A Revamped Secondary Ahead of the 2026 Season
Last year the Seminoles’ safety unit was forced into a war of attrition. A thin roster meant the coaching staff leaned heavily on its top players, stretching them beyond comfortable limits and exposing a lack of reliable backups.
Coach Evan Cooper has openly acknowledged that overreliance on a few veterans was a direct result of insufficient depth. He now says the situation has changed, pointing to a more balanced rotation that should ease the burden on individual athletes.
Leadership Emerges in the Safety Room
Two names have risen to the forefront of that transformation: Ashlynd Barker and K.J. Kirkland. Both have taken on veteran‑style responsibilities, setting standards for accountability and pushing their peers to elevate their game.
Cooper has singled out Barker for her ability to hold teammates accountable, while praising Kirkland for his steady presence and playmaking instincts. Their emergence signals a shift from reliance on a single voice to a shared leadership model.
The depth chart also benefits from the development of transfer Ma'Khi Jones, redshirt freshman Max Redmon, and redshirt sophomore Jarvis Boatright Jr. Each has shown measurable progress, with Redmon’s jump from his freshman year to camp standing out as particularly impressive.
Senior Donny Hiebert, known for his football intelligence, adds another layer of stability. Together, the group offers a blend of experience and youthful energy that could redefine the unit’s dynamics.
Testing the New Depth on August 4
The first scrimmage of the preseason, scheduled for August 4, will serve as the first real test of the revamped rotation. Coach Cooper expects the expanded bench to allow a more even distribution of snaps, reducing the risk of fatigue and injury.
If the early indicators hold, Florida State should enter the upcoming season with a secondary that can maintain performance levels even when starters need rest. The depth not only promises better on‑field results but also a more sustainable approach to player health throughout the grind of a full schedule.