Nine months ago, the infamous College Football Playoff snub left FSU fans heartbroken. Some Seminole fans still wake up and wonder, "What if?" What if the committee let them play? What if Jordan Travis didn't get hurt in that meaningless game in late November? These questions will be asked for years and years to come, but for now, all we can do is move forward.
After going 13-0 last year and having ten players selected in the 2024 NFL draft, FSU will have many new faces this year. Though the expectations won't be the same, FSU will still have lofty goals for this team. Florida State has proven again this offseason that they are the kings of the transfer portal by bringing in seventeen highly-rated guys. Most of them will be playing immediately, so you better get to know them fast, as FSU kicks off in Ireland in almost two weeks. So, to get you ready for next season, I've decided to break down and discuss who I think will be some of the key contributors this season.
Florida State Seminoles Offense
Quarterbacks - DJ Uiagalelei, Brock Glenn, Luke Kromenhoek
DJ Uiagalelei should be a familiar name to Florida State fans. DJ was a highly-rated quarterback coming out of St. John Bosco. He was a five-star recruit rated as the second-best overall player in the class of 2020, only behind Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young. DJ spent his first three years of college at Clemson, where he won twenty games for the Tigers and only lost six times. Things soured at the end of his third season with Clemson, and he spent this last season with the Oregon State Beavers. At Oregon State, DJ found new confidence and had career highs in passing yards and passing rating. The head coach at Oregon State left after the season, and DJ did, too. When DJ was in the portal, he had eyes on only one school, Florida State. The former rival is now at the ship's helm for the Seminoles, locking down the starting job for week one.
DJ plays a lot differently than former FSU star quarterback Jordan Travis. Travis had a cerebral attack and knew exactly where to find holes in the defense. Travis was also very mobile; he could attack defenses with his legs and keep plays alive by moving around the pocket. DJ, however, is a whole different animal when compared to Travis. DJ is about five inches taller than Travis and about fifty pounds heavier. While DJ is also mobile, he moves the sticks by utilizing his size and power when he runs. Instead of running around you as Jordan Travis did, DJ will run over you as he is larger than most NFL linebackers. DJ was also gifted with a lethal rocket attached to his right arm. While Travis was not a liability with his arm strength, he doesn't compare with DJ. DJ Uiagalelei can send a football to the base of the moon with one flick of the wrist. This advantage is why we will likely see a difference in play style this season from the FSU offense. Rather than short to medium routes, FSU will utilize the long ball a lot more often.
FSU's prime backup will be redshirt Freshman Brock Glenn. Glenn was a blue-chip recruit from high school in Memphis and has a bright future as a Quarterback for FSU. However, you may not believe that if you watched him play last year. Unfortunately for Glenn, he was forced to play during the most important games of the season last year. When quarterbacks Jordan Travis and Tate Rodemaker went down with injuries at the end of last year's season, Glenn had to step in as a true freshman. Being a freshman is hard enough, but it is also worth noting that Glenn had surgery in the middle of the 2023 season after an injury to his non-throwing hand.
This left him sidelined and in a sling for weeks. He eventually healed up at the end of the season and was thrown to the dogs right away to start in the ACC championship. Glenn, who seemingly had no business out there, threw for fifty-five yards while completing eight out of twenty-one passes. FSU won the game after switching to a wildcat offense, and Glenn finished the game with a QBR of 11.7. However, Glenn is not a lost cause, as he looked much better against Georgia if you ignore the scoreboard. Glenn also has shown much promise in camp and even made DJ sweat slightly for that starter spot. Since DJ will graduate after this season, Glenn could be the future QB.
Running Backs - Roydell Williams, Caziah Holmes
Tailbacks - Lawrence Toafili, Jaylin Lucas
Florida State utilizes a running back and a tailback. The tailback will be featured in more passing attacks, with the tailback catching the ball out of the backfield or even lining up out wide or in the slot. We see a few new names in the backfield this year, with 3rd round draft pick Trey Benson moving on. Roydell Williams is a transfer from Alabama who had a lot of good production for the Tide over the last three years. Last year, he had over 600 yards and 12 touchdowns for Alabama. He'll look to be a first and second-down power runner who will wear down the defense early on. Caziah Holmes will be his primary backup. Holmes has been at FSU for three seasons and came here as a walk-on after transferring from Penn State. Holmes was a highly-rated running back in high school and has a lot of physical skills that will be used to help the Seminoles this fall. Last year's Holmes accumulated over 200 yards and four touchdowns and will likely have a more prominent role this season.
At starting tailback, we have the fifth-year senior Lawrence Toafili returning for his final year of college football. Toafili has made an impact since his freshman year in 2020. A do-it-all back who is a massive threat as a receiver but has also improved a lot as a stand-alone runner. With Trey Benson out of the way, I think we will see a lot of Toafili in the rushing attack. Last season, during the ACC championship game, it was Toafili who willed the offense to points, winning him MVP of the game. He finished the game with 118 yards and one touchdown on only ten carries. Toafili has 2100 yards from scrimmage and sixteen touchdowns in his FSU career.
Backing him up will be the electric Jaylin Lucas. Lucas is a transfer from Indiana who is the brother of Seminoles wide receiver Ja'khi Douglas. Lucas is a former first-team All-American kick returner and will be a shoo-in for the job at FSU. However, FSU will also try to use his explosiveness as a running back and receiver. The stories of Lucas in practice this offseason have been some of legend. People can't catch him, as his speed and elusiveness are out of this world. We don't know exactly how he'll be utilized yet, but leave it to the crafty Mike Norvell to figure it out.
Wide Receivers - Malik Benson, Kentron Portier, Ja'khi Douglas, Hykeem Williams, Darion Williamson, Duece Spann, Jalen Brown
FSU had two huge losses during the offseason at wide receiver, figuratively and literally. Johnny Wilson, the 6'7 wideout nicknamed "Birdman," was drafted by the Eagles this offseason. Wilson is monumental in the Seminole's return to glory. He had over 1500 yards and seven touchdowns in his two years with the program. FSU also lost superstar Keon Coleman. The one-year Seminole is a household name and doesn't need any introduction. Coleman's talent will soon take the NFL stage by storm and will forever be appreciated in Tallahassee.
The approach for this year's wide receivers has changed from last year. Instead of big-body jump ball guys, FSU is relying on speed. This is why FSU picked up Alabama transfer Malik Benson. Benson looks to be the number-one option this year. Benson has blazing speed and was ranked the top recruit in the country from junior college. His production dwindled in one year with the Tide, but that could be attributed to the quarterback play. With Benson pairing up with DJ, it could be bombs away next season.
After Malik, the room is primarily filled with veteran talent who haven't made much of an impact so far in their FSU careers. When he's healthy, slot receiver Ja'khi Douglas is the most talented. He's been a contributor to the team since 2020 and will be a lock to start in the slot this season. Like his brother Jaylin Lucas, Douglas is shifty and almost unguardable one-on-one. Douglas will be a reliable receiver on third downs and have a massive role in this offense.
Kentron Portier is also a name worth mentioning. He's a fifth-year senior and was supposed to have his breakout season last year. Unfortunately for "Tron," his season was cut short due to injury, and he was stuck behind two NFL wideouts. Kentron is a big-body receiver who has shown big things in practice and a few flashes in games. He just needs the opportunity on the field.
As for the young guys, Hykeem Williams and transfer Jalen Brown will be the names to look for. Both are entering their second year of college football and have immense size and talent. Williams, in particular, will need to get going soon to live up to his five-star ranking.
Offensive Tackles - Darius Washington, Jeremiah Byers, Robert Scott, Jacob Rizy, Jaylen Early
All the tackles from last year are returning, and we may have a potential All-American at left tackle. Darius Washington has secured the left tackle spot after being a rotational guy last year. He has received monstrous praise from his coaches and reporters alike this offseason. Washington is a sixth-year senior who started as a true freshman in 2019. The old man has gotten so accustomed to playing the offensive line so much that he can play all five positions. He proved it last year by lining up at tackle, guard, and center. He'll start ahead of another long-time vet and contributor, Robert Scott.
Robert Scott is a good college football player, but he's been plagued with injuries for the latter half of his career. I still think Scott will find a way to contribute to this offensive line, and if not, he will be a very high-quality backup. The right tackle will be Jeremiah Byers. Byers returns for his second season with the 'Noles after transferring from UTEP. Byers is a highly athletic tackle who was solid last year but is still improving and has a massive ceiling.
Interior Offensive Line- Maurice Smith, Richie Leonard IV, TJ Ferguson, Keiondre Jones, Julian Armella, Bryson Estes
On the interior side of things, center Maurice Smith will snap the ball for his 4th consecutive year as a starter. Like Darius Washington, Smith has been at FSU since 2019 and even made some starts as a true freshman. Smith has always been a reliable hard worker you can depend on in the middle. He leads the offensive line and is one of the smartest centers in the country.
At the guard spots, FSU grabbed two SEC transfers. TJ Fergeson from Alabama (yes, another Alabama Transfer) and Ritchie Leonard IV from the dreaded rival Florida Gators. Fergeson and Leonard are two experienced quality guards who were starters at their previous institutions. I expect both of them to be starters here and be improvements from the two departing guards from last season. Keiondre Jones will also be used as a rotational piece. Jones is a massive human being, and his talent for run-blocking is very much appreciated. He came in the middle of games last year to boost the running game, and he should do the same this year.
Florida State Seminoles Special Teams
Kickers - Ryan Fitzgerald, Jake Weinberg
Punter - Alex Mastromanno
Long Snapper - Mason Arnold
Fitzgerald has been the starting kicker for the Seminoles for the past three years; now it'll be four. Fitzgerald was a liability in 2022 but had a massive breakout season last year. In 2022, Fitzgerald made only 60% of his field goal attempts. Despite this, FSU stuck with him, and last season, he made 90% of his field goals. This massive improvement has boosted his confidence and the team's confidence in him.
Punting things for his fourth season is the Australian, Alex Mastromanno. "Mastro" has proven to be an elite punter and finished as a finalist for the Ray Guy Award last season. Only losing to fourth-round draft pick Troy Taylor, who set NCAA records while at Iowa. Mastromanno will be a reliable weapon for the 'Noles on fourth down and hopefully won't be used too often.
Florida State Seminoles Defense
EDGE - Patrick Payton, Marvin Jones Jr., Sione Lolohea, Byron Turner
FSU lost a massive player in Jared Verse, and even if these players played to the best of their ability, it still wouldn't be as good as Verse. However, that's not a shot to these players because they can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Patrick Payton is a former ACC defensive rookie of the year, and last season, he recorded seven sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, and an outstanding ten pass breakups. Payton has improved every year he's been on campus, and if he improves again this year, it could mean all-conference for him.
Marvin Jones Jr. may be a familiar name to many FSU fans, and it should be. Jones's father, Marvin Jones Sr., is a legend at the school. Jones Sr. was a unanimous All-American linebacker in the early 90s who won the Butkus, Lombardi, and Lambert awards. His jersey number fifty-five was honored last season and is hanging in Doak Campbell Stadium. Jones Jr. will make his Seminole debut this year after spending his first two seasons at Georgia. Jones Jr. has a high upside, and the coaching staff is already very impressed with his size and athleticism. Though it would be nearly impossible to reach the same achievements as his father, Junior can undoubtedly be a game-changer next season.
Sione Lolohea will also see a lot of playing time next season. Lolohea comes from Oregon State but is originally from Tonga. He left his family at sixteen to pursue his football dream. That's only a part of Lolohea's unique story, as the whole thing could be made into a movie. Last year at Oregon State, he was first-team All-PAC12 and had 8.5 tackles for loss. He'll be an excellent rotational piece for FSU and has a remarkable ability to stop the run.
Interior Defensive Line - Darrell Jackson Jr., Josh Farmer, Daniel Lyons, Grady Kelly, Tomiwa Durojaiye
Last season, FSU expected to have the gargantuan Darrell Jackson Jr., but unfortunately, he was ineligible due to the NCAA's transfer policies. Jackson stands at a staggering six feet five inches and over 330 pounds. He was a force of nature on the scout team all of last year and will eat up the line's interior this fall. Next to him will be his former high school teammate and second-team All-ACC defensive tackle, Josh Farmer. Farmer has been an absolute dog for FSU, and judging from the practice reports from this summer and spring, he's only gotten better. Farmer, alongside his buddy Darrell, will cause nightmares for opposing offensive lines next season. FSU also has Daniel Lyons coming back for his third season. Lyons has a lot of potential and saw playing time last year. He has long arms that can move opposing linemen, and coaches have said he has NFL potential.
FSU brought in two transfers on the interior. Tomiwa Durojaiye is a young player coming from West Virginia. Last season, he recorded six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He will likely be a rotational guy and has the flexibility to move out wide to EDGE as well. Durojaiye could be a big piece for FSU in the future. The other transfer, Grady Kelly, is coming from Colorado State. Kelly seemingly came into being another depth piece for a stacked FSU line, but he's appeared to be a bit more than that. This spring, he shocked people with his block-shedding ability and could see more playing time than initially expected.
Linebackers - DJ Lundy, Cam Riley, Justin Cryer, Blake Nickleson, Shawn Murphy
The 'Noles lost its two starting linebackers from last season. Kalen Deloach and Tatum Bethune are both on NFL rosters. So, this position is by far the biggest question mark on the team going into the season. DJ Lundy has been here for four years and is an excellent veteran to have, but everyone else is either new or inexperienced. FSU picked up Cam Riley and Shawn Murphy in the portal last season. Riley is a massive stand-up linebacker who is six foot five and moves very well. He spent four years at Auburn and racked up 120 tackles in his career. Murphy is an inexperienced player who spent two years at Alabama before transferring. Murphy, though inexperienced, has excellent size and athleticism. Murphy was also highly rated coming out of high school a few years ago.
The other two guys, Nickleson and Cryer, are only sophomores. They played a little last year and have all the potential in the world, but they will most likely need more time to develop into what they should become. This fall, you will likely see them in relief rolls to Riley and Lundy.
Cornerbacks - Azareye'h Thomas, Fentrell Cyprus II, Earl Little Jr., Quindarrius Jones, Omarion Cooper, Kevin Knowles II
Azareye'h Thomas might be the best player on the team. Thomas is going into his junior year and has been nothing short of impressive every season. After being stuck behind second-round draft pick Renardo Green last season, Thomas now has his shot to showcase his skills. Thomas has realistic goals of being an All-American this year, and many NFL scouts see him as a first-round pick.
Fentrell Cyprus II will hold it down at the other corner spot. Cyprus was first-team All-ACC two years ago at Virginia. He transferred last year and was a good corner for the 'Noles, but he did not live up to his ranking. He was the number one corner in the transfer portal when he left Virginia, but FSU hasn't seen the ceiling of his abilities yet. I expect this to change this year as, so far, Cyprus has been locking down receivers in spring and summer practices. With Cyprus improving and Thomas being Thomas, the outside corner spots will again be a strength for the FSU defense.
In the Nickleback position, transfer portal addition Earl Little Jr. will hold it down. Little is transferring from, you guessed it, Alabama. Little is the fifth transfer from Alabama this transfer portal cycle for FSU. When Nick Saban retired, Mike Norvell seemingly went on a rampage in the Alabama locker room. Little's the son of a former NFL corner and would have been a contributor to Alabama last year if he were healthy. He's been imposing in camp and looks to fill the shoes of former 'Nole Jarrian Jones. Jones was an All-Confrence Nickleback selected in the third round this year. Little Jr. has received great praise in camp and has high expectations this season.
Final Thoughts:
All around, I think FSU has another talented roster. The critical difference is that I don't think they'll have ten draft picks again. Although this squad is not as top-heavy, this year's team had more depth, in my opinion. You saw last year what happened when none of the starters played in the Orange Bowl. I'm not saying that this year's backups would've beat Georgia's starters, but they would've certainly fared better. The goals for this team should be simple: make the ACC Championship game. This team isn't expected to win a national championship, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't try. By consistently making the ACC championship game and the newly expanded playoffs, FSU will return to its perennial contender status. I have a lot of faith in this team and all the FSU teams going forward. For me, it starts up front with the head coach, Mike Norvell. I believe he is easily one of the best coaches in the country, and with him, the Florida State Seminoles will continue to thrive.
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