Florida State's 2024 football season had an unforgettable campaign where they finished with a 2-10 record. This was unthinkable to many of the fan base.
It was shocking last year because individuals were confident in the Seminoles' ability to succeed after they had an undefeated regular season and a conference championship. One of the biggest strengths of that team was the veteran offensive line.
Players such as Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, and Robert Scott Jr. played many snaps in Tallahassee. However, fans saw that having that much experience did not matter. It was probably one of the worst offensive line units since 2018.
Championships are won in the trenches, and Florida State did not get the job done. The Seminoles decided to part ways with offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins before the conclusion of the season.
It was likely for the best, as Coach Atkins did not seem to see improvement in the position group that he had been recruiting and developing since he arrived in 2020. As a result, Florida State brought in new offensive coaches, such as UCF offensive line coach Herb Hand.
Before coaching at UCF, he had previous stints at Texas, Auburn, Penn State, Vanderbilt, and Tulsa. Coach Hand has been around the landscape of college football and seems eager to turn the Seminoles around.
Florida State added four transfers at the position group this offseason in Wake Forest's Luke Petitbon (22 starts), Vanderbilt's Gunnar Hansen (35 starts), Ole Miss's Micah Pettus (29 starts), and UCF's Adrian Medley (19 starts). The Seminoles also have returning production such as Richie Leonard IV, TJ Ferguson, Jaylen Early, Bryson Estes, Jacob Rizy, and Andre Otto.
Just like last year, it is great to mention the career starts and experience, but that won't mean anything if the unit cannot gel well together. Florida State wants to run the football this season and will have an advantage with the athletic Thomas Castellanos at quarterback.
I am not suggesting that the offensive line will be elite for the Seminoles in 2025, but it should be a serviceable starting lineup that should include transfers Gunnar Hansen, Micah Pettus, Adrian Medley, and Luke Petitbon, as well as returning veteran Richie Leonard IV.
I hate to say this, but the offensive line's play will define Florida State's season. It will be that important for the success of the team.