Florida State finally put a depth chart on paper ahead of its matchup with New Mexico State, and the first one of the season gives a clear look at how Mike Norvell’s team is lining up for tonight.
The Seminoles declined to release a preseason depth chart, with Norvell saying the program plans to keep that approach all season. So this Week 1 version is the first official snapshot of where things stand heading into the opener against the Aggies.
At quarterback, Ashton Daniels is listed first, with Malachi Marshall and Kevin Sperry sharing the backup spot as an “OR.” In the backfield, Ousmane Kromah sits atop the first running back slot ahead of Quintrevion Wisner, while Samuel Singleton Jr. is the lead option at the second running back spot with Amari Thomas behind him.
Florida State’s receiver group features Duce Robinson, Micahi Danzy and Jayvan Boggs in the top line. Teriq Mallory, Jasen Lopez and Tae’Shaun Gelsey are listed behind them.
The tight end spot is split between Desirrio Riles and Landen Thomas, who are tied as co-starters.
Up front, the offensive line shows Xavier Chaplin at left tackle, André Otto at left guard, Bradyn Welch-Joiner at center, Nate Pabst at right guard and Chimdia Nwaiwu at right tackle. Each of those spots has a backup listed underneath, with several of them marked by an “OR” designation.
On defense, Darryll Desir is listed first at defensive end, with Deamontae Diggs behind him. Daniel Lyons opens at one defensive tackle spot, while Kevin Wynn and Jordan Sanders are listed together at the other. Mandrell Desir is the starter at the other defensive tackle position, followed by Deante McCray.
Rylan Kennedy is the first-name Jack, with Jalen Anderson behind him. At linebacker, Chris Jones, Omar Graham Jr. and Caleb LaVallee are the top three names, with Izayia Williams, Mikai Gbayor and Blake Nichelson listed as backups or alternates.
In the secondary, Ja’Bril Rawls and Charles Lester III are the cornerbacks, with Quindarrius Jones and Nehemiah Chandler on the next line. Ashlynd Barker is the listed rover, while Jordan Crutchfield and Donny Hiebert share the backup role.
CJ Richard Jr. and K.J. Kirkland are paired at safety, and Ma’Khi Jones is the first nickel, with Ricky Knight III behind him.
Special teams lists Gabe Panikowski as the kicker and Daniel Hughes as the punter. Caleb Bowers is the long snapper, and Carter Jula is listed as the holder.
For return duties, Samuel Singleton Jr. and Micahi Danzy are the kick returners, while Jasen Lopez and Jayvan Boggs are listed for punt returns.
In Other News...
Florida State Fans Now Face A Troubling Devin Carter Injury Question
Devin Carter has become the latest Florida State injury storyline to watch, and this one carries more uncertainty than the usual day-to-day practice update. A public Instagram post from his father, Dexter Carter, said the wide receiver has been dealing with fractures to four lumbar transverse processes, and it painted a picture of a player pushing through significant pain while still trying to stay involved. For a Seminoles offense that values depth and continuity, any extended absence at receiver is worth monitoring closely.
Mike Norvell confirmed Carter is currently unavailable because of injury, but stopped short of adding much detail beyond that. The public account has left fans with more questions than answers, especially after the post said the injury worsened when Carter was hit while wearing a no-contact jersey. For now, Florida State is left waiting on the next update, and Carters timeline remains one of the more unsettling unknowns around the program. [Read more 🡒]
FSU Fans Heading To Doak Face A Game Day Traffic Squeeze
Florida States 2026 football opener at Doak Campbell Stadium will arrive with more than the usual first-game buzz, as fans heading to the final Saturday in August will also have to navigate a tightened traffic plan around campus. The Tallahassee Police Department and Florida State University have already laid out parking guidance, recommended routes and adjusted traffic flow for the day, with the SeminoleSafe App set up as a real-time resource for updates before and after kickoff.
The added wrinkle is the calendar, with Florida A&M also scheduled to play at home on the same day, a setup that could stack traffic across the city and make the approach to Doak more crowded than usual. For Seminole fans, that means leaving extra time, paying close attention to the universitys guidance and expecting a busier-than-normal game day even before the seasons first snap. [Read more 🡒]
Ashton Daniels Rumor Puts Florida State's Week 0 Commitment In Focus
As Florida State turns the page toward its season opener, the quarterback picture has settled in a way that leaves little room for interpretation. Ashton Daniels was named the starter in the spring and held that spot through fall camp, and the Seminoles official depth chart made it clear he is still in line to open the year under center.
Still, the chatter around Daniels surfaced enough for David Pollack to ask about it publicly, which says something about how closely people are watching the Seminoles first real decision point of the season. For Florida State, the important part is that the rumor never turned into a camp battle, and the Week 0 commitment appears to be exactly what the staff said it was all along. [Read more 🡒]