Florida State football will be taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, August 30th. The Seminoles will look to bounce back after posting a 2-10 record in 2024. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide also had a disappointing campaign by its lofty standards with a 9-4 record.
The Seminole faithful has somewhat lost hope in head football coach Mike Norvell as he heads into his sixth season at the helm. Some individuals are tired of the coaching staff as a whole hyping up players, only to have them fail to meet their lofty expectations.
Why the title might sound corny, it shows how confident they are in redshirt sophomore defensive back Ja'Bril Rawls. The former three-star prospect from Pensacola, Florida, made strides last season, where he recorded 14 tackles.
Rawls has been someone that defensive coordinator Tony White has claimed to be someone with NFL draft pick potential. That showcases again the lofty expectations that make Seminole fans experience PTSD from last season.
Lock down 👑 🔒 @RawlsJabril #NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/UIviLKAsPT
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) May 8, 2025
The Florida State football social media account went out of its way to promote Rawls's performance during the spring. To make matters worse, they showed a highlight where the redshirt sophomore defender was locking down wide receiver Jordan Scott, who is no longer with the team.
Florida State defensive backs will have their eyes full when having to contain Alabama wide receivers Ryan Williams (he is now 18 years old?!) and Germie Bernard. The Seminoles grabbed Houston cornerback transfer Jeremiah Wilson in the portal this offseason.
Wilson will be tasked with being a pivotal piece in the rotation, but they will likely be asked to double-team the two wide receivers in Williams and Bernard. Rawls will also be part of the rotation as he looks to make a name for himself.
It is reassuring that the redshirt sophomore that gaining confidence in his play, and could be someone that could go toe-to-toe with competing amongst the likes of Williams in late August.