Florida State football begins its spring practices today, and the fan base is ready to experience some type of sustainable success. Individuals haven't felt the rush of being in contention for a championship late in the season since 2023, when the committee snubbed them of the opportunity.
Head coach Mike Norvell understands that the morale is low in Tallahassee. The university made the decision not to have a spring game this year, so the fan base is even more nervous about seeing the product in-person against New Mexico State. While the Aggies won't be much competition, the SMU Mustangs on Labor Day Night will fit that description.
Coach Norvell added several pieces to its roster during the offseason via the transfer portal and high school recruiting ranks. With that said, Coach Norvell has to feel confident in some of the players that he has on the roster before spring practices begin.
Quarterback Ashton Daniels
Florida State's quarterback competition got interesting this offseason when the Seminoles navigated to the transfer portal. This is the third offseason in a row that Florida State has grabbed a veteran out of the portal (DJ Uiagalelei and Thomas Castellanos). When asked about the quarterback battle, Norvell always highlights former Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels's experience and how he knows the expectations. This seems to give off the impression that Daniels has the early lead in the race.
Wide receiver Duce Robinson
The legacy prospect was everything that Florida State's coaching staff thought he would be: A productive pass catcher, a leader in the locker room, and a great ambassador for the program. The fan base was shocked to see him return to the Seminoles in 2026, but Robinson seemed to have unfinished business to take care of.
Defensive linemen Mandrell and Darryll Desir
While I understand that these are two separate players, the Desir Twins are a package deal and do everything together. Defensive coordinator Tony White hit the nail right on the head last offseason when he brought up Mandrell and Darryll Desir as factors for 2025. They look to be the heartbeat of the defense in 2026.
Linebacker Chris Jones
Former Southern Miss linebacker transfer Chris Jones was one of the top defenders in the portal this past offseason, and Florida State was thought to be involved in his recruitment. However, Jones decided to commit and sign with Ole Miss. After careful decision-making and timing, the linebacker got out of his agreement with the Rebels and put pen to paper with the Seminoles. This defender has the chance to make the unit into a top-25 unit by himself.
Cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls
The defense played better when redshirt junior cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls was playing. However, the Pensacola, Florida, native suffered a season-ending injury that impacted the Seminoles significantly. Florida State was able to ride the wave of players that entered the transfer portal with Patrick Surtain Sr.'s news of his firing, and Rawls is projected to be one of Florida State's best defenders in 2026.