Florida State is looking for answers up front, and Kevin Wynn may be one of the first places the Seminoles turn.
Through three games, the defensive line has been a problem area for FSU. The pass rush hasn’t shown much life, and Alabama controlled the line of scrimmage on the ground in Saturday’s loss. With that kind of strain showing up early, the staff has reasons to rethink how it’s using the pieces already on hand.
Wynn stands out as the most obvious candidate to take on more. Less than two years ago, the sophomore defensive lineman was the highest-ranked prospect in Florida State’s #Tribe25 class, and there was real momentum behind his development before an injury late in preseason stalled what could have been a larger freshman role in 2025.
Since then, Wynn has spent the offseason rebuilding himself physically and working back toward full strength. That work is starting to show.
His playing time has grown in each of his three appearances, and he logged 16 snaps against Alabama, the most he’s seen so far. That game also produced his highest PFF grade of the season. Florida State, for now, is easing him in rather than loading him up.
Mike Norvell said the Seminoles are encouraged by what they’re seeing.
"He's coming along. He's a guy we've had to manage a little bit throughout," Norvell said.
"He's putting in a lot of good work. You feel his speed.
You saw some flashes from him. Obviously, a big presence.
He's done a great job with his body."
"Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to see that progression where you get in 20, 25 snaps in a game. Productive snaps," Norvell added. "And I think that would be a really good spot, would help us on there on that defensive front."
The body transformation has been a big part of Wynn’s progress. He said he dropped weight over the spring and summer, and he feels the difference every time he takes the field.
"I feel real light. I'll tell you, I'm moving.
I can move better. I feel way more explosive like I used to," Wynn said.
"Once I dropped all that weight, just getting back into the groove like I used to be, it just feels way better and more healthier for me to do what I need to do on the field and execute."
So far, Wynn has 4 tackles in his three appearances.
Florida State will be back in action Saturday, September 26, against Central Arkansas. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.
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