Florida State’s transfer haul was assembled to solve problems right away, and a few of those newcomers are already positioned to force their way into the ACC conversation by season’s end.
The most obvious candidate is linebacker Jones. With a résumé like his, it would be a surprise if he’s not in the mix come December. The Southern Miss transfer already picked up second-team preseason All-ACC honors from Athlon Sports, and he’s expected to be a major piece of Florida State’s defense.
Jones put together a monster sophomore season at Southern Miss, piling up 135 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. That kind of production made him one of the most productive linebackers in the country, and it wasn’t just volume work.
He was affecting plays behind the line, too. If he brings that same level to Florida State in 2025, postseason recognition should be well within reach.
Running back Wisner also has a real path to honors, though his case is more about opportunity than preseason buzz. He’s expected to form a one-two punch with rising sophomore Ousmane Kromah, and that setup could give him plenty of chances to make noise.
Wisner showed what he can do against top competition in his final season at Texas. In five games against AP-ranked opponents, the Mexia, Texas, native produced 537 yards from scrimmage and averaged 107.4 yards per game in those matchups. Over his college career, he has 2,191 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns across 38 games.
Florida State’s rebuilt offensive line should help create the kind of room Wisner needs to build on that track record.
Then there’s Hughes, who might be the sleeper in this group because specialists usually don’t get the same spotlight as skill players and defenders. Still, his background makes him worth watching.
The Melbourne, Australia, native came to Florida State after earning Ray Guy Award semifinalist honors at New Mexico. There, he averaged 45.4 yards per punt and placed 13 kicks inside the 20.
Head coach Muike Norvell has made special teams a priority throughout his tenure, and that could give Hughes more visibility than a punter typically gets. For specialists, the conversation is about more than raw distance; field position and hang time help define the best at the position, and that’s what tends to separate the ACC’s top punters.
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A Familiar FSU Game Day Voice Just Broke His Silence
Woody Hayes, the familiar public address voice at Doak Campbell Stadium for 17 seasons, has finally spoken publicly about being replaced, and the longtime Florida State announcer did not hide how much the move stung. Hayes said the decision came abruptly and left him with little understanding of why it happened, a jarring end for someone who had become part of the game day fabric in Tallahassee.
Hayes still handles Florida State mens and womens basketball, but even that part of his role now comes with uncertainty. Florida State has not commented publicly on the change, leaving one of the programs more recognizable voices in an awkward spot as he waits to see whether the rest of his duties will remain intact. [Read more 🡒]
Phil Steeles Latest FSU Projection Turns Up The Pressure
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Even with those adjustments, Phil Steeles final ACC projection puts the Seminoles in a tie for ninth, a reminder of how steep the climb still looks. Clemson, Miami, Louisville, SMU, Pittsburgh and Boston College are all slotted around or ahead of Florida State, leaving the Seminoles with little margin for error and plenty to prove before the season can reshape the conversation. [Read more 🡒]