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We have questions... How will the DE rotation play out for the Seminoles in 2025?

The defensive end rotation could be a question mark for the Seminoles in 2025.
ByTaylor Devers|
Sep 16, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive end Deante McCray (95) celebrates after recovering Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord (6) fumble during the first quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium.
Sep 16, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive end Deante McCray (95) celebrates after recovering Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord (6) fumble during the first quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium. | Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

NEW FACES ON THE ROSTER FOR THE 2025 SEASON

Florida State football is having more roster turnover this upcoming season. Unfortunately, the Seminoles finished with a 2-10 record last year, and head football coach Mike Norvell went out and made some major changes to send a message that this will never happen again.

Norvell had high expectations for the team in 2024, calling it his fastest team. However, this did not translate to the product in the field. This is not the standard of this proud program that is used to competing for conference and national championships.

One of the newest faces that gets a ton of attention is former UCF and Boston College quarterback transfer Thomas Castellanos, as he gets paired up with new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.

PASS RUSHER SUCCESS

We all remember how legendary head football coach Nick Saban stated in the 2024 offseason that Florida State had one of the top defensive lines in the entire country. This was after Saban had attended a practice where he witnessed players such as Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr.

However, the idea seemed a little bit off since the program was losing pieces such as Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Fabien Lovett Sr., who were productive during their time at Florida State. Nonetheless, Saban put it out there for the universe to hear.

PASS RUSHER THOUGHTS FOR THE 2025 SEASON

Fast forward to this offseason, the Seminoles added three talented defensive end transfers this offseason in Nebraska's James Williams, Western Kentucky's Deante McCray, and Coastal Carolina's Deamontae Diggs.

Who will emerge as another candidate in the rotation? Will it be someone like Jaden Jones, Darryl Desir, Mandrell Desir, LaJesse Harrold, Tylon Lee, or Jayson Jenkins (if healthy)? Could we see a defensive tackle move over in certain situations?

Tennessee defensive lineman transfer Jayson Jenkins would have been the easy choice, but he suffered an injury this preseason that could see him limited. That throws a wrench into the situation. Fans have heard a lot about the Desir Twins from the coaching staff in practice, but can you rely on true freshmen to perform?

This could be a collective effort in Tony White's physical 3-3-5 defensive scheme.

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