Florida State’s offseason overhaul has created a real opening for young players, and one true freshman is already drawing attention as the 2026 season approaches.
The Seminoles brought in more than 60 new players this offseason, with most of those additions coming from the prep ranks. It was Mike Norvell’s biggest high school class since he arrived in Tallahassee in #Tribe26, and that kind of influx means Florida State could lean on youth right away. In fact, the Seminoles might start the season with at least one true freshman in the lineup.
Among the newcomers, four-star wide receiver Jasen Lopez has been one of the names that keeps popping up. Even though he missed part of the Tour of Duty and spring practice while playing with the basketball team, the South Florida native still managed to look comfortable once he got back on the field in pads.
Norvell singled out Lopez and fellow true freshman Devin Carter throughout the spring, and both receivers appear to have a shot at earning slot work depending on how the preseason shakes out. Lopez’s rise has now stretched beyond Tallahassee, too. CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford recently listed him among the top true freshmen to watch in the ACC.
“The return of Duce Robinson has overshadowed others at the position, but Lopez has quietly emerged since coming over from Florida State's basketball team,” Crawford wrote. “He handled punt return duties during the spring and cracked the wide receiver rotation.”
“Despite a crowded room in Tallahassee, Lopez has a chance to become a difference-maker this season,” Crawford added.
Crawford also considered Carter and true freshman defensive back Chuck Kennon for the list, but ultimately went with Lopez.
“Devin Carter is another true freshman receiver who has already generated buzz,” Crawford wrote. “Cornerback Chuck Kennon also came up in conversations with sources, but one Florida State source told CBS Sports that either freshman receiver has a clearer path to the field given the Seminoles' depth in the secondary.”
That depth is exactly why Kennon’s path looks tougher than the one facing Lopez and Carter. Florida State has more veteran experience on the back end, which makes the receiver room the more realistic place for a freshman to break through quickly.
Lopez’s prep résumé explains why he’s already in the conversation. He played at Chaminade-Madonna, where he went against some of the best talent in the state. He helped the Lions win four straight state championships from 2021-24 and reached the title game to finish his senior year.
His numbers were just as loud as the hardware. Lopez finished with 313 catches for 5,211 yards and 59 touchdowns, including four straight seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Florida State will get its first look at Lopez in a game setting when the Seminoles open the season against New Mexico State on August 29 at Doak Campbell Stadium.
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