Florida State football did not have the greatest of years in 2025, where they finished with a 5-7 record. They fizzled out after beating Alabama in the opener, which was disappointing since they had the college football landscape thinking that Florida State was a College Football Playoff contender.
The Seminoles are back at it again to replace coaches on staff as well as bring in new pieces to the roster via the transfer portal and high school recruiting ranks. That is the reality of college football nowadays.
Head coach Mike Norvell is trying his best to find sustainable success after combining for seven wins in two years. Norvell is hoping to go back to the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, where he won a combined 23 games.
The truth of the matter is that Florida State fans are craving to be contenders again.
Veteran defensive linemen Daniel Lyons and Deante McCray are stepping up in practice
The Seminole faithful love to discuss the newcomers that get added to the roster, but what about those that are returning from the 2025 season?
Mike Norvell addressed the media after Wednesday's practice, where he mentioned that he has been pleased with the progression of defensive linemen Daniel Lyons and Deante McCray.
This is encouraging to see because the fan base is primarily focused on the results from Mandrell and Darryll Desir, as well as Kevin Wynn. The Seminoles spent an abundance of resources to keep them in Tallahassee, but having those returning seniors step up is key for depth on the defensive line.
McCray was a part of the Florida State defensive line transfer portal class. He and Deamontae Diggs are the only members of that group left. The former Western Kentucky defensive linemen showed flashes, but he didn't put it altogether. As for Lyons, he has been at Florida State for five years now, and it is time for him to have a breakout season.
New transfer Jordan Sanders from Texas State missed the entire spring, so the coaching staff should be relying on Daniel Lyons to step up at defensive tackle.
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