Which incoming Seminoles player is set to shine in this offense, even with the departure of the offensive coordinator?
Gus Malzahn's exit from Florida State was the early shock of 2026. But could this shake-up actually benefit one key FSU transfer?
Malzahn's explosive run-pass option (RPO) offense kept defenses guessing, a system that led Auburn to a National Championship in 2010 with Cam Newton at the helm. Now, Ashton Daniels is poised to take the reins of the system Malzahn left behind. However, the standout transfer primed to excel without Malzahn is not Daniels.
Enter Texas running back transfer Quintrevion "Tre" Wisner, the player Noles247 insider Brendan Sonnone believes will thrive in Tallahassee.
Sonnone highlights Wisner's strengths as an outside zone runner, where he ranks in the 83rd percentile in yards per carry, compared to the inside zone where he sits at the 63rd percentile. Malzahn’s offense focused heavily on the latter.
Here's why Sonnone thinks Mike Norvell calling the shots will benefit Wisner more.
"FSU's run game is likely to evolve," Sonnone explained. "Under Malzahn, the Inside Zone was FSU's bread and butter."
The influence of offensive line coach Herb Hand, who has Texas roots, shaped the inside running scheme. But Sonnone believes Norvell will make strategic adjustments to play to Wisner's strengths.
"In Norvell's earlier career, run concepts often adapted to personnel," Sonnone noted. "From 2022-24, with Norvell as the primary play caller and Alex Atkins as OC, we saw a mix: Counter (31%), Outside Zone (19%), Inside Zone (16%), and Man (14%) all played significant roles."
Sonnone elaborated on Wisner's potential fit in the post-Malzahn offense.
"Bringing in a player who excels at pushing runs horizontally and finding cutback lanes, then running an offense that didn’t highlight that skill, didn’t make much sense. While Wisner can be a solid inside zone runner due to his vision, his style aligns better with horizontal runs," Sonnone said. "Norvell's track record shows a focus on adapting the scheme to the offense's strengths."
Sonnone is confident that the former College Football Playoff performer will thrive in Tallahassee.
"Wisner was one of FSU's most proven and valuable Transfer Portal additions. Aligning him with an offense that complements his skills is just logical," Sonnone stated.
FSU welcomes a former 1,000-yard rusher from Austin, ready to make his mark.