Florida State is gearing up for the 2026 campaign with a markedly different defensive backfield, having lost three of its five starters from the previous year.
The departures include cornerback Jerry Wilson, who completed his eligibility, and safeties Earl Little Jr. and Edwin Joseph, both of whom entered the transfer portal.
Adding to the overhaul, the Seminoles hired Blue Adams as their new cornerbacks coach, marking his first preseason with the program and requiring a steep integration with existing staff.
A Rebuilt Secondary
Despite the turnover, the team retains cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls and safety Ashlynd Barker, who have been described as the leaders of the unit and are expected to anchor the defense.
Rawls, who previously considered the transfer portal, has recommitted to Florida State and is projected to be a standout presence, while Barker enters his fourth season as a locked‑in starter.
Competition for starting spots is intense; Quindarrius Jones is recovering from a season‑ending injury but remains in the mix opposite Rawls, while KJ Kirkland battles CJ Richard Jr. for a safety slot.
New additions such as Karson Hobbs from Notre Dame, Nehemiah Chandler from South Alabama, Charles Lester III, Ricky Knight III and Ma'Khi Jones from Duke are all vying for roles, with consistency and performance determining who ultimately earns the nod.
The biggest unanswered questions revolve around who will fill the second cornerback position and who will assume the primary safety duties, as the staff works to forge chemistry and avoid the mistakes of the prior season.
Overall, the Seminoles are focused on building cohesion within the secondary, leveraging the leadership of Rawls and Barker while integrating fresh talent and a new coaching voice.