Florida State heads into 2026 with no shortage of talent in the secondary, but the Seminoles still have a clear issue to clean up: finishing plays.
The numbers from 2025 tell the story. Florida State allowed 190 passing yards per game, good for No. 28 in the FBS, yet the group struggled to consistently disrupt throws.
The Seminoles finished with 36 passes defended and 24 pass breakups, averaging just three passes defended per game. That placed them No. 127 nationally in that category.
They also have to replace safety Earl Little Jr., who transferred to Ohio State.
Now the focus shifts to a group that mixes veteran holdovers, experienced transfers and a few players with real production behind them.
Ja’bril Rawls is one of the faces of that unit. He represented Florida State at ACC Kickoff and is expected to take on a leadership role in 2026.
Last season, Rawls put up 40 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery, two tackles for loss and two pass breakups. Phil Steele named him a preseason second-team All-ACC selection.
Rawls also pointed to the Seminoles’ issues getting off the field on third down, saying, “Uh just making sure that we harpen on that particular down because third and fourth down those are the money down those are the dials that's going to get you off the field or either going to have you on the field. So, uh just us being able to know the situation our situational awareness but get that is uh tuned in,” Rawls said.
Ashlynd Barker brings a different kind of value. Already a college graduate, he can put his full attention on football, and his 2025 season backed up the hype.
Barker finished with 48 tackles, five tackles for loss, two pass breakups and 3.5 sacks, the most by a defensive back at Florida State since Derwin James in 2015. His leadership has already been recognized, too, as he was chosen to signal the end of summer workouts by “breaking the rock.”
Florida State also adds experience through the portal and across the depth chart. CJ Richard comes in after playing at FCS runner-up Illinois State, where he logged three interceptions, one fumble recovery and 60 tackles across 17 games. Phil Steele named him Freshman All-American.
Ma’khi Jones brings another veteran presence after appearing in 14 games at Duke last season. He totaled 35 tackles, one forced fumble and one forced fumble. In a win over Clemson, Jones had a career-high six tackles.
Quindarrius Jones is another familiar name in the room. Entering his fourth year in the Florida State program, he has 25 career tackles and is projected to start in 2026, even with limited action to this point.
Then there’s Nehemiah Chandler, who may force his way into the mix quickly. Chandler played in 11 games last season, starting 10 for South Alabama, and posted 32 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions.
He also had 13 pass breakups, tying a school record and ranking No. 2 in the FBS. That production earned him second-team All-Sun Belt honors, and it gives him a strong case for playing time in Tallahassee.
Fall camp opens for Florida State on July 29, with preparation for week zero game week beginning August 24. The Seminoles host New Mexico State on August 29.
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