Florida State football had a horrific 2024 season, where they finished with a 2-10 record. The Seminoles did not live up to the lofty standard that many individuals within the fan base were used to. While the team was not up to par last year, here are the top five returning players from last year's roster.
DB EARL LITTLE JR.
Redshirt junior defensive back Earl Little did not have the 2024 campaign that he should have had. Admittedly, I was so high on Little Jr. after he transferred from Alabama, but he flopped and disappointed. Thankfully, he had a position change midway through last season from cornerback to safety, then new defensive coordinator Tony White refers to Little Jr. as "Him".
DT DARRELL JACKSON JR.
One of the biggest headlines of the offseason was defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. returning for his redshirt senior season. It isn't to say that Jackson Jr. had a remarkable 2024 campaign with 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks. However, the 6'5" and 337-pound standout should be a focal point in Tony White's multiple 3-3-5 scheme without having Joshua Farmer in the mix at defensive tackle.
DB SHYHEIM BROWN
I don't want to hype up the defensive back room, but safety Shyheim Brown is returning in 2025 after leading the team in tackles (70) last year. There were times when it looked like on film that Brown took plays off, but this is the last chance for the veteran to make an impression on NFL scouts.
OL RICHIE LEONARD IV
Florida State picked up interior offensive lineman transfer Richie Leonard IV from the Florida Gators last offseason. Leonard IV started every game for the Gators during the 2023 season, but he suffered a season-ending injury for the Seminoles after four games and was eligible to return for 2024. Florida State added several transfers to start on the offensive line, but I believe that Leonard IV is one of the only returners who has a chance to start on the offensive line in 2025.
LB OMAR GRAHAM JR.
Insert the Jarrian Jones "I heard what you said on Twitter" meme... Redshirt junior linebacker Omar Graham Jr. had a ton of the fan base frustrated with his play at the beginning of the year, but he started to prove the doubters by the phrase: "It is not how you start, it is how you finish." Graham Jr. finished with 37 tackles in seven straight starts to end the season.