Florida State finished with a 5-7 record in 2025. This was disappointing, given that the Seminoles defeated Alabama in the opener by a score of 31-17. There were several individuals who thought Florida State was a real contender for the College Football Playoff.
However, head coach Mike Norvell and his squad choked down the stretch, where they lost seven of their last nine games. The fan base figured that the heartbreak would stop after the 2-10 campaign in 2024, but Florida State has not endured six losing seasons in eight years.
Coach Norvell is firmly on the hot seat, according to many analysts, but the administration decided to retain him for another year, which didn't seem like a popular choice. Florida State has been known to have expectations of competing for championships.
Florida State might have an "it" factor in wide receiver Devin Carter
Florida State has to suffer through another rebuild after the disappointment in 2025. This generally leaves the roster to be completely overhauled by transfers. This is the landscape that we are in with college football, but it is still frustrating that the Seminoles are having a difficult time developing homegrown prospects.
The Seminoles did play a couple of their 2025 recruits last season, such as Kevin Sperry, Ousmane Kromah, Jayvan Boggs, Kevin Wynn, Mandrell Desir, and Darryll Desir. Those same players will be relied on this year, but they have to continue to stack up having success with high school recruits.
The coaching staff brought in several talented 2026 prospects that could make a difference this season. Head coach Mike Norvell was even asked about true freshmen that could make a significant impact like the Desir Twins did, and he immediately mentioned wide receivers Jasen Lopez and Devin Carter.
Florida State's social media team highlighted a catch that Devin Carter made in a recent practice that was impressive.
Go and get it, DC! 🏈 #NoleFamily pic.twitter.com/odWqdFTb4b
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) April 1, 2026
It was nice to see Carter reach out and catch the football. Another notable aspect of the video is that the former four-star prospect is developing a connection with quarterback Ashton Daniels, who threw him the ball.
While I am not saying that Devin Carter will play over Duce Robinson, Micahi Danzy, or Jayvan Boggs, he will get plenty of offensive reps in 2026 if he stays healthy.