TIME TO PANIC?
Let me start by saying that this is not a direct criticism of the coaching staff by any means. The Seminoles did a phenomenal job of closing on some elite defensive lineman prospects during the 2025 signing period, securing pieces that they can build upon.
The pickups of defensive linemen recruits of Kevin Wynn, LaJesse Harrold, Tylon Lee, Darryl Desir, Mandrell Desir, and Tyeland Coleman. I know we are discussing recruits, but it should not be discredited that the coaching staff picked up transfers such as James Williams, Deante McCray, Deamontae Diggs, and Jayson Jenkins.
The transfers should be able to help the recruits that they brought in to solidify depth at the position group.
NO ODELL HAGGINS FACES A NEW CHALLENGE
Trust me, it is weird that Florida State does not have assistant coach Odell Haggins as the defensive tackle coach anymore, as former Nebraska defensive line coach Terrance Knighton has taken the reins for the Seminoles.
Coach Haggins has a long history of developing multiple players to the NFL, but his recruiting ability has seemed to slip over the years, given his age in the new-age way of recruiting. With that said, I love the fact that Florida State was still able to keep him in a support staff role.
IS TERRANCE KNIGHTON THE GUY?
Florida State brought in defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, whom I have supreme confidence in. The Cornhuskers' defense had over 30 sacks in the 2024 regular season and consistently put pressure on good offenses such as Colorado and Ohio State.
The Seminoles' fan base has a tendency to overreact on social media, where they get concerned about Terrance Knighton's ability to recruit since Florida State does not have a defensive line prospect committed to the 2026 cycle.
However, I am not as worried about defensive line recruiting. Florida State football will be fine. The Seminoles have a target board with five-star Tristian Givens, five-star Trenton Henderson, four-star Zavion Griffin-Haynes, four-star Kamron Wilson (Syracuse commit), four-star Jamarion Matthews (Alabama commit), four-star Cam Brooks (Cal commit), four-star Deuce Geralds, four-star Kendall Guervil, four-star Earnest Rankins, three-star Keysaun Eleazer, and three-star Katrell Webb.
That seems like a loaded target board at the position. I feel like the Seminole fan base is frustrated with how things have transpired in recruiting for the past, as well as the 2-10 record. Once the summer gets going, I believe that Florida State will get at least four in the cycle before Signing Day finishes in December.