{
  "id": 2549059,
  "title": "FSU football depth chart projection: Who starts for Seminoles in opener?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/fsu-football-depth-chart-projection-who-starts-for-seminoles-in-opener",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T10:02:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fsu-football-depth-chart-projection-100207048.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Florida State football enters its final phase of preparation as the Seminoles prepare to face New Mexico State in their Week 0 matchup on August 29 at Doak Campbell Stadium. Head coach Mike Norvell, in his seventh season with the program, faces high expectations following a series of struggles. The Seminoles' depth chart projections reveal who could potentially start for the team during their opener.\n\nOffensively, the Seminoles have a clear advantage at wide receiver with Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy locking down those positions. The backup quarterback battle has been fierce between Ashton Daniels and Malachi Marshall, with the latter making a noticeable impact during preseason camp. The offensive line also has questions, but Xavier Chaplin, André Otto, Paul Bowling, Nate Pabst, and Chimdia Nwaiwu are among those vying for starting spots. Slot receiver Jayvan Boggs is favored, but Jasen Lopez's standout preseason has ignited debate over who takes the starting position. Quarterback options include Ashton Daniels, Malachi Marshall, and Kevin Sperry, while running back choices are Ousmane Kromah, Tre Wisnor, Samuel Singleton Jr., Gemari Sands, and Amari Thomas. Wide receiver duties will be split between Duce Robinson, Tae Shaun Gelsey, Micahi Danzy, Devin Carter, Gemari Sands, and Amari Thomas. The tight end position is shared by Desirrio Riles, Landen Thomas, Xavier Tiller, Chase Loftin, Xavier Chaplin, André Otto, Paul Bowling, and Jonathan Daniels. On the offensive line, specific positions are assigned to players such as Jonathan Daniels or Nate Pabst for the left tackle, Andre Otto or Paul Bowling for the left guard, Braydn Welch-Joiner or Nate Pabst for the center, and Chimdia Nwaiwu for the right guard, with Xavier Chaplin or André Otto also mentioned for right tackle.\n\nDefensively, the Seminoles have a solid starting lineup on the defensive line, with Mandrell Desir and Daniel Lyons anchoring the position as long as they remain healthy. Chris Jones, Ashlynd Barker, and Jalen Anderson are set to start at linebacker, while the safety position features Ma Khi Jones, C.J. Richard, Jordan Crutchfield, and K.J. Kirkland. Cornerback Ja Bril Rawls will start, alongside Quindarrius Jones, Charles Lester III, or Ricky Knight. The rover position will be manned by Ashlynd Barker, while Jonathan Daniels or Nate Pabst, along with André Otto, Paul Bowling, Chavez Thompson, and Sean Poret, are projected to start on the defensive line.",
  "summary": "Florida State football's season opener is almost here. Let's take a look at the projected depth chart.",
  "key_points": [
    "Seminoles face New Mexico State on August 29 at Doak Campbell Stadium.",
    "Offensive starters include Duce Robinson, Ashton Daniels, and Jayvan Boggs.",
    "Defensive starters are Mandrell Desir, Chris Jones, and Ja Bril Rawls."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}