Florida State football begins spring practice this week, looking to reset after a 5–7 finish last fall and with several changes in place for Mike Norvell’s seventh season.
The Seminoles will debut a new quarterback, a new play‑caller and a roster again shaped heavily by the transfer portal as they search for a rebound.
Norvell will break in Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels at quarterback and will assume play‑calling duties following Gus Malzahn’s retirement.
Spring ball typically provides an early look at newcomers — from portal additions to early enrollees in the 2026 class —, but it also offers a chance to evaluate returning players who must take the next step. A year ago, players such as the Desir twins, cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls and former Seminole Earl Little Jr. emerged during spring workouts.
Here are several returners to watch as FSU begins camp:
Ousmane Kromah, running back
Kromah will participate in his first spring after enrolling last fall. His size and burst helped him earn the starting job as a true freshman, finishing his debut season as FSU’s third‑leading rusher with 408 yards on 72 carries.
His lone touchdown came on a reception against East Texas A&M in Week 2. Still young but ahead of schedule developmentally, Kromah is expected to split carries this spring with Texas transfer Tre Wisner.
Jayvan Boggs, wide receiver
Boggs flashed potential in limited action as a freshman while battling injuries, appearing in just four games and recording nine receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown.
With Duce Robinson cemented as WR1 and Micahi Danzy focusing on track this spring, the 6‑foot‑1, 210‑pound Boggs has an opening to push for the No. 2 receiver role.
Chase Loftin, tight end
A lingering injury prevented Loftin from contributing as a freshman, but he enters this spring healthy and positioned to carve out a larger role.
The Nebraska native was a standout in last year’s spring sessions, which contributed to FSU’s continued investment in his development. While he may not open as a starter, Loftin could become a mismatch option in the passing game.
Andre Otto, offensive line
This spring represents a pivotal moment for Otto, now entering his junior season.
A three‑year member of the program, Otto is projected to compete for the starting left guard spot vacated by Richie Leonard IV and also offers flexibility at center.
Norvell and teammates have praised his steady growth. This camp is his chance to solidify himself as a full‑time starter and a leader on the offensive line.
Daniel Lyons, defensive tackle
With Darrell Jackson Jr. gone, Lyons has an opportunity to step into a starting role on the interior defensive line. Now in his fifth year, Lyons has produced five career sacks as a rotational contributor.
Defensive coordinator Tony White is eager to see whether Lyons can make a jump and join the Desir twins as a core piece on the defensive front.”Daniel Lyons continues to prove to me that he can be one of the best defensive linemen in the country,” White said. I said that about safety last year. Just judging him, watching him last year, and stuff with his demeanor and it ended up being true.”
Caleb LaValle, linebacker
LaValle enters spring with as much to prove as anyone on the roster. The former North Carolina transfer missed last season with an injury but will be in the mix for snaps at linebacker.
Competition will be steep: Chris Jones and Mikai Gbayor join returning starters Blake Nichelson and Omar Graham Jr. LaValle will also compete alongside his younger brother, Noah, an early signee.
Charles Lester III, cornerback
Entering his third year, Lester remains a talented but largely unproven piece in the secondary. The former highly rated recruit has spent most of his career on special teams, posting seven tackles and one pass breakup while redshirting his first season.
With Rawls entrenched as a starter and Quindarrius Jones returning from a season‑ending injury, Lester has a chance to fight for a meaningful role at cornerback.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football spring ball includes these 7 returning Seminoles to watch
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
