Florida State football finds itself in a must-win situation.
Doubts and pressure have grown over head coach Mike Norvell and the program’s health after posting a 7-17 record in the last two seasons. Administration has put its support behind Norvell and the roster he’s crafted for the 2026 season, so the roster has to deliver if Norvell wants to be at the helm of a remarkable turnaround.
The roster is not without talent and potential game changers, so let’s dive into who those players could be for Norvell and the Seminoles.
Duce Robinson, WR
Any top player list for FSU is going to include Duce Robinson, especially when talking about a game-changer. Robinson was one of the nation’s best receivers last season with 1,081 yards, the 11th player in program history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards, and six touchdowns, and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver.
He flirted with the NFL draft, but elected to return to college and spend his final season with the Seminoles. He will be the focal point of the offense and Ashton Daniels’ primary target, much like he was for Tommy Castellanos. With a 6-foot-6 frame, Robinson has the size advantage over almost every defensive back in the country, and with Norvell back in the play-calling chair, expect to see Robinson utilized as a downfield vertical threat.
Mandrell Desir, D-line
Few freshmen have shown the raw talent and strength that Mandrell Desir showed for the Seminoles in 2025. A Freshman All-American, Desir is one of the most important pieces for an FSU defense looking to improve in year two under Tony White.
Desir had 6.5 sacks and 30 total tackles alongside a forced fumble last season, and he was often disruptive and in the face of opposing quarterbacks. Desir lined up 1-on-1 with offensive linemen, thanks in part to Darrell Jackson often seeing double coverage, so how Desir reacts to an increased level of gameplanning will be something to watch, but he is absolutely capable of flipping a game on its head for the Seminoles with his power at the front of the defensive line.
Ousmane Kromah, RB
The expectation for Ousmane Kromah was high for his freshman season, but a mix of limited reps and a deep running back room meant he likely didn’t see as much of the ball as he wanted, or as many expected. The 6-1 tailback posted 408 rushing yards on 72 carries and added 147 receiving yards and a touchdown in his freshman campaign.
Norvell likes to utilize two running backs in his offense, and Kromah, alongside Texas transfer Tre Wisnor, will likely be the two most used backs. Kromah showcased his advanced physicality as a freshman, often bouncing off tackles and proving to be a hard player for opposing teams to take down. He has the ability to break off big runs, something that lacked for FSU last season, and his explosiveness can expand the playbook for Norvell.
Chris Jones, LB
Linebacker was a position of need for the Seminoles to target in the offseason. The program landed top recruit Izayia Williams and added one of the top linebackers in the portal in Chris Jones, who is expected to be one of the key cogs of FSU’s defensive machine.
Jones is quick to wrap up opponents, and he tallied 134 tackles for Southern Miss last season, one of the top tallies in the country. He flies around the field, and he’s talked a big game ahead of his Seminoles debut, so Jones is one to watch, especially with his ability to keep opposing offenses in front of him.
Micahi Danzy, WR
Few players in the nation have the ability to turn a game on its head as quickly as Michai Danzy, and the Seminoles need him to be dynamic in 2026 to reach expectations both internally and from fans. The speedstar caught 27 passes for 571 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games and added 216 yards on 12 rushes with three touchdowns to round out an electric second season in Tallahassee.
Danzy formed a formidable duo with Robinson at the receiver position, and his progression will be a key part of the offense Norvell wants to run. Arguably the fastest player in the country, Danzy is the definition of a game-changer.
Ma’Khi Jones, DB
The final name on the list is Duke transfer, Ma’Khi Jones. The secondary was one of the bright spots for the Seminoles last season, and with Earl Little Jr. departing, Jones is a natural fit to fill a similar role to the now Ohio State defensive back.
Jones was a key piece in Duke’s ACC championship season, and he recorded 35 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He’s spoken openly about his desire to help the Seminoles get back to winning ways, and while that will take far more than Jones’s word, if he performs at the level he’s set for himself, he will help the program get back in the win column.
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football needs game-changers. Here are 6 candidates for 2026
Reporting by Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
