Florida State and Virginia both released lengthy injury reports ahead of the Week 5 battle on Saturday. Both teams will be without a good chunk of the roster, but the key difference is that the Seminoles will be without multiple players at a vital position, and another player from the same position just joined that list.
Florida State linebacker Noah LaVallee was downgraded from probable to out after there was previously hope he would play in Week 5. The Seminoles will be without four linebackers after the LaVallee announcement, as the freshman will join Izayia Williams, Blake Nichelson, and Daylen Green on the sidelines this week. Noah's brother and fellow linebacker, Caleb, is currently listed as probable for the upcoming game.
Florida State LB Noah LaVallee has been downgraded to out for Saturday's game vs. Virginia. LB Caleb LaVallee and CB Quindarrius Jones remain probable.https://t.co/XcPgWEYoS7 pic.twitter.com/03zgGwFCdv
— Kolby Crawford (@kolby_crawford) October 2, 2026
Florida State's linebacker depth just took another hit with Noah LaVallee downgraded to out for Week 5
2026 has not been the most productive season up to this point for Florida State, with a handful of players powering through bumps and bruises to compensate for the number of more serious injuries, particularly on defense. Starting safety Ashlynd Barker has been playing through a broken bone in his arm, although somewhat controversially, to make up for the shocking injury total.
Florida State entered the game with a handful of players already confirmed to be out of the Week 5 game, but losing LaVallee particularly stings since he is a player filling in due to the injuries. LaVallee did not record any stats through the first three games, but began to work into the rotation against Central Arkansas with 21 snaps.
Without Noah and potentially Caleb in the picture, the slack will need to be picked up by the likes of Karon Maycock and AJ Cottrill. Maycock, a freshman, saw his first real action of the season against Central Arkansas and recorded three total tackles. Cottrill, on the other hand, saw action against SMU and Central Arkansas, totaling two tackles.
During the Week 3 game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Florida State only played four linebackers and opted to use plenty of defensive backs. With Mikai Gbayor, Chris Jones, and Omar Graham Jr. all expected to play in Week 5, the Seminoles' staff might just give the remaining snaps at linebacker to the more experienced Cottrill.
The only issue, however, is that Alabama and Virginia are far different teams in terms of how the offense attacks opposing defenses. Virginia is going to look to keep the football on the ground for most of the game. When combined with the play-action heavy passing attack, the Seminoles' linebackers could tire easily, which will force more of the remaining depth into the game.
The updated injury report delivered a few positive bits of news for Florida State, as Ashlynd Barker, Chris Jones, KJ Kirkland, Donny Hiebert, and Xavier Tiller were all upgraded ahead of the game.
The injury list is still rather long, even with a handful of players removed. Defensive back Quindarrius Jones and Caleb LaVallee are still listed as probable for the upcoming game against Virginia.
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