Florida State football has to do a better job of being consistent as a program, but the problem is that outsiders are showcasing negativity toward the Seminoles every chance they get. While I understand that Florida State has to worry about itself rather than what people say, it does impact the morale of the team.
Florida State opens up against New Mexico State for the 2026 season, which isn't the same high stakes as starting with Alabama in a newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium like it did last year. The Seminoles were successful in beating the Crimson Tide, but the season snowballed shortly after.
Head coach Mike Norvell is trying to get back the mojo that he once had when the program won 19 straight games. While some believe that Norvell will never have the same success again, his fate is in his hands as he will be tasked with the offensive play-calling in 2026.
The Seminoles made a roster overhaul this offseason and added new coaches to the staff. One departure that had players and fans expressing frustrations was firing defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.
This is the time to shine for senior defensive back Quindarrius Jones in 2026
Surtain Sr. was thought to be a good recruiter and evaluator of talent. While most individuals don't know if there was something that went on behind-the-scenes, it was a sensitive topic for players where Ja'Bril Rawls and Ashlynd Barker entered the transfer portal (they eventually came back).
The Seminoles decided to hire Blue Adams, who had success at Michigan State, but fans didn't know much about him. Florida State also went out and grabbed secondary pieces via the transfer portal, such as Ma'Khi Jones (Duke), Nehemiah Chandler (South Alabama), CJ Richard Jr. (Illinois State), and Karson Hobbs (Notre Dame).
Even though the attention surrounds the new pickups, the fan base should continue to take senior defensive back Quindarrius Jones seriously. Jones suffered a season-ending injury midway through the 2025 season. The former three-star prospect has dealt with injuries in his career, but has shown flashes of success.
Jones continues to make noteworthy plays in Florida State's spring practices. Ja'Bril Rawls has been limited at times during practice, which has allowed the veteran to emerge on defense. Tony White utilizes more defensive backs in his scheme, and I predict that Ja'Bril Rawls, Nehemiah Chandler, and Quindarrius Jones will be the top three cornerbacks on the depth chart at this time.
The former three-star prospect was someone that fans didn't know much about when the program added him from Meridian, Mississippi, during the 2023 cycle. Jones has stuck through the difficult times and didn't entertain the idea of entering the transfer portal like many of his past teammates. In today's college football landscape, you don't see that often.