Florida State has been navigating some stormy seas lately, with a 7-17 record over the past two seasons casting a shadow over the program. But head coach Mike Norvell is steering the ship towards brighter horizons, aiming for the kind of long-term success seen at powerhouses like Ohio State and Georgia.
The key? Talent acquisition.
While there’s been chatter about leaning too heavily on the transfer portal, Norvell’s recent efforts in high school recruiting are starting to pay off. The 2025 class brought in promising players like Mandrell and Darryll Desir, Kevin Wynn, Kevin Sperry, Ousmane Kromah, Jayvan Boggs, and Chavez Thomas, all poised to make an impact.
Looking ahead, the 2026 recruiting class is turning heads with standout four-star recruits like Chuck Kennon, Jasen Lopez, and Izayia Williams. Tim Harris Jr., the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, has been a recruiting dynamo, particularly with four-star wide receiver Devin Carter from Douglasville, Georgia. Devin carries the legacy of his father, Dexter Carter, who made his mark with the Seminoles in the late '80s.
Devin Carter’s journey to Florida State wasn’t straightforward. After initially committing in April 2023, he briefly switched allegiance to Auburn before ultimately signing with the Seminoles during the Early Signing Period. His high school stats are impressive, with 26 receptions for 431 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games.
The Seminoles received a boost this offseason with the return of wide receivers Duce Robinson, Micahi Danzy, and Jayvan Boggs for 2026. With head coach Mike Norvell taking over play-calling duties, Carter’s knack for making plays might just earn him a spot on the field. With Lawayne McCoy transferring to Louisville, there’s an opening for a fourth wide receiver, and Carter seems ready to seize the moment.
Florida State’s offense is gearing up to make waves, and Devin Carter could be the X-factor that helps turn the tide.