Mike Norvell enters his seventh season at Florida State in 2026 as Tim Harris Jr. takes over as offensive coordinator. Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels joins the program at quarterback after appearing in four games last season. Florida State returns Ousmane Kromah and Sam Singleton Jr. at running back, while Texas transfer Quintrevion Wisner joins the backfield after rushing for 597 yards last season. Update (Sept. 21): RB Sam Singleton Jr. suffered a lower-body injury against Alabama and is expected to miss an extended period. Florida State hopes Singleton can return later this season. Duce Robinson returns after leading Florida State with 56 receptions last season, and Micahi Danzy also returns as the Seminoles bring back two of their top three receivers from 2025. Jayvan Boggs also returns, while Landen Thomas returns at tight end. Florida State returns no starters from last season’s offensive line. Auburn transfer Xavier Chaplin joins the group after making 12 starts last season, while Purdue transfer Bradyn Joiner arrives after making 10.
Florida State’s defense returns several contributors, but it also replaces its leading tackler. Tony White enters his second season as defensive coordinator. Florida State returns four of its top eleven tacklers from last season following the departure of leading tackler Earl Little. Daniel Lyons returns to the defensive front, while Texas A&M transfer Rylan Kennedy and junior-college transfer Jalen Anderson join the group. Blake Nichelson and Omar Graham Jr. return at linebacker, while North Carolina transfer Mikai Gbayor joins the group. Update (Sept. 21): LB Blake Nichelson is expected to miss an extended period with an injury, although Florida State hopes he can return later this season. Ashlynd Barker and Ja’Bril Rawls return in the secondary.
Florida State’s special teams also feature several new roles as the Seminoles enter 2026 with changes on offense and defense. Adam Scheier takes over as special teams coordinator after previously coaching at UNLV. Oklahoma State transfer Gabe Panikowski takes over at placekicker, while New Mexico transfer Daniel Hughes joins the program at punter. Conor McAneney will handle kickoffs, while Micahi Danzy entered the season as one of Florida State’s primary kickoff-return options. Freshman Jasen Lopez emerged as the frontrunner at punt returner. Florida State enters 2026 with a new offensive coordinator and several new offensive starters, while bringing back four of its top eleven tacklers on defense.