Florida State's offense in 2025 was one of the best in the nation between the 20-yard lines, but once it got to the red zone, it became stagnant and unreliable. These were the inconsistencies that the fan base had to endure last season.
The hope is that head coach Mike Norvell will do much better in that regard, as he will be taking on the play-calling duties with Gus Malzahn unexpectedly retiring this offseason. The fan base is fed up with Coach Norvell and wants to see progress.
This is understandable, given that the program has seen six losing seasons in eight years.
Randy Pittman Jr. looks to become a productive piece for the SMU Mustangs during the 2026 season
One of the players that the Seminoles didn't want to see leave is tight end Randy Pittman Jr. Even though Pittman Jr. had a connection with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, he looked like he fit nicely with what Florida State wanted to continue to do in 2026
Pittman Jr. had a great game in the opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he was an excellent blocker who wanted to establish the ground game. Fans got a stunner this offseason as he elected to enter the transfer portal and head to the SMU Mustangs. It seems like the tight end is already building a connection with quarterback Kevin Jennings.
SMU QB Kevin Jennings was dealing in practice today.
— Dean Ralsky (@DeanRalsky) April 2, 2026
He spread the ball around nicely, connecting with four different transfers in one period.
Sharp start to the spring for QB1@SMUMustangsOn3 pic.twitter.com/tzEpi2rsur
It wasn't always the prettiest for Pittman Jr. as the road game versus Clemson created a bad taste in his mouth after dropping a pass when he was wide open. It should be noted that the moment happens to everyone from time to time.
The Seminoles felt that the veteran tight end was replaceable as they retained someone like Landen Thomas and then brought in ECU transfer Desirrio Riles. The coaching staff also raves about redshirt freshman Chase Loftin quite a bit.
Florida State will be playing the SMU Mustangs on Labor Day Night in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium, so it will be interesting to see how Randy Pittman Jr. performs against the Seminoles' defense.