Florida State football enters the 2026 season at a crossroads. After a couple of turbulent years and a 2025 campaign that offered flashes of promise - including a statement win over Alabama - the Seminoles are looking to take the next step. But if that’s going to happen, it’ll hinge heavily on three key players: cornerback Nehemiah Chandler, tight end Landen Thomas, and linebacker Mikai Gbayor.
Each of these guys fills a critical gap, and their performance could ultimately define whether FSU returns to national relevance or spends another season trying to climb out of the rebuild phase.
Nehemiah Chandler: The New Anchor in the Secondary
Let’s start with Chandler, who arrives in Tallahassee with serious credentials. The former South Alabama standout was a First-Team Sun Belt selection last season, and for good reason.
He finished second in the nation with 13 pass breakups - and he did it in just 11 games. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident.
At 6'2", 185 pounds, Chandler brings the size and physicality that Florida State’s 4-2-5 defense demands. This scheme leans heavily on speed and versatility in the secondary, and Chandler checks both boxes. He’s not just a cover guy - he’s a willing tackler who can step up in run support, something FSU will need after losing key pieces at linebacker.
Last year, Earl Little Jr. and Ja’Bril Rawls were the bright spots in the secondary. With Little now off to Ohio State, Chandler has a real opportunity to step into a CB1 role. And with Ashlynd Barker returning, the Seminoles may have the makings of a formidable cornerback duo - one that can hold its own against the likes of Clemson, Miami, and a revenge-minded Alabama squad.
Landen Thomas: Time to Turn Potential Into Production
The quarterback battle will dominate headlines in Tallahassee this spring, but whoever wins the job may find a lifeline in Landen Thomas. The tight end spot has long been a safety net for young or inexperienced quarterbacks, and Thomas has the tools to be exactly that.
He’s not new to the program - Thomas started seven games as a freshman - but last season was quiet. Just three catches for 35 yards.
Still, two of those grabs went for touchdowns, which hints at his red-zone potential. With Randy Pittman Jr. transferring to SMU, Thomas is the clear frontrunner to step into a bigger role.
Thomas flirted with the transfer portal himself before recommitting to Mike Norvell and the Seminoles. That decision could pay off for both sides. He’s known for strong hands and polished route running, and with Norvell now calling plays following Gus Malzahn’s departure, there’s a real opportunity to reimagine how the tight end is used in this offense.
Last season, the passing game leaned too heavily on Duce Robinson making highlight-reel catches. If Thomas can become a reliable middle-of-the-field threat, it could open up the offense in a way we haven’t seen in years.
Mikai Gbayor: Veteran Stability in the Heart of the Defense
Now let’s talk about the linebacker room - a group that’s been a question mark since last season and will be under the microscope again in 2026. Enter Mikai Gbayor, a veteran transfer from North Carolina with a unique résumé.
Gbayor brings more than just experience; he brings familiarity. He started his college career at Nebraska under current Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White, so he already knows the ins and outs of the 4-2-5 scheme. That’s no small thing in a defense that asks a lot of its linebackers - especially when there are only two of them on the field.
He also spent a year under Bill Belichick, and while that doesn’t guarantee anything, it does suggest a level of discipline and attention to detail that can elevate a defense. Florida State’s pass rush was inconsistent last season, and the run defense had its moments of vulnerability - particularly against power-running teams. Gbayor’s presence, alongside fellow transfer Chris Jones from Southern Miss, could bring the kind of steadiness and physicality this unit desperately needs.
The Stakes in 2026
Make no mistake: this season is pivotal. After a downward spiral in 2024 and a bounce-back effort in 2025, the program is still trying to find its footing. The schedule doesn’t do them any favors - Alabama, Clemson, Miami, and Pitt all loom - and the margin for error is thin.
But there’s reason to believe this could be the year things start to click. The foundation is there.
The scheme is no longer brand new. The portal brought in talent, and the coaching staff has continuity in key places.
Now it’s about execution.
If Chandler can lock down his side of the field, if Thomas becomes a go-to option in the passing game, and if Gbayor shores up the middle of the defense, Florida State could be more than just competitive - they could be dangerous.
Still, football isn’t won in the offseason. The hype is one thing.
The results? That’s what really matters.
And for the Seminoles, 2026 is the year to prove that the rebuild is over and the resurgence is real.