Florida State was a program that felt like it could have been on the rise after it defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide in the opener, but the Seminoles plummeted as the season progressed.
This is a crucial time for all of the individuals, especially head football coach Mike Norvell. He was retained by the administration for the 2026 season after fans thought that he was a dead man walking after the embarrassing Stanford loss.
This isn't what the legendary Bobby Bowden built because Florida State is used to competing for championships. It is a bummer that the Seminoles aren't having a spring game in 2026, so the fan base needs some positive news to hold them over until August.
Defensive coordinator Tony White had a bold claim about DT Daniel Lyons being one of the best defensive linemen in the country
Defensive coordinator Tony White's unit had an up-and-down season in 2025. They started with an aggressive showing versus Alabama, thanks to defensive back Earl Little Jr. (transferred to Ohio State). Then they had an embarrassing showing against the Gators in the finale to ruin their chances of making a bowl game.
The fan base has made their opinions known that the 3-3-5 defensive scheme doesn't work, but White's defense was successful at Nebraska because they were able to generate pressure to opposing quarterbacks and their ability to stop the running game.
The defensive line is having to rely on contributors such as the Desir Twins and Kevin Wynn, but Tony White highlights another veteran who has a chance to be successful in 2026: Redshirt senior defensive tackle Daniel Lyons.
Daniel Lyons? Interesting pic.twitter.com/GiMdsg0dd8
— Jaguar Paw (@sirdibbydukes) March 6, 2026
In Friday's interview with the media, defensive coordinator Tony White mentioned that redshirt senior defensive lineman Daniel Lyons continues to prove to him that he can be one of the better defensive linemen in the country. Lyons recorded 26 tackles (3.5 for loss) and two sacks during the 2026 season (according to ESPN Stats and Information).
Tony White makes a good point in the interview that he isn't an individual to blow smoke about players being good. He said that he saw potential in defensive back Earl Little Jr. and defensive linemen Mandrell and Darryll Desir. We at ChopChat are excited to see what Lyons has to offer for this upcoming season.