Head coach Mike Norvell has shown that he’s at least willing to explore a different avenue to try and find a jolt for the Seminoles.<\/p>\n
Either way, the lack of returning starters and ample number of new parts means Florida State has plenty of work ahead of itself this spring.<\/p>\n
FSU Near Bottom Of Country In Returning Starters![\"Mandrell](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/01km23jahfve67r2w5b1.jpg\" "\\"Mandrell")
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Oct 11, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Mandrell Desir (93) sacks Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel (6) during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Based on FSU’s depth chart for the regular season finale against Florida in Gainesville, the program will be tasked with replacing at least 36 players on offense, defense, and special teams across the two-deep.<\/p>\n
To no surprise, the Seminoles rank near the bottom of the FBS in returning starters. According to CBS Sports’ Cody Nagel<\/a>, Florida State is tied for No. 81 in the country and No. 14 in the ACC with just six returning starters.<\/p>\n Nagel’s number is slightly skewed, however. He included senior wide receiver Duce Robinson, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Micahi Danzy, redshirt senior defensive lineman Daniel Lyons, redshirt senior safety Ashlynd Barker, senior linebacker Blake Nichelson, and redshirt junior cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls in his list.<\/p>\n With that being said, there are six other Seminoles back in the fold who started at least two games in 2025; redshirt senior linebacker Omar Graham Jr., redshirt junior safety K.J. Kirkland, sophomore defensive lineman Mandrell Desir, sophomore defensive lineman Darryll Desir, sophomore wide receiver Jayvan Boggs, and sophomore running back Ousmane Kromah.<\/p>\n If Florida State were bumped up to 12 returning starters, the Seminoles would sit at No. 14 in the country and tied for second in the conference. That’s a massive difference.<\/p>\n There are still some key areas across the roster where FSU will be relying on new faces or unproven players.<\/p>\n The wide receiver room and running back unit are promising, but the Seminoles have to replace their entire offensive line and field a different quarterback for the second straight year.<\/p>\n Defensively, Florida State is breaking in at least three new starters in the secondary, along with some changes at linebacker and changes up front.<\/p>\n The schedule won’t offer many favors as six of Florida State’s first eight opponents qualified for bowl games last fall.<\/p>\n 2026 Florida State Football Schedule:<\/p>\n Saturday, August 29 vs. New Mexico State – Tallahassee<\/p>\n Monday, September 7 vs. SMU \u2013 Tallahassee<\/p>\n Saturday, September 19 at Alabama \u2013 Tuscaloosa, Ala.<\/p>\n Saturday, September 26 vs. Central Arkansas \u2013 Tallahassee (Family Weekend\/Hall of Fame)<\/p>\n Saturday, October 3 vs. Virginia \u2013 Tallahassee (Cancer Awareness)<\/p>\n Friday, October 9 at Louisville \u2013 Louisville, Ky.<\/p>\n Saturday, October 17 at Miami \u2013 Miami Gardens, Fla.<\/p>\n Saturday, October 31 vs. Clemson \u2013 Tallahassee (Military Appreciation)<\/p>\n Saturday, November 7 at Boston College \u2013 Chestnut Hill, Mass.<\/p>\n Saturday, November 13 at Pitt \u2013 Pittsburgh, Pa.<\/p>\n Saturday, November 21 vs. NC State \u2013 Tallahassee (Homecoming\/Seminole Heritage\/Athlete Alumni Reunion)<\/p>\n Friday, November 27 vs. Florida \u2013 Tallahassee<\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0NoleGameday\u00a0for more\u00a0FREE coverage of Florida State<\/a>\u00a0throughout the year.<\/p>\n Follow NoleGameday on and\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0and\u00a0TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n