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Noles in the NFL: Checking in on FSU players on rosters with preseason underway

2025-08-04T16:34:16-04:00

John Jones-Imagn Images

FSU currently has 35 players on NFL rosters

The 2025 NFL preseason, after kicking off with last week’s Hall of Fame game, is set to officially get underway this Thursday as teams hit the field to satisfy the thirst of football fans with something that moderately resembles an actual game.

Florida State currently has 35 players on NFL rosters, the latest of which being Lawrance Toafili who was signed by the New York Jets on July 29.

Toafili appeared in five seasons for the Seminoles, across 55 games total. In them, he racked up a total of 1,895 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. In 2023, he was the ACC Championship game MVP after he rushed for a career-high 118 yards versus No. 14 Louisville.

After his final season with the Seminoles, he went undrafted, but Toafili tried out at the New York Jets’ minicamp, and it appears his efforts have paid off. He will reunite with 2025 second-round pick Azareye’h Thomas as well as three other former Seminoles.

Some of the recent off-season roster moves that have been made involving Florida State alumni in the NFL:

Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, made an appearance in the Hall of Fame game vs. the Detroit Lions
Defensive back Kevin Knowles II was released on May 3 by the Kansas City Chiefs after signing with them as an UDFA
Defensive back Fentrell Cypress II was released on July 27 by the Washington Commanders after joining them as an UDFA
Defensive back Ronald Darby made the decision to retire from the NFL, forgoing spending the season with the Houston Texans after signing with them in March

Florida State players on NFL rosters

AFC NORTH

Dustin Hopkins, Cleveland Browns
Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC EAST

Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
Jaheim Bell, New England Patriots
Joshua Farmer, New England Patriots
Cam Riley, New England Patriots
Jermaine Johnson II, New York Jets
Derrick Nnadi, New York Jets
Azareye’h Thomas, New York Jets
Ontaria Wilson, New York Jets

AFC WEST

Kevin Knowles II, Kansas City Chiefs
Fabien Lovett Sr., Kansas City Chiefs
Janarius Robinson, Kansas City Chiefs
Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers
DJ Uiagalelei, Los Angeles Chargers

AFC SOUTH

Mario Edwards Jr., Houston Texans
Jarrian Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars

NFC EAST

Brian Burns, New York Giants
Graham Gano, New York Giants
Jameis Winston, New York Giants
Johnny Wilson, Philadelphia Eagles
Eddie Goldman, Washington Commanders
Bobby Hart, Washington Commanders

NFC WEST

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiah Byers, Arizona Cardinals
Jammie Robinson, Arizona Cardinals
Josh Sweat, Arizona Cardinals
Braden Fiske, Los Angeles Rams
Keir Thomas, Los Angeles Rams
Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams
Tatum Bethune, San Francisco 49ers
Renardo Green, San Francisco 49ers

NFC SOUTH

Jashaun Corbin, Atlanta Falcons
Ryan Fitzgerald, Carolina Panthers
Cam Akers, New Orleans Saints

“I like where we are after five days:” Norvell lauds offense, pushes defense to take next step ahead of Tuesday’s scrimmage

2025-08-04T14:18:17-04:00

Confidence, execution beginning to emerge for offense

“I like where we are after five days.”

Florida State returned to the practice field on Monday to get one last work day in ahead of its first scrimmage of the fall.

The practice was one of the best performances from the offense that head coach Mike Norvell has seen since the beginning of spring, lauding the unit for its success on a situationally-focused day.

“I saw some great run seams that were created, I thought the backs were good in their tempo, pace — that group’s really taken some positive steps,” he said. “Receivers on the perimeter, we’ve had guys that have been making plays. Our tight end room has been good, Randy [Pittman], Amaree [Williams], Markeston’s [Douglas] made some great plays… Chase [Loftin] was kind of limited for a few days, but getting him back out there, he made some plays today.”

He saved some of his biggest praise for his quarterback, saying Tommy Castellanos is exhibiting the leadership and execution he’s been looking for.

“Tommy had a really good day, probably some of the best sets that he’s had. You feel his ownership, you feel the impact, the spark that he can bring.”

The defense, while competing in a way that still had Norvell excited, fell short of winning the day by failing to capitalize on some opportune moments.

“Defensively, we’re seeing the physicality, that’s starting to really show up. We had two missed opportunities to take the ball away and we got to be cleaner there, make sure we’re finishing plays when we get the opportunity to,” he said. “They’re putting themselves in the right position, you see the athleticism, the reaction, the anticipation [but] if you’re going to get there, let’s go finish it.”

He spoke a bit on his expectations ahead of tomorrow’s scrimmage, outling an agenda that will look to serve as a measuring stick for where the Seminoles sit 26 days out from the season opener.

“It will probably be very basic in what we ask them to do — I just want to see guys play fast, play with technique, fundamentals, [see] dominant contact show up, and playmakers emerge,” Norvell said. “I think tomorrow night will be a great opportunity for us to see exactly where we are here through six days.”

“This team is ready to go and strap it up a little bit tomorrow night.”

The full interview with Norvell, as well as sessions with defensive tackle Kevin Wynn and offensive lineman Micah Pettus, can be seen below.

Day In, Day Out#NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/t8TDEoG7Cq
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 3, 2025

Noles News: All the latest in FSU sports

2025-08-04T10:21:30-04:00

FSU football on the practice field, soccer ranked No. 3

New Login System

A heads up for those that missed it or didn’t realize quite how quickly August was coming, our transition to our new look comes tomorrow.

Make sure that the email associated with your account is currently accessible, as that is what will make sure you’re able to login with your user and comment history still intact.
You will be able to use a Yahoo email address, but it won’t work as a third-party login button (aka click the little symbol and manually login). If you use that lil button but don’t have a password set for Yahoo (or if you use Twitter to login), go to your Account Settings to add a password or Google login before August 5. Again, a Yahoo.com email address and a password will work.
How do you find your email address? Visit Account Settings, and the email listed as a private email address is what you’ll use to login with in to the new system. If you don’t have access to that email don’t worry, you can currently change it without having to send a confirmation email to the inaccessible address.
I’ve seen the new look and it is clean, though there are no changes that will make you have to recontemplate your entire existence.
FanPosts are being migrated — I can currently see them on the demo version of the site we have — but the new system we have is essentially replacing them with something new called The Feed. You can share articles from our network or other sites, social media posts, interesting links or open threads and other users can comment on them from there. It’s gonna take a bit to get used to divvying up discussion between there and articles but I figure you rascals will help identify the best way to utilize each area.
Also: not a login-related area, but, we’ll have a familiar face joining our ranks in the coming days.

If anybody has any questions or issues with logging into the new system, drop them below or feel free to reach out to me directly at perrykostidakis1@gmail.com if you can’t log in come tomorrow morning.

Recruiting

Florida State: 2026 Recruiting Class

QUARTERBACK: 4 star Jaden O’Neal (OK)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Efrem White (FL)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Brandon Bennett (FL)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Devin Carter (GA)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Jasen Lopez (FL)
TIGHT END: 4 star Xaiver Tiller (GA)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Mike Ionata (FL)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Jakobe Green (FL)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Luke Francis (London, UK)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star Earnest Rankins (GA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star James “Tank” Carrington (CA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star Tico Crittendon (GA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Wihtlley Cadeau (GA)
LINEBACKER: 3 star Karon Maycock (FL)
LINEBACKER: 3 star Noah LaValle (GA)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Chauncey Kennon (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Darryl Bell III (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Tedarius Hughes (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Jay Timmons (PA)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 3 star Sean Johnson (MD)
ATHLETE: 4 star Darryon Williams (FL)

Football

Florida State put its first practice week in the books, turning the page to week two of prep yesterday with the team now in full pads:

The Seminoles will practice normally today before scrimmaging on Tuesday, practicing once more in Tallahassee before making the team’s annual trek to Jacksonville for road camp.

Scenes from the practice field#NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/rhBAHihKmK
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 2, 2025

Still mad bout my Science fair board never gettn picked to make it to the finals when I was in middle school
— Trey Benson (@trey_uno1) August 3, 2025

Day In, Day Out#NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/t8TDEoG7Cq
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 3, 2025

Can’t wait for August 30th. See you soon Tally
— Jordan Travis (@jordantrav13) August 2, 2025

NFL Top 100 Players of 2025:@Chargers S Derwin James lands at No. 54! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/2zWtNbUo25
— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025

NFL Top 100 Players of 2025:@RamsNFL DE Jared Verse debuts at No. 53! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/b6Q2vOeUtw
— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025

On this day 11 years ago, Florida State football legends Walter Jones and Derrick Brooks were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both All-Americans at FSU, they combined to make 20 Pro Bowls and earn 15 All-Pro selections in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/DGg0TTbtO2
— FSU History (@ThisDayFSU) August 2, 2025

All Sports

Checking in at No. 3️⃣ to start the season. pic.twitter.com/YL9JfngCE1
— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) August 1, 2025

Taylor Huff, the rookie, with the one touch to get her first NWSL goal pic.twitter.com/xPC6teg2Vi
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 3, 2025

Seminole All-American Mirabel Ting won her first professional championship at the PGM Royal Pahang Championship

☑️First professional championship
☑️3 Round Total of 14-under-par 202.
☑️Scores of 67-65-70 pic.twitter.com/74L0AW0wWm
— FSU Golf (@FSUGolf) August 3, 2025

Lottie finishes T8 and Morgane T23 in the final standings of the AIG Women's Open

Lottie's Last 4
☑️ KPMG Women's Irish Open (1, -21)
☑️ Amundi Evian Championship (T3, -13)
☑️ ISPS HANDA Scottish Open (1, -21)
☑️ AIG Women's Open (T8, -4)
Average Finish: 3. Strokes Under… pic.twitter.com/hxShs7rliW
— FSU Golf (@FSUGolf) August 3, 2025

Week two of the new job was pretty fun too! Happy with an 8th place finish this week @AIGWomensOpen (-4)
Thank you to all the fans that came out!
Time for some rest before @LPGA pic.twitter.com/pOlRT9o5HS
— Lottie Woad (@LottieWoad) August 3, 2025

Next stop: London pic.twitter.com/yfCYHPS8DI
— Florida State Softball (@FSU_Softball) August 3, 2025

A great shooter on a team of high level shooters

Story: https://t.co/zJ1SbsFBTH @JonesLajae | #CONNECTED pic.twitter.com/lKwHw1wuoq
— Florida State Men’s Basketball (@FSUHoops) August 3, 2025

No doubter HR! Marco Dinges with the Brewers his had a great year is rehabbing back, and absolutely destroys this baseball. One of the great pimp jumps you’ll see. It might have left the stadium. Driving in Andrew Fischer. #Brewers #ProspectOne pic.twitter.com/2UVmRUeaNL
— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) August 2, 2025

A look back at some of the fun we had this season. pic.twitter.com/J1fmrjV5e7
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) August 1, 2025

Connor Hults (@TrentonThunder) allowed just one run over five innings last night and the curveball at 3200+ rpm was the weapon of choice. ️

: 77.5mph, 3109rpm (T2347), -11.6" IVB, 13.9" HB
- 7 pitches at 3200+ rpm
- 26 CB thrown, 0 BIP
- 66.7% Whiff (6)
- 57.1% Z-Whiff%
-… pic.twitter.com/yHPjTvDLeK
— MLB Draft League Data (@draftleaguedata) August 2, 2025

Cleveland #Guardians 24yr old LHP prospect Parker Messick struckout six Jacksonville batters tonight over 5.2 scoreless innings of work for Columbus allowing just one hit.

Line - 5.2(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 2BB 6SO

(82 Pitches 49 Strikes)

Last three starts:

- 18.0(IP) 8H 3ER 4BB 22SO… pic.twitter.com/Y3DcA48EVt
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 3, 2025

Noles News: Darrell Jackson Jr. named preseason first team All-ACC

2025-08-01T09:20:21-04:00

FSU Football X Account

FSU’s senior leader on the defensive line has taken a more vocal approach to leadership this offseason

Football:

Darrell Jackson Jr. was named first team preseason All-ACC yesterday by the ACC media; an honorable mention at the end of 2024 he looks to build on his strong finish to the regular season.

Preseason All-ACC Team

@95productions1

: https://t.co/K1r8CMyops #NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/zvCZEBS6Pr
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) July 31, 2025

Ever since transferring to Florida State Richie Leonard IV has made community involvement a top priority and that’s why he’s been named to the Danny Wuerffel Trophy watch list:

: @RichieLeonardIV
is among the preseason candidates for the award that recognizes exceptional community service, academic achievement and athletic performance

: https://t.co/lCYoNsuDbT #NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/vj2snY91Zy
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) July 31, 2025

Desperation is FSU’s strength not weakness going into the 2025 season.

Happy belated birthday to second-year WR Elijah Moore:

Happy birthday, Elijah!@3lijahmoore #NoleFamily pic.twitter.com/uv7ZbNk9nV
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) July 31, 2025

An unlikely victory would change the trajectory of both Florida State and Alabama’s season should the ‘Noles pull off the upset; and that’s why ESPN reporter Chris Low has it as one of the 12 most important non-conference games of the season in his 2025 College Football superlatives article.

Recruiting:

Four-star 2027 DL Karlos May has been offered by Florida State:

Blessed to receive an offer from The university of Florida state !! @FSUFootball @Coach_Knighton pic.twitter.com/sVgsPtoywy
— Karlos May⭐️ (@Karlosmay2027) July 28, 2025

All Sports:

FSU Volleyball is back:

Day 1️⃣ in the books pic.twitter.com/z8ZiFJhg1P
— FSU Volleyball (@FSU_Volleyball) July 31, 2025

Yesterday, @fsuwbb and @fsuhoops hosted an open practice for FSU Athletics staff to meet the new teams!#GoNoles pic.twitter.com/AUry9te8la
— FSU Seminoles (@Seminoles) July 30, 2025

FSU Soccer kicks off two weeks from today:

You’re invited!

Help us get the season started at our 2025 Kickoff Party on August 15!

More info and register today ️➡️ https://t.co/TjeXmFSugg pic.twitter.com/UkpdNWsimb
— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) July 31, 2025

Jazz Shavers is coming from Texas Tech; bringing 14.9 points per game and a whole lot of energy:

she brings energy and experience, meet @JazzShavers #NoleFAM pic.twitter.com/6WrrMnCi7b
— FSU Women's Basketball (@fsuwbb) July 31, 2025

Alumni:

Jared Verse and Derwin James are the two latest ‘Noles to make their debut in the NFL Top 100 players of 2025 as voted on by their peers in the NFL.

that’s our dj pic.twitter.com/mtavxP2ik6
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 31, 2025

Noles News: FSU picked to finish seventh in ACC Media Poll

2025-07-31T06:00:00-04:00

Seminoles somehow also earned four first-place votes | Perry Kostidakis/Tomahawk Nation

Seminoles somehow also earned four first-place votes

Recruiting

Florida State: 2026 Recruiting Class

QUARTERBACK: 4 star Jaden O’Neal (OK)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Efrem White (FL)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Brandon Bennett (FL)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Devin Carter (GA)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Jasen Lopez (FL)
TIGHT END: 4 star Xaiver Tiller (GA)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Mike Ionata (FL)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Jakobe Green (FL)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Luke Francis (London, UK)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star Earnest Rankins (GA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star James “Tank” Carrington (CA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star Tico Crittendon (GA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Wihtlley Cadeau (GA)
LINEBACKER: 3 star Karon Maycock (FL)
LINEBACKER: 3 star Noah LaValle (GA)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Chauncey Kennon (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Darryl Bell III (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Tedarius Hughes (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Jay Timmons (PA)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 3 star Sean Johnson (MD)
ATHLETE: 4 star Darryon Williams (FL)

Football

The results of the 2025 ACC Media Preseason Poll were released on Wednesday, with Clemson being projected as the conference winner by a significant margin. Florida State was tabbed to finish seventh, receiving four first-place votes that I assume were all Frank in different disguises:

Clemson Tigers (167): 3083
Miami Hurricanes (7): 2679
SMU Mustangs (2): 2612
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2): 2397
Louisville Cardinals: 2370
Duke Blue Devils: 1973
Florida State Seminoles (4): 1920
North Carolina Tar Heels: 1611
Pitt Panthers: 1571
NC State Wolfpack: 1505
Virginia Tech Hokies (1): 1412
Syracuse Orange: 1381
Boston College Eagles: 953
Virginia Cavaliers: 871
California Golden Bears: 659
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: 576
Stanford Cardinal: 426

(First-place votes in parentheses, 183 media voters)

ACC championship odds, per FanDuel

Clemson Tigers: +105
Miami Hurricanes: +390
Louisville Cardinals: +800
SMU Mustangs: +900
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: +1400
Duke Blue Devils: +2600
Florida State Seminoles: +2900
North Carolina Tar Heels: +4000
NC State Wolfpack: +4500
Pittsburgh Panthers: +4900
Virginia Tech Hokies: +5000
Boston College Eagles: +7000
Syracuse Orange: +8000
California Golden Bears: +11000
Virginia Cavaliers: +11000
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: +30000

Stanford Cardinal: +30000

Florida State kicked off preseason camp on Wednesday, officially kicking off prep for the season opener vs. the Alabama Crimson Tide. A hot day that saw temperatures hit 95, per myself and an embarrassing amount of sweat that will never truly leave me, head coach Mike Norvell was pleased with the intial showing from his squad but is looking for good to become great as kickoff comes closer:

“It was good to see the players get out there, communicate, and work to execute. I thought that was something positive throughout the day. You didn’t see a ton of mistakes from guys who were here in the spring. Some of the older newcomers also did a good job. Some of the summer transfers and young guys showed up and did well. It was good to see them in their first practice.

I do think we’ll see a big step from today to tomorrow. That first day brings a lot of anxiety and excitement. I thought the workflow was good, but there’s definitely a lot of improvement we need from day one to day two.”

#FSU defensive line getting after it in the heat pic.twitter.com/eLc7jVKZFv
— Tomahawk Nation (@TomahawkNation) July 30, 2025

Wide receiver Duce Robinson and offensive lineman Luke Petitbon, each offering their vote of confidence in what the offense is capable of this season:

WR Duce Robinson on Jayvan Boggs: “He’s incredible, he’s got everything it takes to be the best receiver in college football.”

“He can block, his ball skills are unbelievable…burst, route running.”

“That dude is a dog and he’s going to be a really big problem.”
— Tomahawk Nation (@TomahawkNation) July 30, 2025

WR Duce Robinson on Micahi Danzy: “I don’t even know if he has a ceiling, he’s so freakishly athletic.”

Says the transition from back to receiver means he still has small things to nail and perfect, but athletically, “that dude can do literally anything he wants to do.”
— Tomahawk Nation (@TomahawkNation) July 30, 2025

WR Duce Robinson: “I’m more excited about our offensive potential now than when I got here.”

“Seeing the talent that we have, the players I have around me, being in the offense that we run — I think our ceiling is incredibly high.”
— Tomahawk Nation (@TomahawkNation) July 30, 2025

OL Luke Petitbon: “We put in so much work in the wintertime, spring ball, throughout the summer [the offense has] built a great foundation,” says the OL has gelled into the sort of brotherhood that a successful line demands
— Tomahawk Nation (@TomahawkNation) July 30, 2025

All Sports

Florida State baseball will open its fall exhibition schedule against Mississippi State on Saturday, October 18 in Pensacola:

The game, a rematch of the 2025 NCAA Tallahassee Regional Final, will be played at Blue Wahoos Stadium. It marks the second consecutive season that the Seminoles will play a fall game at the home of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins.

Blue Wahoos season ticket members will have exclusive early access to purchase tickets beginning today, while tickets will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, August 12, at 9 a.m. CT at BlueWahoos.com.

Today’s announcement was made by Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves, a 2007 Florida State University graduate.

Florida State and Mississippi State square off in the fall exhibition game after the two teams played twice in the 2025 NCAA Tallahassee Regional at Dick Howser Stadium. FSU won the first game, 10-3 on May 31, before a 5-2 victory on June 1. That 5-2 win sent the Seminoles to their second consecutive NCAA Super Regional, one of five D-I teams to achieve that feat.

Last fall, Florida State and Auburn met at Blue Wahoos Stadium in front of a capacity crowd on October 12, 2024.

FSU’s complete fall schedule will be announced at a later date.

Noles News: FSU begins preseason camp with 31 days until kickoff vs. Alabama

2025-07-30T06:00:00-04:00

Seminoles hit the field today for first practice of fall

Recruiting

Florida State: 2026 Recruiting Class

QUARTERBACK: 4 star Jaden O’Neal (OK)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Efrem White (FL)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Brandon Bennett (FL)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Devin Carter (GA)
WIDE RECEIVER: 4 star Jasen Lopez (FL)
TIGHT END: 4 star Xaiver Tiller (GA)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Mike Ionata (FL)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Jakobe Green (FL)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Luke Francis (London, UK)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star Earnest Rankins (GA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star James “Tank” Carrington (CA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 4 star Tico Crittendon (GA)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 3 star Wihtlley Cadeau (GA)
LINEBACKER: 3 star Karon Maycock (FL)
LINEBACKER: 3 star Noah LaValle (GA)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Chauncey Kennon (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Darryl Bell III (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Tedarius Hughes (FL)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 4 star Jay Timmons (PA)
DEFENSIVE BACK: 3 star Sean Johnson (MD)
ATHLETE: 4 star Darryon Williams (FL)

Football

ESPN’s Bill Connelly chose FSU as one of the teams most likely to bounce back after a lackluster season, with the caveat that just being average would be a step in the right direction:

This is some pretty low-hanging fruit — if the Seminoles are average in 2025, that will qualify as solid improvement after last season’s disintegration. I’m not sure what to expect from a remodeled offense; new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has an awfully Malzahn-friendly QB in the speedy transfer Tommy Castellanos (Boston College) and new potential big-play receivers in Duce Robinson (USC), Squirrel White (Tennessee) and Randy Pittman Jr. (UCF), but it might be hard to get a rebuilt offensive line up to speed. Regardless, the defensive front six has some new playmakers, and again, the bar for improvement is incredibly low. I’m not sure how many games Norvell needs to win to save his job, but the Noles will almost certainly not go 2-10 again.

Florida State held its first media availability of the 2025 season, holding a preseason presser where head coach Mike Norvell offered initial thoughts ahead of the start of camp, followed by the entire staff meeting with the local media.

Courtesy Noles247

Courtesy Warchant

Courtesy Noles247

Courtesy The Osceola

Courtesy NoleGameday

The full transcript from Norvell:

MIKE NORVELL: Good morning. Appreciate everybody being here. Excited to be at report day. Already started meetings here this morning with the players. Really proud of the work that they’ve put in throughout the course of the summer. I think it’s been a very productive summer, one that we’ve tried to utilize the time we could spend together. They’re on the field, being able to maximize the time in the meeting room as well.

I’m really proud of the work that they’ve put in throughout the course of the summer. I think it’s been a very productive summer, one that we’ve tried to utilize the time we could spend together. They’re on the field, being able to maximize the time in the meeting room as well.

Really working to build a cohesiveness within this group, and that’s one of the big focuses as we get into this fall camp, is really work to establish each side of the ball. It can be a lot of competition, guys that have done a great job and continuing to grow and develop in their time here at Florida State, whether it’s been seven, eight months or whether it’s been five or six years.

And it’s going to take everybody in our program to go and push, pull, whatever the task is that’s in front of you, whatever it takes to go and to win at all things that we’re doing and to continue to push this program and to get this program back to what I expect it to be, what it deserves to be.

And what better way than to be able to kick off here in Doak Campbell Stadium at full capacity on August 30th. There’s a lot of excitement within all things in our program for what’s here ahead.

We’ve got 25 practices starting off tomorrow. And I know our guys are ready to work.

I do want to give a shout out to just all of the departments that have invested so much time and energy in helping prepare these players, from Coach Storms and his staff in strength and conditioning, to Josh Chatman and all of our athletic training group, to Jaden Hamil in nutrition, and obviously Kenneth in the group there, academically.

It’s all hands on deck when it comes to helping these guys continue to grow and build that confidence that’s necessary and obviously the work that’s gone into allowing them to put themselves in a position to really go do something special. That’s what we’re set out to go do.

The work continues, but the 2025 journey starts tomorrow, once we hit that practice field.

Q. What are some of the things you did this offseason to try to establish that edge? What was different about this offseason in regards to working towards that goal?

MIKE NORVELL: For us, everything had a focus of competition. Whether it was back in winter program, tour of duty, there was not a day that went by where you would have the work, the reps, the things that were throughout the course of a workout. But we ended with a competition.

I wanted to see guys, with all eyes on them, where they would go, what it would look like when it’s one-on-one, somebody’s going to win and somebody’s going to lose, and what you’re willing to pour into it, what you’re willing to take from the experience. Nobody ever wants to face disappointment with those opportunities.

But also got to see the response. I got to see the edge that was brought when things were good for somebody and at times whenever it wasn’t.

A lot of group opportunities that guys that had a chance to work through and work with, and just trying to establish that identity. It didn’t matter where, when, time, situation. If you get a chance to compete, go put it all out there. And with the result, where do you go from there?

I’ve really liked the mindset of this team. I’ve liked the way they’ve challenged each other, inspired each other, pushed each other. And that’s something that is needed and is something that I think this football team has really embraced.

And I’m excited to see that carry over into fall camp as we get a little bit deeper into the situations that we’re going to potentially face and making sure that we’re building this team in all three phases with these guys truly leading the charge.

Q. You talked before about, with Gus being, your role, being able to meet players where they’re at more, spend more time with them in different ways. For you, what has that meant for you to be able to spend time with players, get to know them at a personal level?

MIKE NORVELL: I love that part of it. I’m here to help these guys go live out the dreams they have and to maximize the potential, to be able to showcase and shine for all areas of their life, but then specifically for the players that they’re continuing to grow to be.

As you go through the course of a year, whether it’s offseason, spring practice, summer workouts and the season that’s ahead, there’s going to be plenty of situations that are going to show up where guys have to, they’ve got to go take a step and they’ve got to respond to the good, the bad, the things that feel good and then obviously the things that — it might be a disappointing play, a disappointing moment or might be a tragedy that they experience outside of the football field.

But to be able to meet them where they are and to help guide them and elevate the response that they have, that’s what makes this journey worth it, is to be able to tell the stories.

We’ve got an incredible group of young men. I think they’ve got outstanding character. They really spend a lot of time investing in each other there on the outside.

That’s another part of it, just to get their perspective. As a coach, you can see it, you can believe it, but these players, I mean, they live it day to day and side by side. And just to be able to even hear from them who it is that’s having that positive influence or who that is that is challenging them and just really being able to grasp that perspective, whether it’s in a one-on-one meeting or just kind of meeting them where they’re at has really been good for me.

It’s something that allows me to implement different — whether it’s different strategies, different things of where we might have a need, or be able to just help a player along through a situation that they’re going through.

So really looking forward to continue to build upon that for all the things on the field as well as off the field as we go through the course of this season. But specifically starting with fall camp.

Q. We haven’t asked you about Zach Arnett, what he brings to the staff, and now adding to this larger group of former head coaches you now have on the staff, what does that do for just the staff overall?

MIKE NORVELL: So grateful for the opportunity to have Coach Arnett here. And I think Zach is, one, outstanding person. Just having him for the last, I guess, right around a month or three weeks, whatever that time frame has been, just seeing him and his interaction with the guys on this staff, seeing his interaction with the players, he brings great energy.

This is the first time I’m getting a chance to work side by side with him, but has had great relationships. I’ve had a great deal of respect for the job that he’s done throughout the course of his career. And to be able to bring him in, somebody who is obviously very familiar with Coach White; Tony coached him when he was in college. This goes back 15, 20 years, just for their relationship.

And to be able to have guys that have that belief in each other, the understanding, but also can — Zach brings his perspective on all things and helping support and push our defense as well as our program to where we all want it to go. So it was a great opportunity and very excited about his role and the impact that he’s going to make here.

Q. We’ve heard you say, we’ve heard some players say it, but the word “desperate” to be better. We’ve heard you say that. Can you contextualize what that looks like on the field? What are you looking for out of this group of players when you say you want them to be desperate to be better?

MIKE NORVELL: I want every bit of who they are to go be what they can become. And there’s not going to be a player who stands up and says they want to be mediocre or they want to be average. Everybody’s going to say the same things.

It’s like every team when they report — this is the year, this is the time. It all sounds the same. But on a daily basis, what shows up? I mean, are you truly willing to give everything?

As important of the one play, the one moment, the one day, the one opportunity that you have, are you willing to give all with a sense of desperation to make it happen? It might not look good, might not feel good. The odds might be stacked against you, but are you willing to rise up and overcome?

And as we go through this process of helping a group of 18- to 22-year-olds, a coaching staff, everybody coming together for this season, are we really willing to go and put it all out there and to live and be what we say we desire. You’ve got to come with a daily focus, a daily edge. That competition has got to drive everything that’s within. But you have to eliminate all areas of complacency. You’ve got to eliminate all areas of comfort. You’ve got to be willing to give every bit of it.

That sense of desperation, that’s what I want for this team. I don’t say it in a negative light or anything else. It’s just being able to get all that we can with the players, the staff, this program that’s in front of us. And I’ve got a lot of belief for what that can be. I don’t want to hold anything back.

Q. In checking with Coach Storms after the summer workouts, did you guys notice any notable or remarkable physical transformations amongst any of the players specifically?

MIKE NORVELL: Yeah, I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen from our guys. We’ve had some guys that have done a great job in gaining, losing, all that, but what I like is just the body comps.

Yes, everything is tested, everything has gone through. At the end of the day, I know what speed looks like and I know what the power of movements in the weight room. Now it’s about the application.

I feel good about where this team is from a skill set process and what we’ve been able to build and develop and kind of the position that they’re in. Now it’s time to go apply that.

But they’ve done a remarkable amount of work in helping prepare themselves for what’s ahead here for these next 25 practices. But that’s what I want to go see. I want to see the application of all of the gains in the weight room for the things that they’ve been able to do physically because we have an impressive group when it comes to that, but it’s time to go apply it into and play a game.

Q. Guys in the summer, talk about what you’ve seen out of them so far. I know you haven’t done a fall camp yet but them coming in. And, two, there’s a lot of excitement for 2026. Seems like a lot of kids are believing what you’re doing going into the Alabama game. Talk about those.

MIKE NORVELL: I think it’s been great seeing this entire team really come together with the guys that returned from a year ago, just the mindset that they brought, the work they’ve been pouring in. The newcomers that have joined us throughout the spring, I thought was really good to get a sense of the foundation of the relationships and the impact that these guys can make.

And even coming into the summer, we’ve been able to add some really impressive young men that also, I think, have a chance to be dynamic players. Jerry Wilson is a guy that’s really stood out to me, just through the workouts. His mindset, his approach, the work that he’s poured in, even just in the meeting room, doing things on his own to be able to help accelerate his practice.

Gavin Sawchuk and Gavin Blackwell, those guys, they’ve transitioned very nicely into this program. And I think that you see the skill set that you had seen on film and the opportunity that they’re going to have to be able to make an impact within our program.

But coupling that with some of the freshmen that have come in that, I think, absolutely have a chance to be able to make their impact as we get into the season. Obviously getting out there and seeing them in pads and being able to go against somebody else rather than just the athletic talent. That’s going to be a big part of our evaluation.

And putting all these different guys into position to showcase all that they can do and finding those right groupings — obviously the competition and who’s going to go out and be the game changer that we need on a consistent basis as those guys are able to perform and showcase all that they are.

Q. Krosmah is one of those guys who has come in over the summer. I remember you saying at a booster event that he might be the recruit you’ve watched the most in that process. Has he been what you guys think so far in the early stages?

MIKE NORVELL: Absolutely. I mean, he’s one of those freshmen that I’m excited to see his transition. In my coaching career, I don’t think I’ve ever watched a prospect more in person than what I’ve watched him. I think every year I was able to see him play in a game throughout his high school career — basketball, I mean I know the competitor he is. I know the versatility that he can bring and just the overall level of talent.

And he definitely has not disappointed through the course of summer workouts. And it’s a lot to be able to make that jump, but I think he’s built for it. And very excited to get him out there on the field and see him and what he can do.

Q. Seemed like there was a lot of excitement about the backup quarterbacks in the spring, the way they were adapting to the offense and settling in. What have you seen from them since spring to now, in terms of just understanding and comfort level?

MIKE NORVELL: It’s been a great push. Obviously, as you go into summer workouts, you can get your allotted time on the field but you can’t go against the defense. There’s some things that limits you in that type of action.

I know our players, they did a great job of trying to do as much as they could on their own in helping facilitate that competition. But these guys have done a wonderful job knowing what their role and responsibility is on a given play, but being able to take command and control of what we’re asking them to do and asking the offense to do as a whole.

I think you see the efficiency in how they’re operating, you see the growth and just their comfort and footwork, timing. The things that they’re able to do on air has been really good. And I’m excited to see that carry over as we get a chance to compete, offense/defense, here in fall camp.

Q. Obviously since the spring, the House settlement has passed. How did that change anything in your offseason? Did you feel like you guys were prepared? Did you feel there were any challenges you didn’t anticipate? Kind of talking about that settlement structure and the rev-share agreements, where are you guys with that?

MIKE NORVELL: I think we’re in a good place with that. Obviously, it’s something that was anticipated of coming throughout the year. But until it was set and done, it was something we kind of had to work through and be prepared.

But worked hand in hand with our general counsel, and I think that they’ve done an extraordinary job, poured in a lot of time, work.

This is an opportunity that’s really special for our student-athletes to be able to impact their futures. Obviously all the things they’ve put themselves into a position to do, and I feel really good about where we are and just all things as we get to kick off here tomorrow.

Q. What gives you confidence with your offensive line, specifically the four transfers you brought in, who are kind of perceived starters at this stage?

MIKE NORVELL: I’ve seen it. You see it through — every guy that came in was a multiyear starter at a previous institution. You’ve seen their growth, their development. I feel like we’ve got a great group that they understand what it is to play that position.

And it’s easy to come in have a singular focus of themselves, but these guys have truly done a wonderful job of building the group as a whole and bringing some of the guys that were here, some of the guys that have come in, whether it’s the freshmen or younger players that are continuing to develop, just seeing that group really gel together.

But we’ve seen these guys. We’ve got a great understanding of ability, potential, but also how they’ve responded throughout the course of their careers to the good, to the bad, and I have big expectations for the growth that they’re going to show this year, as an individual, but collectively being able to reestablish our expectation for how that position needs to go and perform.

And I’ve got a lot of excitement, and I think we’ve got depth. We’ve got talent. We’ve got ability. But guys that I think really have a high ceiling for what they can do together.

Q. Knowing that depth charts are always fluid and moving, do you have a sense for just how fluid this might be in preseason camp given the amount of new guys you have coming in?

MIKE NORVELL: I think finding those, probably more into specifics of here’s early into the season, the roles that guys define for themselves.

And you’re going to have a lot of competition at positions, I think guys that bring versatility in what they can do on both sides of the ball.

We’ve got two dynamic coordinators, I think the way they utilize personnel as their secret sauce in their success throughout the course of their careers. So finding roles that our players establish for themselves as they’ve shown continued growth from when we ended in spring practice or when guys have now come on campus and whether it’s the different groupings, different roles, packages, all the things we can do because of that to help showcase that I think will really make this a team that can be dangerous with the talent that we have and the guys that we’ve been able to see grow within this program.

So I think there will be a little bit of ebb and flow in it throughout the 25 practices, but all of our focus is about making sure that when we get here August 30th, whatever grouping it is, whatever situation that shows up, that the best are out there and confident in what they’re being asked to go perform at an elite level.

“This wasn’t a performance, it was a showcase.”

The CLIMB Episode 5 debuts tomorrow at 6pm!#KeepCLIMBing | #NoleFamily pic.twitter.com/PAjNgEc8p6
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) July 29, 2025

What a rep from @JarrianJones @Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/vR5z2Yq4jf
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) July 29, 2025

“I’m content, but I’m not satisfied.” @Jaboowins

Kicking off our NFL Training camp tour is none other than America’s favorite, football’s biggest motivator- our guy Jameis Winston, who enters his 11th NFL season, settling into his new home part of a Giant quarterback room with… pic.twitter.com/Qyomj5agnD
— Pivot Podcast (@thepivot) July 29, 2025

All Sports

Florida State men’s basketball added a major piece on the recruiting trail on Tuesday, securing the commitment of blue-chip center Marcis Ponder:

247 Sports Composite ranks Ponder as the 71st best player in the country and the #6 center in the 2026 class. 247 and Rivals have different measurables for Ponder’s height and weight, but he stands around 6’11-7’0’’ while On3 lists him at 288 pounds.

Ponder’s commitment is the highest rated pickup for Loucks in the high school ranks during his early tenure and the first-year head man needed to beat out other top schools to land the massive center. Considering the onus on a big man that can be a facilitator on the offensive side in Loucks’ offense, landing an early pledge from a top center in the country checks off a vital box.

A sneak peek at what’s coming in Part 2 of Day One, dropping Thursday night #CONNECTED pic.twitter.com/rP8hq4JxUm
— Florida State Men’s Basketball (@FSUHoops) July 29, 2025

Day 1, we are back! pic.twitter.com/48pjeFh5AZ
— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) July 30, 2025

Newcomer Nyanya Touray with 2 Goals v Costa Rica! https://t.co/G9cOJAigIf
— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) July 29, 2025

Jamie with the positive outlook for @Coach_Norvell & the Noles this fall! Plus the shout at the end to the fam! pic.twitter.com/YNanE3nFMn
— Bryant (@bwombat24) July 29, 2025

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Tyler Weaver and Gray Albright were named NCAA Division I Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars for 2024-25!#NoleFamily | #Driven pic.twitter.com/igSzU79c7e
— FSU Golf (@FSUGolf) July 29, 2025

FSU lands blue-chip center

2025-07-29T13:03:22-04:00

Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Luke Loucks picks up his second high school pledge in 2026 class

On Tuesday, Rivals reported Florida State men’s hoops earned the pledge of C Marcis Ponder, a 2026 4-star prospect from Springfield, VA. Ponder becomes the second commitment in head coach Luke Loucks’ 2026 recruiting class, along with Jasen Lopez, who has stated his intention to play football and basketball.

NEWS: 4⭐️ Marcis Ponder, a 7-foot center in the 2026 class, has committed to Florida State, he tells @Rivals.

Ponder is a top-75 overall recruit. Received offers from Miami, Illinois, Providence, and others. https://t.co/6iaL9nwEPQ pic.twitter.com/6WkoeDJ7M2
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) July 29, 2025

247 Sports Composite ranks Ponder as the 71st best player in the country and the #6 center in the 2026 class. 247 and Rivals have different measurables for Ponder’s height and weight, but he stands around 6’11-7’0’’ while On3 lists him at 288 pounds.

Ponder’s commitment is the highest rated pickup for Loucks in the high school ranks during his early tenure and the first-year head man needed to beat out other top schools to land the massive center. Considering the onus on a big man that can be a facilitator on the offensive side in Loucks’ offense, landing an early pledge from a top center in the country checks off a vital box.

2025 FSU football previews: Positions, games, Vegas odds

2025-07-29T07:00:00-04:00

Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

Everything you need to know ahead of the season

The countdown to the 2025 Florida State football season has just 32 days remaining on the clock.

For the last month and a half, Tomahawk Nation has been taking a look at the opponents on FSU’s 2025 schedule and the position groups that make up head coach Mike Norvell’s sixth Seminoles’ squad, catching up on everything you need to know ahead of Florida State’s August 30th opener vs. the Alabama Crimson Tide inside a newly-renovated Doak Campbell Stadium.

“We start fall camp Wednesday, and I want them to be pissed off to go be their best every single day,” Norvell said during last week’s ACC Kickoff. “It’s not about last year. It’s not about anything that they’ve done up to this point in their career. It’s about this season with each day and every step that’s in front of us to go put it on display for what you want to be.”

“Don’t talk about it; let’s go do it. I feel the confidence within the team because once again, I see their work. I believe in who they are. I believe in the journeys that they’ve had.”

Below, find each of our season previews as well as a rundown of how Vegas views the Seminoles.

2025 FSU football schedule: Dates, opponents, TV information

Saturday, Aug. 30: Alabama Crimson Tide (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC

Saturday, Sep. 6: East Texas A&M Lions (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)

Time: 12 p.m. ET
Channel: ACC Network

Saturday, Sep. 13: BYE

Saturday, Sep. 20: Kent State Golden Flashes (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)

Friday, Sep. 26: Virginia Cavaliers (Scott Stadium, Charlottesville)

Time: 7 p.m.
Channel: ESPN

Saturday, Oct. 4: Miami Hurricanes (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)

Saturday, Oct. 11: Pitt Panthers (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)

Saturday, Oct. 18: Stanford Cardinal (Stanford Stadium, Stanford)

Time: 10:30 p.m.
Channel: ESPN

Saturday, Oct. 25: BYE

Saturday, Nov. 1: Wake Forest Demon Deacons (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)

Saturday, Nov. 8: Clemson Tigers (Memorial Stadium, Clemson)

Saturday, Nov. 15: Virginia Tech Hokies (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)

Friday, Nov. 21: NC State Wolfpack (Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh)

Time: 8 p.m.
Channel: ESPN

Saturday, Nov. 29: Florida Gators (Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville)

Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Channel: TBD

2025 FSU football Vegas odds: Win totals, game lines, championship odds

Florida State: Win total

Over 7.5 wins: +164
Under 7.5 wins: -205

Florida State: Total win scenarios

6-plus wins: -370
7-plus wins: -150
8-plus wins: +160
9-plus wins: +400
10-plus wins: +950
11-plus wins: +3400
Undefeated: +22000

ACC championship odds

Clemson Tigers: +105
Miami Hurricanes: +390
Louisville Cardinals: +800
SMU Mustangs: +900
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: +1400
Duke Blue Devils: +2600
Florida State Seminoles: +2900
North Carolina Tar Heels: +4000
NC State Wolfpack: +4500
Pittsburgh Panthers: +4900
Virginia Tech Hokies: +5000
Boston College Eagles: +7000
Syracuse Orange: +8000
California Golden Bears: +11000
Virginia Cavaliers: +11000
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: +30000
Stanford Cardinal: +30000

National championship odds

Texas Longhorns: +550
Georgia Bulldogs: +650
Ohio State Buckeyes: +650
Penn State Nittany Lions: +750
Alabama Crimson Tide: +1100
Oregon Ducks: +1100
Clemson Tigers: +1200
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: +1300
LSU Tigers: +1700
Michigan Wolverines: +3300
Florida Gators: +3500
Miami Hurricanes: +3900
Kansas Jayhawks: +46000
Florida State Seminoles: +47000
Arkansas Razorbacks: +50000
Cincinnati Bearcats: +70000
Virginia Tech Hokies: +85000
Colorado Buffaloes: +100000