Florida State is officially in offseason mode after a disappointing 5-7 finish to the 2025 campaign - a season that triggered changes across the board, from staff shakeups to internal conversations about the future of head coach Mike Norvell. In the end, the Seminoles decided to stay the course with Norvell, opting for continuity over a full reset. Now, the focus shifts to how this program can right the ship and recapture the momentum it had just a couple seasons ago.
One area under the microscope? The linebacker room.
This unit was supposed to be the backbone of the defense - the group that held things together while other pieces developed. Instead, it became a source of frustration. Not a total collapse, but certainly not the stabilizing force Florida State needed.
Let’s dig into what went wrong, who’s returning, and what lies ahead as the Transfer Portal window (Jan. 2-16) approaches.
2025 Linebacker Review: What Went Wrong?
The short answer: coverage. The longer answer? A unit that never quite found its footing.
There were games - Virginia and Pitt come to mind - where the linebackers’ struggles in coverage were glaring. Opposing offenses exploited mismatches in space, and FSU didn’t have the answers. What was billed as a strength turned into a liability, and the coaching staff found itself constantly adjusting personnel and responsibilities to plug holes.
Stefon Thompson was a bright spot when healthy. He brought toughness and veteran savvy to the middle of the defense, but injuries kept him from being a consistent presence. His absence was felt, especially when the defense needed leadership and stability.
Blake Nichelson showed flashes. There were moments where you could see the upside - quick reads, solid pursuit angles, and a willingness to stick his nose in the action.
But like many young players, the consistency wasn’t there yet. He’ll be a key name to watch moving forward, but he’s not a finished product.
Then there’s Elijah Herring. The expectations were high, but the results didn’t match.
According to PFF, Herring posted one of the lowest coverage grades in the country (33.7), and that showed up on tape. He struggled in space, especially against quicker backs and tight ends, and it became difficult to keep him on the field in passing situations.
As for Omar Graham and Juice Cryer, the hoped-for leap never came. Graham’s decision to transfer wasn’t a shock given his lack of impact, and Cryer, while still in the mix, didn’t separate himself either.
Who’s Back for 2026?
As things stand, Nichelson and Cryer are the two returning linebackers expected to play significant roles next season. With Graham gone and Thompson’s future unclear, the depth chart is wide open.
That doesn’t mean either Nichelson or Cryer is locked into a starting job. Far from it.
The coaching staff will almost certainly look to the portal for reinforcements, and there’s a chance that a newcomer could push for immediate playing time. But both returners have a chance to carve out meaningful roles - especially Nichelson, who has the tools to take a big step if he can put it all together.
What’s Next?
The linebacker position is one of the biggest question marks heading into the offseason. Florida State needs more than just bodies - it needs playmakers. Guys who can cover ground, diagnose quickly, and hold up in coverage against today’s increasingly versatile offenses.
The portal window opens soon, and FSU will need to be aggressive. Whether it’s a veteran with proven production or a younger player with upside, the Seminoles can’t afford to stand pat.
If this defense is going to rebound in 2026, it starts with fixing the middle of the field. That means better linebacker play - and it means finding the right mix of talent, experience, and scheme fit to make that happen.
The foundation is shaky, but not beyond repair. Now it’s up to Norvell and his staff to rebuild it - one linebacker at a time.