Florida State is officially moving forward without a reserve running back after an announcement was made regarding the change to the roster. Running back Gemari Sands is no longer with the program, and no reason was given for his departure.
Sands previously started his collegiate career with Florida Atlantic in 2023 after enrolling in the program early. After sitting out the 2023 season, Sands returned for his redshirt freshman year and forced his way into the rotation by the end of the year. The running back rushed for 465 yards in 2025 before entering the transfer portal.
The Seminoles were quick to pick up Sands and add depth to the running back room after losing multiple players. Sands was originally expected to fight for a starting role within the offense, but he never quite emerged before parting ways with Florida State.
Sands did not dress and was not present on the sideline during Florida State's Week 5 win over Virginia.
UPDATE: According to multiple reports, running back Gemari Sands is no longer part of the Seminoles’ roster. 🤔 #GoNoles pic.twitter.com/z6kAOGurfd
— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) October 5, 2026
Tre Wisner, Amari Thomas will need to step up for Florida State with Samuel Singleton Jr. sidelined
Sands being removed from the team comes at an awkward time for Florida State, with backup running back Samuel Singleton Jr. currently sidelined with an injury. Sands did not need to take his place, but without him in the picture anymore, Florida State is one injury away from needing all hands on deck at the position.
The Seminoles entered the 2026 season with depth issues at running back, but the early success of Ousmane Kromah and Singleton meant Florida State did not need to test the depth. The injury to Singleton forced transfer running back Tre Wisner to take on a more prominent role within the offense, and now the pressure is on Wisner with dwindling options behind him.
Wisner joined Florida State in the off-season after three seasons of varying degrees of success with the Texas Longhorns. The Seminoles paid a premium in the portal to land Wisner, but the emergence of both Singleton and Kromah left the running back with little chance to see the field. With an injury and a dismissal confirmed, Florida State needs Wisner to take another step forward to solidify the backfield.
A season ago, Florida State utilized a collection of running backs to move the ball down the field, but much of that weight has been pulled by Kromah and quarterback Ashton Daniels this season. The Seminoles could really use the help of another running back, and if Wisner is unable to take on the job, the next option will be the freshman, Amari Thomas.
Thomas has already seen a few moments of action this season, but his role within the offense could become much larger in the future. The coaching staff has praised Thomas multiple times this season for his efforts during practice, and without Sands to soak up some of those developmental carries, Thomas could quickly earn a path to the field.
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