What changed

The attention now turns to FSU leadership and whether they can fix this mess

Updated Sep 9 · 8:53 AM EDT · via On3

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The team at a glance

Florida State Seminoles

Team deskFlorida State SeminolesFull report and sources below
Coverage2026Season as listed by the desk
Roster entries100Full personnel board below
Report sections8Open any section for the complete evidence

From the report’s saved schedule and roster. Live game status appears in the game widget.

The quick read

What matters now

The big picture

Florida State's roster overhaul creates a plausible rebound, but fifty spring newcomers make continuity the central question and a schedule featuring Alabama, Miami, Clemson and Florida will expose weak links quickly.

What is working

Ashton Daniels brings 23 career starts, Quintrevion Wisner has already produced in the SEC, Ousmane Kromah supplies explosive backfield ability and Duce Robinson gives the passing game a proven target. The skill-position rebuild has credible answers.

What holds it back

Fifty newcomers make line cohesion and defensive communication the central drag on the rebound case. The talent can raise the ceiling, but busted assignments and uneven protection can lower it just as quickly.

What to watch next

SMU is the next test of whether the rebuilt units can repeat their execution. Alabama is where Florida State learns whether that progress travels against a roster with far less margin for error.

Noles Desk · Column

The Lights Came Back On. Florida State Still Lost.

By Nick Cerbone, Editor-In-Chief · Sept 1, 2026

No. 19 SMU 27, Florida State 24.

Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns, survived two interceptions, and still walked out of Doak Campbell Stadium with the win. Nick Reed's 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds left finished it. Florida State had the home crowd, the early chances, and four turnovers forced. They turned those turnovers into almost nothing and went home 1-1 and 0-1 in the ACC.

The game was delayed nearly two hours by a power outage. When the lights returned, SMU kept finding space and Florida State kept finding ways to leave points on the field. Jennings completed 26 of 36 passes. Yannick Smith took one 79 yards to the house. The Mustangs outgained the Seminoles 585-324 and moved the chains while the home defense looked slow.

Florida State got 116 rushing yards and a touchdown from Ousmane Kromah. Ashton Daniels added a rushing score and a late touchdown pass. None of it was enough. The Seminoles struggled to convert on third down all night. They got seven points off four takeaways. That is how you lose a game you had every chance to steal.

This was the first real exam of the year. SMU passed it on the road. Florida State failed it at home. The Mustangs are 1-0 in the ACC and already look like a problem. The Seminoles are already looking at a short week of excuses and a long season of proving they can finish.

The lights came back on. Florida State still lost.

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01Team outlookThe complete editorial outlook and game-week context.
FLSportsDesk.com · The Read

The big picture

The latest verified result: Florida State lost to SMU Mustangs 24-27. Florida State's roster overhaul creates a plausible rebound, but fifty spring newcomers make continuity the central question and a schedule featuring Alabama, Miami, Clemson and Florida will expose weak links quickly.

What is working

Ashton Daniels brings 23 career starts, Quintrevion Wisner has already produced in the SEC, Ousmane Kromah supplies explosive backfield ability and Duce Robinson gives the passing game a proven target. The skill-position rebuild has credible answers.

What is holding it back

Fifty newcomers make line cohesion and defensive communication the central drag on the rebound case. The talent can raise the ceiling, but busted assignments and uneven protection can lower it just as quickly.

What changes the read

SMU is the next test of whether the rebuilt units can repeat their execution. Alabama is where Florida State learns whether that progress travels against a roster with far less margin for error.

02Game center + scheduleMatchups, kickoff information and the season ahead.
The road ahead

Schedule

Sat Sep 19 · 3:30 PM ET

at Alabama Crimson Tide

Bryant-Denny Stadium · Scheduled

Sat Sep 26 · 12:00 AM ET

vs Central Arkansas Bears

Doak Campbell Stadium · Scheduled

Sat Oct 3 · 12:00 AM ET

vs Virginia Cavaliers

Doak Campbell Stadium · Scheduled

Fri Oct 9 · 7:00 PM ET

at Louisville Cardinals

L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium · Scheduled

Sat Oct 17 · 12:00 AM ET

at Miami Hurricanes

Hard Rock Stadium · Scheduled

Sat Oct 31 · 12:00 AM ET

vs Clemson Tigers

Doak Campbell Stadium · Scheduled

Sat Nov 7 · 12:00 AM ET

at Boston College Eagles

Alumni Stadium (Chestnut Hill, MA) · Scheduled

Fri Nov 13 · 7:00 PM ET

at Pittsburgh Panthers

Acrisure Stadium · Scheduled

Sat Nov 21 · 12:00 AM ET

vs NC State Wolfpack

Doak Campbell Stadium · Scheduled

Fri Nov 27 · 3:30 PM ET

vs Florida Gators

Doak Campbell Stadium · Scheduled

03Intelligence + availabilityTeam news, availability and what it changes.
FLSportsDesk.com Intelligence Assessment

The full read

The big picture: The latest verified result: Florida State lost to SMU Mustangs 24-27. Florida State's roster overhaul creates a plausible rebound, but fifty spring newcomers make continuity the central question and a schedule featuring Alabama, Miami, Clemson and Florida will expose weak links quickly.

What is working: Ashton Daniels brings 23 career starts, Quintrevion Wisner has already produced in the SEC, Ousmane Kromah supplies explosive backfield ability and Duce Robinson gives the passing game a proven target. The skill-position rebuild has credible answers.

What is holding it back: Fifty newcomers make line cohesion and defensive communication the central drag on the rebound case. The talent can raise the ceiling, but busted assignments and uneven protection can lower it just as quickly.

What changes the read: SMU is the next test of whether the rebuilt units can repeat their execution. Alabama is where Florida State learns whether that progress travels against a roster with far less margin for error.

How it fits together

New Mexico State and SMU provide two home games before Alabama, but that Tuscaloosa trip begins the real audit. Louisville and Miami come back-to-back on the road, Clemson follows after the open week, and Florida closes the season in Tallahassee. The home distribution helps; the opponent quality still leaves four defining tests. FSU's recruiting assessment must separate roster repair from program momentum. Portal volume can solve an immediate hole; sustained high-school wins against Miami and Florida determine whether another massive reset will be necessary two years later.

04Portal + recruitingThe portal, commitments and roster-building picture.
Shared Florida board

Portal + Recruiting

FSU's recruiting assessment must separate roster repair from program momentum. Portal volume can solve an immediate hole; sustained high-school wins against Miami and Florida determine whether another massive reset will be necessary two years later.

Every prospect or transfer is stored once with Miami, Florida and Florida State attached as participants. A commitment updates the winner, the programs that missed, the affected position rooms and the statewide homepage.

More reporting (10)
05Roster + depthThe full personnel board and sourced starting units where available.
Actual game starters

First-Team Units

Florida State vs. New Mexico State · August 29, 2026

Offense 1st team · 11 starters

Pos.#Player
QB14Ashton Daniels
RB32Ousmane Kromah
WR0Duce Robinson
WR8Micahi Danzy
TE6Desirrio Riles
TE18Landen Thomas
OC55Bradyn Welch-Joiner
OG65André Otto
OG71Nate Pabst
OT77Xavier Chaplin
OT79Chimdia Nwaiwu

Defense 1st team · 11 starters

Pos.#Player
DL1Darryll Desir
DL3Mandrell Desir
DL5Daniel Lyons
DE15Rylan Kennedy
LB9Omar Graham Jr.
LB10Chris Jones
CB0Quindarrius Jones
CB6Ja'Bril Rawls
S7Ashlynd Barker
S11CJ Richard Jr.
S14Ma'Khi Jones

First-team units use the actual starters in this game. Personnel reflect the opening formation; positions follow the official record. Reserve depth order is not confirmed here.

Source: FSU official gamebook, participation report.

Roster intelligence

Quality before headcount

Quarterback, running back and receiver carry the clearest evidence: Daniels has 23 career starts, Wisner has produced in the SEC, Kromah flashed efficiency and Robinson owns national recognition. The risk lives in coordination–fifty newcomers mean the offensive line and defensive communication have to become functional faster than normal.

Players who shape the read

Core + Breakout Board

Quarterback hinge

Ashton Daniels

The Stanford/Auburn transfer brings 23 career starts, 4,783 passing yards and 1,397 rushing yards. His dual-threat experience gives the rebuild a chance to settle quickly.

Proven receiving ceiling

Duce Robinson

The preseason All-ACC receiver appears on the Maxwell, Biletnikoff, Walter Camp and Wuerffel lists; he is the clearest established offensive star.

Transfer production

Quintrevion Wisner

The Texas transfer owns a 1,064-yard season and 21 career starts, giving the rebuilt offense experience it otherwise lacks.

Explosive complement

Ousmane Kromah

He averaged 5.7 yards per carry as a freshman and gives FSU a genuine two-back structure rather than simple depth.

Coverage leader

Ja'Bril Rawls

The Bednarik watch-list defensive back anchors a secondary that must hold up when the rebuilt front faces better quarterbacks.

Active roster snapshot

Official Roster

DB 19 · DL 15 · LB 13 · LS 2 · OL 17 · P 3 · PK 2 · QB 6 · RB 5 · TE 8 · WR 10

#PlayerPos.YearSize
72Donald AkhibiOLFreshman6' 7" · 260 lbs
84Brandon BennettWRFreshman6' 0" · 180 lbs
86Tony BlandWRFreshman6' 0" · 193 lbs
15Jayvan BoggsWRSophomore6' 1" · 209 lbs
51Paul BowlingOLSophomore6' 3" · 305 lbs
54Chastan BrownOLSophomore6' 8" · 300 lbs
11Devin CarterWRFreshman6' 1" · 176 lbs
77Xavier ChaplinOLSenior6' 8" · 346 lbs
14Ashton DanielsQBSenior6' 2" · 225 lbs
74Jonathan DanielsOLJunior6' 4" · 321 lbs
8Micahi DanzyWRJunior6' 1" · 194 lbs
4Dean DeNobileQBSenior6' 2" · 203 lbs
80Corbyn FordhamTEFreshman6' 4" · 235 lbs
58Luke Francis Jr.OLFreshman6' 5" · 349 lbs
13Tae'Shaun GelseyWRSophomore6' 4" · 227 lbs
12Michael GrantQBSenior6' 3" · 216 lbs
63Jakobe GreenOLFreshman6' 3" · 315 lbs
85Drew HardwickTEFreshman6' 5" · 224 lbs
73Nikau HepiOLFreshman6' 7" · 379 lbs
69Mike IonataOLFreshman6' 6" · 308 lbs
88Keenen JeuneWRFreshman6' 0" · 195 lbs
32Ousmane KromahRBSophomore6' 1" · 216 lbs
89Greyson LabiadTESenior6' 3" · 249 lbs
23Chase LoftinTESophomore6' 6" · 235 lbs
7Jasen LopezWRFreshman6' 0" · 182 lbs
82Teriq MalloryWRSophomore6' 5" · 215 lbs
44Gavin MarkeyTESophomore6' 1" · 234 lbs
1Malachi MarshallQBJunior6' 2" · 168 lbs
59Steven MooreOLJunior6' 5" · 327 lbs
79Chimdia NwaiwuOLSenior6' 5" · 307 lbs
16Jaden O'NealQBFreshman6' 3" · 231 lbs
65André OttoOLSenior6' 5" · 318 lbs
71Nate PabstOLSenior6' 7" · 315 lbs
21Zay ParksRBJunior5' 11" · 204 lbs
56Steven PickardOLFreshman6' 5" · 335 lbs
75Sean PoretOLSophomore6' 5" · 296 lbs
6Desirrio RilesTESenior6' 3" · 235 lbs
0Duce RobinsonWRSenior6' 6" · 230 lbs
22Gemari SandsRBSenior5' 11" · 208 lbs
3Samuel Singleton Jr.RBSenior5' 11" · 205 lbs
9Kevin SperryQBSophomore6' 1" · 210 lbs
24Amari ThomasRBFreshman5' 11" · 210 lbs
18Landen ThomasTEJunior6' 4" · 234 lbs
52Chavez ThompsonOLSophomore6' 1" · 318 lbs
83Xavier TillerTEFreshman6' 5" · 239 lbs
78Jayden ToddOLJunior6' 6" · 303 lbs
32Jalen AndersonDLJunior6' 2" · 242 lbs
7Ashlynd BarkerDBSenior6' 3" · 217 lbs
37Tre Bell IIIDBFreshman5' 11" · 199 lbs
19Jarvis Boatwright Jr.DBJunior6' 1" · 197 lbs
91Cam BrooksDLFreshman6' 4" · 243 lbs
98Wihtlley CadeauDLFreshman6' 5" · 284 lbs
12Nehemiah ChandlerDBJunior6' 1" · 183 lbs
95Christian Collins-MurrayDLFreshman6' 3" · 224 lbs
41AJ CottrillLBSenior6' 0" · 229 lbs
33Antonio Cromartie Jr.DBSophomore6' 0" · 190 lbs
27Jordan CrutchfieldDBFreshman6' 3" · 218 lbs
92Judah DanielsDLFreshman6' 3" · 272 lbs
1Darryll DesirDLSophomore6' 5" · 259 lbs
3Mandrell DesirDLSophomore6' 4" · 270 lbs
13Deamontae DiggsDLSenior6' 5" · 272 lbs
28Mikai GbayorLBSenior6' 2" · 222 lbs
9Omar Graham Jr.LBSenior6' 1" · 234 lbs
38Daylen GreenLBFreshman6' 1" · 213 lbs
47Donny HiebertDBSenior6' 2" · 201 lbs
16Karson HobbsDBJunior6' 1" · 189 lbs
18Jamari HowardDBJunior6' 2" · 190 lbs
10Chris JonesLBJunior6' 1" · 231 lbs
14Ma'Khi JonesDBSophomore5' 11" · 195 lbs
0Quindarrius JonesDBSenior6' 2" · 187 lbs
15Rylan KennedyDLSenior6' 3" · 251 lbs
23Chuck KennonDBFreshman6' 2" · 186 lbs
24K.J. KirklandDBSenior6' 1" · 209 lbs
26Ricky Knight IIIDBJunior6' 0" · 184 lbs
29Caleb LaValleeLBSenior6' 1" · 225 lbs
45Noah LaValleeLBFreshman6' 2" · 227 lbs
96Tylon LeeDLSophomore6' 4" · 271 lbs
4Charles Lester IIIDBJunior6' 1" · 195 lbs
5Daniel LyonsDLSenior6' 4" · 292 lbs
31Karon MaycockLBFreshman6' 1" · 220 lbs
8Deante McCrayDLSenior6' 4" · 291 lbs
20Blake NichelsonLBSenior6' 3" · 222 lbs
90Jaemin PinckneyDLFreshman6' 5" · 222 lbs
35Ethan PritchardLBSophomore6' 2" · 224 lbs
54Earnest RankinsDLFreshman6' 4" · 274 lbs
6Ja'Bril RawlsDBSenior6' 1" · 178 lbs
21Max RedmonDBSophomore6' 1" · 196 lbs
11CJ Richard Jr.DBJunior6' 1" · 200 lbs
43Trent RogersLBFreshman6' 3" · 216 lbs
88Jordan SandersDLSenior6' 4" · 310 lbs
42Chris ThomasLBJunior6' 2" · 230 lbs
22Zae ThomasDBSophomore6' 3" · 207 lbs
53Brandon TorresLBSenior6' 1" · 232 lbs
48Caleb BowersLSSenior6' 1" · 237 lbs
36Daniel HughesPSenior6' 5" · 219 lbs
87Carter JulaPJunior6' 1" · 205 lbs
93Conor McAneneyPKSophomore6' 3" · 213 lbs
53Alex NoccoLSSophomore6' 2" · 210 lbs
39Gabe PanikowskiPKSenior5' 9" · 206 lbs
85Ethan PostPSophomore6' 3" · 230 lbs
06Standings + rankingsThe division or conference race and national context.
Conference table

Atlantic Coast Conference

Every team begins level. The table becomes explanatory only after results create separation.

TeamProgramOverallConference
MIAMiami Hurricanes2-01-0
SMUSMU Mustangs1-01-0
UVAVirginia Cavaliers1-01-0
DUKEDuke Blue Devils1-00-0
UNCNorth Carolina Tar Heels1-00-0
PITTPittsburgh Panthers1-00-0
SYRSyracuse Orange1-00-0
VTVirginia Tech Hokies1-00-0
WAKEWake Forest Demon Deacons1-00-0
FSUFlorida State Seminoles1-10-1
STANStanford Cardinal1-10-1
BCBoston College Eagles0-10-0
CALCalifornia Golden Bears0-10-0
CLEMClemson Tigers0-10-0
GTGeorgia Tech Yellow Jackets0-10-0
LOULouisville Cardinals0-10-0
NCSUNC State Wolfpack0-10-1
07PerformancePerformance measures, baselines and supporting evidence.
FLSportsDesk.com · The Read

What last season says–and does not

The previous-season numbers provide the benchmark for a season followed by an extraordinary 50-newcomer spring reset. They are comparison points for 2026, not a prediction pasted onto a changed roster.

Previous-season baseline

Verified Performance Metrics

Passing59.0Completion Percentage
Passing253.4Net Passing Yards Per Game
Passing23Total Sacks
Rushing5.2Yards Per Rush Attempt
Rushing218.7Rushing Yards Per Game
Miscellaneous-5Turnover Ratio
Defense31Sacks
Kicking63.2Field Goal Percentage

Detailed metrics come from ESPN and are checked against the school, conference and NCAA record before they are promoted into editorial conclusions.

Adaptive statistics desk

The lenses stay fixed

Outcomes, offense, defense, possessions, money downs, scoring-area execution, discipline, opponent context and explosiveness populate from verified game data.

Alerts need both a season benchmark and a corroborating window. One strange game does not become the team identity.

08Reporting + sourcesThe reporting and source links behind the desk.
Evidence ledger

Sources

Official records establish the facts. Local and independent reporting adds context. News indexes help find stories but never verify one by themselves.

More reporting (10)

Current team reporting

More reporting (10)

Recruiting and portal reporting

More reporting (10)