FSU football season preview: New faces, new expectations
After a 5-7 record in the 2025 season, FSU looks to bounce back with new players, including redshirt senior quarterback Ashton Daniels.
The Florida State football team enters the 2026 season with a plethora of new faces and high expectations. After a 5-7 record last season, the Seminoles are hoping to break a six-season streak of missing out on bowl games under head coach Mike Norvell. Over 57 new players join the roster, with several expected to make an immediate impact.
Redshirt senior quarterback Ashton Daniels, a high-volume passer with the ability to scramble for yards, is expected to take over as the starting QB. Junior linebacker Chris Jones, who ranked seventh in total tackles last season, aims to bolster the defense with his strong run-stopping skills.
Freshman linebacker Izayia Williams, who missed time last season due to a torn ACL, returns to the lineup. The highly touted prospect recorded 125 tackles, four sacks, and an interception in 2024 before undergoing ACL surgery. Meanwhile, redshirt senior kicker Gabe Panikowski, known for his accuracy, hopes to improve Florida State's special teams unit, which struggled with field goal efficiency last season.
With a challenging schedule that includes matchups against Alabama, Clemson, Florida, and Miami, the Seminoles are determined to prove themselves and compete for a championship. Head coach Norvell emphasized the team's commitment to playing the "Florida State way" and achieving greatness.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
