Florida State dropped to 1-1 after a narrow loss to SMU in a game that delivered plenty of wild circumstances ahead of kickoff. The Seminoles were nearly handed the game by the Mustangs on multiple occasions, but the upset slipped away after SMU converted the game-winning field goal.
Numerous mistakes were quickly pointed out on social media by fans, but the most viral moment was delivered by defensive lineman Mandrell Desir during one specific snap. Desir stood straight up and walked toward the line of scrimmage, and then the defender pretended to dribble a basketball before the SMU offensive line sent him into the ground.
The entire play turned into a moment Florida State surely wanted back, as Mustangs' quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered a big completion to put the cherry on top. Defensive coordinator Tony White was certainly going to receive a question about the situation during the weekly press conference, and his response to the situation does not give the fans much to be happy about.
Rather than being critical of Desir or his decision, White doubled down as he revealed that limiting a player is a boundary he will not cross. White views the moves as part of what makes Desir special, hence the decision not to call him out, which is perhaps the most concerning response the coordinator could have delivered.
Tony White on the Mandrell Desir crossover pass rush move: “I’m never going to take away from a player being him.”
— Kolby Crawford (@kolby_crawford) September 9, 2026
Tony White is focused on the wrong issue while supporting Mandrell Desir's antics
The manner in which the staff has disbursed the NIL funds available has become a serious issue, with egregious overspending on certain position rooms, and a lack of production out of other high-paid positions. The entire Florida State staff began the 2026 season with zero guarantee of a return in 2027, and allowing players to give less than full effort moving forward would be a slap in the face for the fans.
Desir had a big freshman season for Florida State in 2025, posting 30 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. The Seminoles were able to bring back Desir and his brother, Darryll, in the offseason despite a rising NIL valuation of $1.2 million for the pair. Florida State put together a massive package, and the only production on the field will make the investment worth it for the staff.
White might be giving his player a loose leash in front of the media, but Florida State needs to make sure changes occur behind the scenes. Desir has not lived up to the investment thus far in the season, with minimal pressure generated against New Mexico State and SMU.
To make matters worse, Desir made his thoughts on the criticism known on social media with a quick response.
Mandrell Desir is making at least $800k to play for FSU this year after his portal shenanigans.
— Clay Fink (@clay_fink) September 8, 2026
He’s recorded 2 pressures (4.2% pressure rate), gone viral for trying to be Myles Garrett and getting tossed on the turf, and now he’s asking fans to “stay on that side”
Awesome. pic.twitter.com/JeOHrQOqG5
The lack of success early in the season, combined with the immediate embarrassment of a big gain on the play, makes Desir look like someone who is not truly committed to making the team better. White may insist the move is part of Desir being himself on the field, which is something he does not want to take away from Desir, but the extra moves simply do not help anyone on the field.
Florida State needs to put out a significantly improved product on the field in 2026, and the Seminoles' staff is off to a terrible start. White is giving freedom to his players to do virtually whatever they want on the field, while the entire team has a serious communication problem. With multiple other players struggling early to deliver a return, Florida State cannot afford to have Desir flop after paying up to retain him.
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