Florida State is in a negative mindset in the general college football public's eye. This is what happens when the Seminoles have a combined 7-17 record over the past two seasons. The fan base might have forgotten what it feels like to achieve bowl eligibility.
However, head coach Mike Norvell is trying to ensure that Florida State has what it takes to accomplish long-term sustainability like other programs across college football, such as Ohio State, Georgia, and even Indiana.
It starts with acquiring talent on the roster. There have been times throughout his tenure that fans have worried about an over-reliance on the transfer portal. High school recruiting didn't seem as much of a priority by the coaching staff.
However, the 2025 recruiting class was a positive step in changing that narrative, as pieces such as Mandrell and Darryll Desir, Kevin Wynn, Kevin Sperry, Ousmane Kromah, Jayvan Boggs, and Chavez Thomas are looking to be solid contributors this year.
Wide receiver Devin Carter could be in line to play a factor in 2026
The fan base cannot forget about the most recent 2026 recruiting class. Individuals obviously will be talking about top headliners like four-star prospects Chuck Kennon, Jasen Lopez, and Izayia Williams.
It is remarkable how well offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. recruited at his position. One underrated recruit that I am excited for is four-star Devin Carter from Douglasville, Georgia. He has the legacy of his father (Dexter) playing with the Seminoles from 1986 to 1989.
Former running back Dexter Carter had 2,524 yards and 21 touchdowns during his career (according to Nolefan.org). His father was not the biggest person in the world at 5'9" and 172 pounds, but he was very successful in his role on the team.
His son, Devin Carter, is a certified playmaker who originally committed to Florida State in April 2023, then de-committed from the Seminoles and pledged to Auburn, but Florida State got the last laugh as they signed the pass catcher during the Early Signing Period.
Devin was 2 years old in the Family picture when I coached at FSU, Fell asleep while looking at a replay of the FSU win over LSU 2022 and pictures with Jordan Travis last week and 3 years ago. WOW! https://t.co/RcFozaPM4u pic.twitter.com/NMCn54HRVO
— Dexter Carter (@iDexterCarter) April 20, 2023
Florida State got huge news this offseason when wide receivers Duce Robinson, Micahi Danzy, and Jayvan Boggs announced that they would be returning for the Seminoles' 2026 season. This was massive for an offense that will have head coach Mike Norvell call plays after letting Gus Malzahn do it in 2025.
Carter might be too hard to leave off the field, as he could be a playmaker who could be a threat to opposing defenses. He had 26 receptions for 431 yards and five touchdowns in only seven games during his senior year of high school (according to MaxPreps).
The coaching staff has to find out who will contribute as the fourth wide receiver option after Lawayne McCoy elected to transfer to Louisville. This could be just the opportunity that the Georgia native needs to make a name for himself.