Florida State fans didn't have warm and fuzzy feelings after the 2025 season. The Seminoles finished with a 5-7 record, with the most notable win coming against Alabama in the opener. Head coach Mike Norvell is now classified as on the hot seat after combining to have seven wins in two years.
As a result, Norvell needs to find positive leaders on his squad to turn this program around. Fans were thankful to witness coaches such as Bobby Bowden and Jimbo Fisher, and they combined to have three national championships in program history.
That is exactly what the standard here is at Florida State: Competing for championships. The Seminoles are hoping for a major bounce back. Florida State had a disappointing end to last year, as the struggling Florida Gators beat the Seminoles by multiple touchdowns, thanks to running back Jadan Baugh having over 200 rushing yards.
Tony White didn't mention the Desir Twins as leaders on Florida State's defense
This faced criticism from the defensive coordinator, Tony White, and his 3-3-5 scheme. Some fans didn't believe that 3-3-5 would ever work at Florida State. The Seminoles had success against Alabama in the opener, but as soon as Tony White's name came up for the UCLA coaching vacancy, the defense changed its aggressiveness.
Florida State's defense looked like it was a step behind, where the Seminoles were used to running a 4-3 or even a 4-2-5 scheme with man-to-man coverages. Coach White even mentioned that the players are sometimes a couple of steps out of position, which would result in large gains for opposing offenses.
The Desir Twins were a bright spot in the defense, specifically Mandrell Desir. The former three-star prospect led the team in sacks with 6.5. He was asked to be versatile in the defense, playing defensive tackle and defensive end.
Tony White was asked after Monday's practice who the leaders were on defense, and surprisingly enough, he didn't name the Desir Twins as leaders.
One of the biggest priorities of the offseason was retaining Mandrell and Darryll Desir when they tried to go in the transfer portal. The Seminoles probably paid a couple of million dollars to retain them, and gave Darryll (No. 1) and Mandrell (No. 3) new jersey numbers.
Florida State needs the Desir Twins to emerge as leaders, even if they are classified as quiet players. They need to lead by example so that the defense can thrive in 2026.
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