Tim Harris Jr. sees this position group as a key to success for FSU in 2026

The tight end has always been a crucial piece in Mike Norvell's offense and the production at the position has been hit or miss since he's been at FSU. He hasn't gotten that sort of generational talent at the position like Bobby Bowden had with Pat Carter or Jimbo Fisher had with Nick O'Leary, but he might have some serious upside in the room this season.

FSU has been very high on Chase Loftin, who was supposed to have a major role last season before injuries put him on the sidelines for most of the season. The Seminoles worked hard to retain Landon Thomas after he flashed a lot of potential in 2024 before being almost completely ignored by Gus Malzahn last season.

The wild card in this group is ECU transfer Desirrio Riles, who had 28 receptions for 362 yards and two touchdowns. It's a group that gives new offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. a lot to work with.

"There are a lot of guys in there with the ability to do everything you want to do at the position," Harris Jr. said during his Tuesday press conference. 

Tim Harris Jr. sees a ton of potential with the tight ends

Harris mentioned that Loftin spent a lot of time in the wide receivers room last year and brings the ability to do things on the perimeter and as a flex player in the passing game. Riles has proven production as a pass catcher and Thomas has shown dynamic ability to make plays when given a chance. 

What's going to make or break this room will be the ability to participate in the blocking game. Harris points out that Riles and Loftin are still developing in that role while Thomas has a little more experience being asked to block. However, blocking is as much an attitude as it is execution, and it's there where Harris believes all three players are willing participants. 

If that turns out to be the case, there will be plenty of opportunities for FSU to exploit mismatches with multiple tight end sets.

"We talked about the running back group and what we can do with 21 personnel," Harris added. "The tight end group kind of gives us the same flexibility."