With Florida State in fall camp, fans are getting an idea of how their roster is looking ahead of the 2026 campaign. Head coach Mike Norvell will call the plays on offense next season, and that should spell great news for the tight end room.
Tight ends coach Chris Thomsen, along with tight ends Landen Thomas and Desirrio Riles, all spoke with reporters on Thursday, and based on some of those remarks, the excitement is high for this position group.
Mike Norvell is setting Florida State's tight ends up for big roles
John Evans of Noles247 revealed that when Norvell called the plays between 2020 and 2024, tight ends were a consistent part of the offense. Evans wrote, "From 2020-24 when Norvell called plays in Tallahassee, Florida State relied heavily on its tight ends, playing a pair of them together nearly 27 percent of the time, which ranked 26th nationally among Power Four programs during that time span."
And considering that the Seminoles will be a ground-and-pound offense, this group will use plenty of two-tight-end sets and come out in 12 personnel constantly. With that being the likely outcome, Thomsen thinks this system is the best for tight ends to attack the seams and create chunk plays downfield.
Thomsen continued to heap praise on Thomas and Riles, calling them the best blockers in the tight end room so far, per Evans.
And considering that Riles was a transfer from East Carolina, who has received plenty of praise from the staff this offseason, this is what you want to hear. Riles was asked what makes his route-running ability so different, and he called out his speed as a factor.
"I'll say my speed. Being able to attack the safeties' leverage and just outrun them – my speed, and my ability and my big body."
Last season at East Carolina, Riles finished with career-highs in catches (28) and receiving yards (362) with two touchdowns. His speed, along with his athleticism, will be some areas this offense leans on.
Meanwhile, Thomas is the other part of this equation. He's in the finest shape of his career, and Thomsen believes Thomas has been playing his best ball this camp. He took better care of his body this offseason, and it's already showcasing on the field.
Thomas has been around Florida State for the last two seasons and believes this system is most similar to the one he was a part of during the 2024 season when Norvell was the playcaller.
That should make fans happy, as Thomas finished with career-bests in catches (14) and receiving yards (173) in 2024. With Norvell running the offensive ship, fans should get used to seeing a lot of Thomas and Riles on the field together.
That should elevate both of their production and impact, as tight ends weren't used much last year. Being able to trot out two effective tight ends in 12 personnel can put defenses in a bind. It gives Florida State flexibility in terms of both the run and pass game.
If they can consistently run the ball in that formation, it will only open things up in the pass game, which is beneficial for both Riles and Thomas.
Based on the comments and hype around the tight end room, fans could be in for a treat regarding that position group. And for all the right reasons.
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