{"id":344430,"date":"2026-07-18T12:18:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T12:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/344430\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T12:18:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T12:18:10","slug":"florida-state-freshman-generating-buzz-as-2026-season-nears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/344430\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida State Freshman Generating Buzz As 2026 Season Nears"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"68\">The Florida State Seminoles added over 60 new players to the roster this offseason.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6b\">The majority of those fresh faces are true freshmen, as head coach Mike Norvell signed his largest prep class since arriving in Tallahassee in #Tribe26.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6e\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/college\/fsu\/florida-state-seminoles-recruiting\/florida-state-lands-top-100-safety-tashawn-poole-over-georgia-tennessee-\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">READ MORE: Florida State Lands Top-100 Safety Ta&#8217;Shawn Poole Over Georgia, Tennessee<\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-4\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6l\">That means the Seminoles are going to be relying on some young and inexperienced talent in 2026.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-5\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6o\">Florida State could very well open the season with at least one true freshman in the starting lineup.<\/p>\n<p>FSU WR Jasen Lopez Picking Up National Buzz<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01kxsexksxqgzhhk4fj2.jpg\" alt=\"Jasen Lope\" title=\"Jasen Lope\" width=\"360\" height=\"360\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"71\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Jasen Lopez (7) catches a pass Thursday, April 9, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-8\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"75\">The Seminoles brought in multiple blue-chip recruits, including four-star wide receiver Jasen Lopez. Despite missing part of the Tour of Duty and spring practice while he was with the basketball team, the South Florida native didn&#8217;t look out of place when he finally strapped on the pads.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"78\">Head coach Mike Norvell routinely mentioned Lopez and fellow true freshman Devin Carter as standouts during the spring. It sounds like both players have a chance to start in the slot, depending on how the preseason unfolds.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-10\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7b\">Lopez is even gaining national buzz, as he was recently named one of the top true freshmen to watch in the ACC by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-football\/news\/acc-freshmen-2026-miami-florida-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CBS Sports&#8217; Brad Crawford<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-11\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7e\">&#8220;The return of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-football\/players\/29158154\/duce-robinson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Duce Robinson has overshadowed others at the position, but Lopez has quietly emerged since coming over from<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-football\/teams\/FSU\/florida-state-seminoles\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Florida State&#8217;s\u00a0basketball team,&#8221; Crawford wrote. &#8220;He handled punt return duties during the spring and cracked the wide receiver rotation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-12\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7h\">&#8220;Despite a crowded room in Tallahassee, Lopez has a chance to become a difference-maker this season,&#8221; Crawford added.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-13\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7k\">Crawford also considered putting Carter and true freshman defensive back Chuck Kennon on his list, but omitted them in favor of Lopez.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-14\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7n\">&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-football\/players\/28915025\/devin-carter\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Devin Carter is another true freshman receiver who has already generated buzz,&#8221; Crawford wrote. &#8220;Cornerback\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-football\/players\/50050387\/chuck-kennon\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chuck Kennon also came up in conversations with sources, but one Florida State source told CBS Sports that either freshman receiver has a clearer path to the field given the Seminoles&#8217; depth in the secondary.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-15\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7q\">It wouldn&#8217;t be a surprise if Lopez and Carter earn significant roles out of the gate. The path to playing time is tougher for Kennon, considering the veteran experience Florida State possesses on the back end.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-16\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7t\">Lopez competed against some of the top talent in the state during his prep career at Chaminade-Madonna. He won four consecutive state championships from 2021-24, and advanced to the title game to cap off his senior season.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-17\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7w\">Overall, Lopez recorded 313 receptions for 5,211 yards and 59 touchdowns for the Lions. He had four consecutive seasons of 1,000+ receiving yards and 10+ scores.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-18\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7z\">Lopez will take the field in Doak Campbell Stadium for the first time when Florida State opens the season against New Mexico State on August 29.<\/p>\n<p>Who Does Florida State Have At Wide Receiver For The 2026 Season?<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-20\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"85\">Duce Robinson, Senior<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-21\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"88\">Micahi Danzy, Redshirt Sophomore<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-22\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8b\">Jayvan Boggs, Sophomore<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-23\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8e\">Tae&#8217;Shaun Gelsey, Redshirt Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-24\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8h\">Teriq Mallory, Redshirt Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-25\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8k\">Devin Carter, Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-26\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8n\">Jasen Lopez, Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-27\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8q\">EJ White, Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-28\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8t\">Darryon Williams, Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-29\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8w\">Brandon Bennett, Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-30\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8z\">Jonah Winston, Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-31\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"92\">Tony Bland, Freshman<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-33\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"99\">Sign up for our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/college\/fsu\/newsletter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">free newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/college\/fsu\/florida-state-seminoles-college-basketball\/facebook.com\/NoleGameday\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/nolegameday?s=21&amp;t=nyCeWGVWMsSpULqWCupqGA\" rel=\"nofollow\">X<\/a>\u00a0, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nolegameday\/?hl=en\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram<\/a>\u00a0for the latest news.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\" class=\"shrink-0\"\/>Add us as a preferred source on Google<a aria-label=\"Follow si.com on Google News\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=si.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"flex h-[30px] w-[30px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-primary font-group-large text-sm font-medium text-white transition-colors hover:bg-secondary focus:bg-secondary md:w-auto md:gap-2.5 md:px-4 md:py-[5px]\">Follow<\/a><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Florida State Seminoles added over 60 new players to the roster this offseason. The majority of those&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":344431,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[28,30,29],"class_list":["post-344430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-florida","tag-florida","tag-florida-headlines","tag-florida-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=344430"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344430\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/344431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=344430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=344430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=344430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}