The calendar is ticking down to the start of the 2026 college football season, with Florida State slated to open against New Mexico State on August 29. In the lead‑up, On3 Sports has placed two Seminoles athletes among its top 100 players for the upcoming year, underscoring the buzz surrounding the program's potential resurgence.
Wide receiver Duce Robinson, a 6‑foot‑6, 230‑pound Arizona native, burst onto the scene in 2025 with 56 receptions for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns. His size, speed, and playmaking ability have positioned him as a central piece of the offense, and his development will likely hinge on the emergence of quarterback Ashton Daniels and the offensive schemes crafted by head coach Mike Norvell and coordinator Tim Harris Jr.
Defensive lineman Mandrell Desir also earned fresh acclaim after a standout freshman campaign that yielded 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Recognized by the FWAA as a Freshman All‑American and highlighted by On3 and 247Sports, Desir is being viewed as a defensive cornerstone who could bring much‑needed consistency and physicality to the front line.
A New Era for the Seminoles
Florida State finished the 2025 season with a 5‑7 record, a result that left fans yearning for a turnaround. The optimism surrounding the 2026 roster stems not only from individual talent but also from the chemistry that the returning coaching staff hopes to cultivate. With a revamped offensive approach and a defense anchored by Desir, the Seminoles aim to translate preseason expectations into on‑field victories.
The combination of Robinson’s deep‑ball threat and Desir’s disruptive pass rush creates a narrative of balance that could define the team’s identity. As the Seminoles prepare to step onto the field in Tallahassee, the blend of seasoned leadership and youthful explosiveness promises a compelling story for a program eager to reclaim its former prominence.