What can the defense do to get better for the Seminoles in the 2026 season?

3. BETTER LINEBACKER PLAY

I will admit when I was wrong. In the offseason, I thought that the linebacker position was going to be a strength of this defense. However, this was further from the truth than anything. The linebacker position has been so underwhelming.

As the Florida rivalry game transpired and running back Jadan Baugh had 266 rushing yards, it became immediately apparent that the position group was in need of a complete makeover.

Many individuals are huge fans of four-star signee Izayia Williams, but he suffered a major knee injury and won't be ready to participate until the summer, more than likely. Nonetheless, Williams will have to play as a true freshman, which is a crazy proposition.

The Seminoles still haven't made a decision on linebackers coach/special team coordinator John Papuchis yet, but his contract is set to end in February 2026, so the expectation is that he will not return. My hope is that they get an assistant with SEC ties that recruit at a high level.

There were times when the defensive line stood up the opposing team's offensive line, but the linebackers couldn't attack the rushing lanes to get the stops it needed. My hope is that this vastly improves this offseason in Year 2 of Tony White's defense (if he is still in Tallahassee).