With spring football complete, Florida State’s roster is beginning to take shape — even if much remains unsettled before the Seminoles open the 2026 season against New Mexico State on Aug. 20.
Fall camp will ultimately determine starting roles, but early indicators suggest FSU is leaning on experience in key spots while banking on young talent to elevate its ceiling.
Here is a position-by-position look at Florida State’s projected depth chart entering the summer, with analysis on where roles appear solid — and where competition is still wide open.
Quarterbacks
Analysis: Head coach Mike Norvell appears ready to hand the offense to Daniels, a fifth-year senior who checks every box for what the program values at quarterback. Daniels’ experience, command of the offense and familiarity with Norvell’s system make him the early favorite to start. Sperry remains the primary challenger and could push Daniels during fall camp, while JUCO transfer Malachi Marshall — once officially enrolled — adds another layer of intrigue. For now, Daniels is the guy behind center.
Running backs
Analysis: The Seminoles may boast one of their deepest position groups at running back. Kromah, who earned the starting role as a true freshman, is expected to make another leap, while Wisner — a Texas transfer and proven 1,000-yard rusher — brings immediate credibility and physicality. Singleton remains firmly in the rotation after logging starts last season, while freshman Thomas flashed upside during spring practice. Sands could carve out a niche as a pass-catching option and contributor on special teams.
Wide receivers
Analysis: The top of the receiver room is well-defined. Robinson is poised to be Daniels’ go-to target and the focal point of the passing game. Danzy, now entering his second year at receiver, continues to develop into a dangerous vertical threat, while Boggs showed starter-level ability as a true freshman before injuries limited his production. Carter and Lopez impressed during the spring and are expected to play meaningful snaps, giving FSU valuable depth and versatility at a position that shapes up as a program strength.
Tight ends
Analysis: Riles immediately steps in as the starter following his arrival from the transfer portal. The lingering question surrounds Thomas, whose role diminished significantly after a promising freshman campaign in 2024. His decision to stay at FSU rather than enter the portal could pay off if he re-emerges in the rotation. Loftin, a highly regarded recruit who missed last season with an injury, remains a name to watch as the group continues to evolve.
Offensive line
Analysis: The offensive line remains the biggest unknown on the roster. Chaplin appears locked in at left tackle, reuniting with Daniels after their time at Auburn. Otto is the likely starter at left guard, with Thompson emerging as the top center candidate. The right side is less settled. Pabst, a Bowling Green transfer, could land at guard or tackle, while Nwaiwu projects as a right tackle option. Competition from Bowling, Joiner and Todd ensures little is guaranteed entering fall camp.
Defensive line
Analysis: The Desir twins headline this unit, with Lyons stepping into a major role following Darrell Jackson Jr.’s departure to the NFL. Wynn, sidelined for portions of his freshman season, could factor in at nose tackle thanks to his size and strength. Veterans McCray and Diggs provide experience, while Whitley and Rankins flashed enough during spring practice to earn serious consideration in the rotation.
JACK
Analysis: The JACK position could be one of the most impactful roles in White’s scheme. Kennedy, a transfer from Texas A&M, brings positional flexibility but remains a projection after recording four career sacks. Anderson enjoyed a productive spring and continues to grow in consistency after coming the JUCO route. True freshman Pinckney is intriguing due to his size and athleticism, and while he remains raw, early flashes suggest he could push for snaps sooner than expected.
Linebackers
Analysis: Linebacker is poised to be the defense’s backbone. Jones arrives as a marquee transfer after a 133-tackle season, while Gbayer adds experience and familiarity with the 3-3-5 scheme from his time at Nebraska. Graham and Nichelson give FSU continuity and leadership, while the depth behind them ensures competition remains intense for rotational snaps.
Cornerbacks
Analysis: Rawls emerged as a breakout performer last season, recording 40 tackles and an interception, and now anchors the cornerback room. The opposite starting spot is still unsettled. Jones continues to work back from a season-ending injury, while Chandler and Hobbs are firmly in the mix. Lester and Howard impressed during the spring, giving FSU encouraging depth.
Safeties/rover
Analysis: Interchangeability is the hallmark of this group. Barker is expected to assume a featured role at rover after a strong spring, while Kirkland also saw action there and brings experience into his redshirt junior season. Jones, a Duke transfer, projects as a nickel defender. Crutchfield’s late-spring surge added another intriguing piece to an increasingly versatile safety room.
Kickers
Punters
Long snappers
Analysis: Florida State addressed special teams through the transfer portal, adding proven options at both kicker and punter. Panikowski and Hughes enter as the likely starters, while Bowers projects as the primary long snapper. Experience and stability should be strengths for this unit in 2026.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football depth chart: Projections after spring practice
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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