FSU defensive/special teams lineup projection versus Georgia Tech (via Taylor Devers)

On Saturday afternoon, I decided to release my defensive/special teams starting lineup projection for Florida State's 2024 season opener versus Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. The game will be played in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday, August 24th at noon EST.

The Seminoles will be welcoming in several newcomers this season so the projection was a bit difficult to predict. Let's get started and break down my selections.

DEFENSIVE ENDS

1. Patrick Payton

2. Byron Turner Jr.

3. Aaron Hester

DEFENSIVE ENDS

1. Marvin Jones Jr.

2. Sione Lolohea

Analysis: Florida State football will have to replace the likes of Jared Verse who had nine sacks during the 2023 season. Verse was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Even though the former Albany transfer left for the professional ranks, rising superstar Patrick Payton returns for another season. The redshirt junior has now elevated his weight to 254 pounds.

The Seminoles added two defensive end transfers in Georgia's Marvin Jones Jr. and Oregon State's Sione Lolohea this offseason. The coaching staff was high on Jones Jr. coming out of high school being a former five-star prospect and defensive ends coach John Papuchis loves Lolohea's ability to be a run stopper.

Plus, Florida State has reserves Byron Turner Jr. and Aaron Hester return for another season. They will be useful if the trio of Payton, Jones Jr., and Lolohea need a breather.