Now or Never? These 3 FSU second-year players need to step up soon

The Pitt game will mark the halfway point of the season for FSU, and for some second-year players, this is the time to find a role in this program or be on the transfer block.

FSU had the 11th-ranked recruiting class in 2024 and, despite the anticipation surrounding the class, there's already been a lot of attrition with players like 4-star quarterback Luke Kromenhoek and 3-star defensive lineman DD Holmes already out of the program.

There is still plenty of time for the majority of the players from this class to get on the field and make an impact, but there are three players that need to show something soon or risk being buried on the depth chart.

1. TE Landen Thomas

The 4-star tight end from Colquitt County, Georgia, had a strong freshman season and was really one of the few bright sports that gave FSU fans something to cheer for in 2024. Thomas' first catch as a Seminole was a touchdown against SMU and the following week, he had seven catches for 80 yards against Clemson. I don't think a tight end has had that much work in the pass game since Nick O'Leary or Ryan Izzo. 

So, obviously, expectations were huge for Thomas coming into this season, especially playing in a new offense built for athletic tight ends. But Thomas missed time in camp with an injury, and it clearly put him behind the eight-ball because the sophomore doesn't see the field much and has one catch for two yards this season (against Kent State). With Chase Loftin out for the season and Amaree Williams needing to spend more time on defense, there's a spot for Thomas to be a difference maker in this offense. But it has to happen soon. 

2. RB Kam Davis

Davis is currently out with an injury, and will miss his third straight week. Fans were dreaming of a 1-2 punch with Davis and his close friend Ousmane Kromah, but right now it sounds like there's a good chance Davis will redshirt. That might be the best thing because the running back room is currently crowded and guys like Roydell Williams and Caziah Holmes can barely get on the field. If Davis is done for the season, he's going to have to make a decision in the offseason — either focus on having a big spring and getting back in the rotation or move on.

3. CB Charles Lester III

The injury to Quindarrius Jones has given Lester, a redshirt freshman, an opportunity to compete for that No. 3 corner spot with Cai Bates and Ricky Knight III. Lester is a former top-100 national prospect and still has a lot of potential. He's played in three games this season, but the fact that Lester hasn't gotten a snap over the past two weeks is concerning. If Lester can't find his way on the field over the next seven games, it's hard to see him sticking around for 2026.