A Promising Start marred by Defensive Gaps
Florida State opened the 2026 campaign with a 34-17 victory over New Mexico State, a result that hinted at offensive firepower but also laid bare vulnerabilities in the secondary.
The Seminoles amassed 419 total yards, highlighted by a ground game that churned out 217 rushing yards. Sophomore running back Ousmane Kromah emerged as the centerpiece, breaking off 115 yards and a touchdown while averaging 8.2 yards per carry.
A revitalized offensive line paved the way for that production, with Kromah, Singleton and Wisner combining for 191 rushing yards and two scores, underscoring the unit’s cohesion early in the season.
Defensive Concerns Surface
Despite the win, the pass defense proved porous, allowing Trey Hedden to throw for 272 yards and two touchdowns. The secondary’s inability to contain the opposing aerial attack raised questions about coordinator adjustments.
Quindarrius Jones provided a bright spot with an early interception, yet the team could only build a ten-point lead at halftime before pulling away in the final minutes, a reminder that the margin of victory was narrower than many expected.
Looking ahead, the Seminoles will test these lessons when they travel to face SMU, a matchup that will likely serve as the first true gauge of how quickly the defense can tighten and whether the offense can sustain its rhythm against a different style of play.