Florida State’s defensive line struggled to find its footing in 2025. Outside of veteran Darrell Jackson Jr. - who wrapped up his eligibility - and rising talent Mandrell Desir, there weren’t many bright spots.
The group lacked consistency, and the pass rush rarely showed up when it mattered most. After a promising start against Alabama in the opener, the pressure all but disappeared, and opposing quarterbacks had far too much time to operate.
By the end of the season, the Seminoles’ defense had lost its edge, and the unit as a whole sputtered down the stretch.
There was hope that bringing in former Nebraska edge rusher James Williams - reuniting him with defensive coordinator Tony White and D-line coach Terrance Knighton - would jumpstart the unit. But that move didn’t pan out the way many expected. Williams never became the disruptive force the Seminoles needed, and the defense paid the price.
Now, heading into 2026, Florida State is banking on a new face to help turn things around: Texas A&M transfer Rylan Kennedy. At 6'3", 240 pounds, Kennedy brings the kind of physical profile that jumps off the tape.
While his numbers with the Aggies - 14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks - aren’t eye-popping, the Seminoles are betting on his upside. They need him to be more than just a situational pass rusher.
With limited proven depth, Kennedy is expected to step into a significant role from day one.
The coaching staff is also getting a shake-up. Florida State brought in Nick Williams from Syracuse to coach defensive ends - a move that signals a shift toward youth, energy, and strong recruiting ties. Williams is known for his ability to develop talent and connect with players, and that’s exactly what this group needs.
He’ll have a young, raw, but intriguing group to work with. The Seminoles landed several 2026 prospects who could be foundational pieces down the line: Franklin Whitley, Earnest Rankins, Jaemin Pinckney, Jalen Anderson, Cam Brooks, and Chris Carbin.
That’s a solid haul, and it gives the program depth and flexibility. But let’s be real - relying on true freshmen to anchor a defensive line is risky unless they’re the kind of blue-chip prospects who show up ready to dominate from day one.
That’s why returning players like Mandrell Desir, Darryll Desir, and Kevin Wynn are so important. Florida State fought hard to keep them in Tallahassee, navigating the increasingly competitive NIL landscape to do so. Their presence brings a measure of stability to a unit that desperately needs it.
The bottom line? Florida State’s defensive line in 2026 is a mix of potential and uncertainty.
There’s talent in the pipeline and a new coach tasked with unlocking it. But for the Seminoles to make a leap, they need immediate impact - especially from Kennedy - and growth from their returning core.
The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together and getting production when it counts.