Florida State has been on the hunt for linebackers who can make a real impact in run support, a need that’s been glaring over the past few seasons. Enter Ernie Sims, a former Seminole linebacker himself, now stepping up as the new position coach.
His mission? To reshape the mindset and performance of the linebacker corps.
Looking back at the tough loss against their arch-rival Florida Gators, it was clear that the Seminoles' defense struggled to contain the dynamic Jadan Baugh. That game underscored a recurring issue the coaching staff knew had to be addressed.
To bolster their defense, Florida State turned to the transfer portal and recruiting trail. They snagged Southern Miss standout Chris Jones and North Carolina's Mikai Gbayor. Additionally, they brought in five promising recruits: four-star Izayia Williams, three-star Noah LaVallee, three-star Daylen Green, three-star Karon Maycock, and JUCO three-star Chris Thomas.
Among these new additions, Chris Jones stands out as a potential game-changer. During the 2025 season with the Golden Eagles, Jones racked up 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. Those are numbers that should have Seminole fans excited.
Interestingly, Jones was initially committed to Ole Miss, envisioning himself in a role similar to Patrick Willis. However, Florida State managed to sway him, a move that could prove crucial for their defense.
While Florida State may not boast a recent lineage of standout linebackers, fans can draw inspiration from past stars like Telvin Smith. Smith was instrumental in the 2013 national championship team, recording 90 tackles, 9.5 for loss, two sacks, and three interceptions. His energy and impact were unforgettable, setting a benchmark for future Seminole linebackers.
As the Seminoles gear up for the 2026 season, the addition of Jones and the fresh talent in the linebacker room could be just what they need to strengthen their defense and make a serious run.