Are you a Florida State fan beaten down by unrelenting narratives of despair and looking for a reason to hope for something better in 2026?
Here are mine:
1. Offense returns talented skill players
Gus Malzahn retired but his run- and pass-coordinators return. Tim Harris, Jr. handled coordinator duties for Malzahn and will for Norvell, who will call plays.
“He is one of the best in the business,” ESPN’s Greg McElroy said of Norvell. “When Mike Norvell calls plays, you are going to get a little more quarterback-run integration, a little more RPO structure. You’re going to get a little more misdirection, deception, stressing all parts of the field including the middle of the field.”
Transfer Ashtyn Daniels and talented redshirt-freshman Kevin Sperry will compete for the QB job and will be surrounded by 1,000-yard receiver Duce Robinson, Jayvan Boggs, Micahi Danzy, running backs Sam Singleton, Ousmane Kromah and nine incoming players.
“If you look at just their talent profile, they have the weapons,” McElroy said. “They have dudes. They have speed. They have athleticism.”
2. Tony White’s defense in year two
Defense is about fit and feel and playing fast. With nine starters returning, FSU should be better in year two of White’s install.
FSU added Nick Williams, a pass-rush specialist, to be better at pass rush and contain. Key starters return in Mandrell and Daryll Desir, Daniel Lyons and Demonte Diggs, plus promising 4- and 5-star redshirt-freshmen Kevin Wynn and Tylon Lee. FSU also signed nine incoming players.
A good pass rush leads to better coverage.
FSU retained four starters, cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls, safety Ashlynd Barker, linebackers Omar Graham and Blake Nichelson, as well as reserves with experience. FSU also signed 13 newcomers – including six transfers – all of which are reasons to hope for something better. 
Jerry Kutz
The Osceola
