done a tremendous job with evaluating talent at the wide receiver spot, and has given himself options to choose from for life after Robinson.
Robinson has been a vocal leader on the team this offseason, as he came back with unfinished business on his mind after 2025's disappointing 5-7 season. With Mike Norvell calling plays, there should be more opportunities for Robinson's legacy to shine in 2026.
The pass catcher dealt with a passing game last season that was below average. He only recorded six games of five or more catches, and I expect that number to rise with Mike Norvell likely calling more quicker passes for Robinson to get the football in his hands, such as slants and screens.