Hosts: Mark Rogers (Voice of College Football) & Gus Wilson (FSUVOCFB / recent FSU graduate)

Length: ~37 minutes

Platform: FSUVOCFB / Voice of College Football

Episode Summary

A candid, in-depth discussion on the current state of Florida State Seminoles football in the post-spring ball period. The conversation covers Mike Norvell’s tenure (make-or-break 2026 season), key transfer portal additions, quarterback battle, position group breakdowns (especially skill positions), recruiting/fan sentiment, historical context, and broader program challenges including NIL/revenue share realities and in-state recruiting struggles. Gus Wilson, who attended every game last season and has deep campus connections, provides insider perspective.

Key Topics & Takeaways

1. Introduction & Gus Wilson Background (00:00–01:09)

• Gus is from Key West, FL; transferred from Auburn to FSU (last 3 years); just graduated with a degree in Media Communications.
• Emphasizes that talking FSU football in May shows true loyalty (and possibly insanity).

2. Mike Norvell’s Tenure & Program Trajectory (Main discussion throughout)

• Norvell’s early years were rough (blamed partly on Willie Taggart’s roster), followed by strong 10-3 and 13-1 seasons, then sharp decline post-playoff snub.
• Consensus: 2026 is make-or-break. Leash is shorter than ever. Campus sentiment is ~50/50 on Norvell.
• Salvageable if he shows improvement, especially in big games and play-calling (he’s calling plays this year).
• Win total thresholds debated: Record alone isn’t enough — context (competitive games vs. top opponents, late-season performance, recruiting) matters more.
• Fan vibe issues: Poor attendance late last season, frustration after 3-0 start collapsed.

3. Transfer Portal & Roster Outlook

• Biggest additions highlighted:
  • Ashton Daniels (QB, from Auburn/Stanford): Dual-threat, good tape despite unimpressive box scores. Short leash expected vs. Kevin Sperry. Rushing upside with new RBs.
  • Trey (Quintravion) Wisner (RB, from Texas): Major get; tough, skilled receiver out of backfield. Expected to form elite 1-2 punch with Usman Kroma.
  • Nehemiah Chandler (DB): Instant impact expected in secondary.
• Portal class had initial hype (Wisner) but lacked star power compared to past classes (e.g., Keon Coleman, Jared Verse).
• Wide receiver room remains talented: Deuce Robinson (returned instead of entering draft), Micah Danzy, freshman Devin Carter (impressing in spring, competing for slot snaps).

4. Quarterback Situation

• Ashton Daniels vs. Kevin Sperry (Sperry has familiarity advantage).
• Malachi Marshall (top JUCO QB) — not on campus for spring but intriguing long-term option; smaller frame but strong stats; could factor in if needed later.
• Broader point: Quarterback acquisition/development via portal is now critical to a coach’s success.

5. Program Challenges & Big Picture

• Recruiting: Struggles keeping top in-state talent vs. Florida/Miami. Must improve to sustain success.
• Financial/NIL Context: FSU not as well-positioned as some peers despite brand. Compared to Clemson (similar recent dips but different expectations).
• ACC Outlook: FSU sits 11th in ACC Championship odds (behind Cal, etc.) per FanDuel — shocking given history.
• Atmosphere & expectations: Can’t afford “rebuilding” years. Fans passionate but frustrated; empty stadiums and booing are red flags.
• Historical greatness (Bowden/Fisher eras) creates high standards — recent sub-.500 performance unacceptable long-term.

6. Closing Thoughts

• Emphasis on on-field performance over pure win-loss record for Norvell’s job security.
• Optimism around certain skill players (Wisner, Daniels’ mobility, Deuce Robinson, Devin Carter) but realistic about challenges.
• Invitation for viewers to join future shows (Tuesdays at 8 PM for FSU-specific content).

Notable Tone

Balanced but urgent. Both hosts acknowledge talent pockets and Norvell’s prior success while stressing the need for visible improvement in 2026 to avoid a coaching change. Gus provides fresh, on-campus insight; Mark offers broader historical and national perspective.

Recommended For: FSU fans wanting spring ball takeaways, portal analysis, and honest program evaluation ahead of the 2026 season. Great recruiting/update episode with strong guest chemistry.

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Hosts: Jacob Smith & Gus Wilson

Date/Context: 5/5/2026 Recent episode covering FSU spring/summer sports outlook (baseball, softball, football, basketball). Both hosts recently graduated college.

Overall Theme & Conclusion

The episode explores whether Florida State athletics are rising or treading water. Strong consensus: FSU is on the rise, led by dominant non-revenue sports and a basketball turnaround under Luke Laux. Football lags but shows positive off-field signs, with optimism for a rebound. The hosts emphasize momentum across programs and urge fans to "look out for us this next year and the year after."

Key Segments & Takeaways

1. Baseball Outlook

• Two series left: vs. Clemson, then Miami.
• Recent form: Sweep of Pitt + midweek win over USF = strong momentum.
• Strengths: Hot bats, solid pitching (John Abraham ~1.08 ERA, Wes Mendez ~2.25 ERA).
• Challenges: Inconsistent season overall; impact of Miles Bailey’s early injury.
• CWS Odds: +3500 (8th best per FanDuel) → realistic Omaha path if bats stay hot.
• Draft Prospects: Miles Bailey (high pick despite injury), Chase Williams, Wes Mendez, Jamie Arnold comps. Power-hitting tradition (Cal Raleigh-style) highlighted.

2. Softball Outlook

• ACC Tournament: First-round vs. Notre Dame or Georgia Tech.
• Team is “on fire” all year; recent ACC Pitcher/Player of the Week honors (Jazzy Franchich, Jay Soni Beachum).
• Standout Players: Issa Torres (batting .547, near 1.7 OPS – “absurd” dominance).
• Outlook: Strong shot at Women’s College World Series. Desired matchups: Duke (championship) or Stanford (rivalry test).
• Hosts call it the most exciting program right now.

3. Football Notes

• APR Success: Highest-ever or near-top mark (well above FBS average) — “winning off the field.”
• Recent grads and positive culture under Mike Norvell highlighted.
• Transfer/Recruiting Buzz: Ashton Daniels, Malachi Marshall (weight/bulk questions), 2027 HS class (Makai Williams as potential star safety; Derwin James comps for Williams/Kennan).
• Running back depth (Deuce Robinson, Desiré twins, Quintravious Wisner, Jabril Rawls) projected for future NFL talent.

4. Men’s Basketball Turnaround (Luke Laux Era)

• Massive recruiting jump: From ~144th to 12th nationally in one year.
• Incoming talent: Sebastian Rancic (Kevin Durant comparisons), Shawn Abayev, others forming strong core.
• LeJay Jones: Working out with Knicks; projected 2nd-round pick / strong role player (elite 3PT shooter, 6'7" wing).
• Culture reset in NIL/portal era → March Madness expectations for 2025-26.

5. Broader Athletic State

• Non-football dominance: Baseball, softball, women’s soccer still elite.
• Basketball: Hottest recent turnaround.
• Football: Disappointing 2024, but academics, portal activity, and young talent signal rebound.
• Hosts dismiss “treading water” narrative — football’s size amplifies negativity, but overall program momentum is clearly upward.

Memorable Moments / Quotes

• Abraham’s 1.08 ERA guessing game (Gus kept guessing lower).
• “If the bats get hot… anyone can really win.”
• Softball “different vibe” this year.
• “Jumping 130+ spots in recruiting… and you’re going to tell me we’re not one of the hottest programs?”
• Closing call: “Look out for Florida State sports… we’ll be back on top soon enough.”

Episode Vibe: Optimistic, fan-focused, and conversational. Good mix of stats, analysis, and personal excitement from two recent grads now going full-time on the show.

Recommended For: FSU fans wanting a comprehensive spring update and big-picture optimism heading into summer/fall. Go Noles!

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Episode: 325

Date: April 29, 2026 (pre-2026 season discussion)

Host: Mark Rogers Guests: Cole Kruger (Sports Editor, FSView student newspaper; campus insider), George Georgidies (Renegade Report)

Length: ~52 minutes

Platform: FSUVOCFB / Voice of College Football

Episode Summary

The episode captures the frustrated, pessimistic mood of the FSU fanbase amid ongoing struggles under Mike Norvell. Titled "FAN REVOLT?!?", it serves as a "group therapy session" discussing declining program standards, poor NFL Draft performance, recruiting/portal failures, and low expectations for 2026. Fans are angry but not apathetic — a "revolt" driven by high historical standards clashing with recent mediocrity. The tone is blunt and realistic, with calls for major changes while still rooting for on-field success.

Key Topics & Highlights

1. NFL Draft Struggles & Talent Pipeline

• FSU had only 1 draft pick (Daryl Jackson Jr., 4th round) in the 2026 NFL Draft — the lowest in decades.
• Historic streak: At least one pick every year since 1984, but 4 of last 7 years = just 1 pick.
• Under Norvell: 18 total draft picks (11 transfers). 2023 outlier with 10 (many transfers from prior regimes).
• Comparison: Jimbo Fisher (23 picks in ~4 years); recent classes producing little at NFL level.
• No offensive linemen drafted since 2018 (Rick Leonard). Trenches talent drought is critical.

2. Recruiting & Portal Failures

• Post-2023 playoff appearance: Signed 13th-ranked class heavy on 3-stars; many transferred out.
• Portal: Recent classes largely unsuccessful; can't compete with big spenders.
• High school recruiting: Momentum lost; ship has sailed under current staff.
• Examples: Missed on Cam Ward; low spending (e.g., < $1M on some QBs); transfers from smaller programs.
• Outlook: Even a strong 2026 won't easily flip recruiting/portal momentum in Year 6–7 of Norvell.

3. 2026 Season Expectations & "Fan Revolt"

• Realistic record talk: 5–7 wins possible but challenging schedule (road games vs. Bama, Miami, etc.).
• Best-case: 8–9 wins + quality wins (need to beat 1–2 of SMU/Bama/Louisville/Miami/Clemson) could buy time — but depends on how they win (style, competitiveness, blowouts avoided).
• Worst for program long-term: Mediocre success (e.g., 8 wins) that keeps Norvell → prolonged stagnation.
• Fans want wins but recognize deeper issues (philosophy, administration, AD Mike Alford). Many prefer quick reset over slow decline.
• Home atmosphere suffering: Cheap tickets, low turnout expected after renovations.

4. Roster & Coaching Notes

• Bright spots: Deuce Robinson (potential high draft pick), Trey Wisner, Usman Kroma, Micah Danzy, Daniel Lyons, etc.
• QB: Ashton Daniels named starter (experience preferred).
• Criticism: Norvell's portal/HS philosophy unchanged; development stunted by transfers taking reps from young talent.
• No signs of elite recruiting or portal aggression.

5. Broader Context

• FSU standards (Bowden/Fisher era) vs. current reality: Operating like Syracuse/Boston College level.
• Direct correlation: Recruiting → NFL talent → on-field success.
• Administration fault highlighted; lame-duck feel for Norvell.

Notable Quotes

• Cole Kruger: "FSU has had a player... selected every year since 1984. But four out of the last seven years, FSU has only had one NFL draft pick."
• George Georgides: "We're operating at the level of a Syracuse or a Boston College... The draft is a direct correlation."
• On winning 8 games: "The worst thing that could happen is that this thing works out and you win eight games and somehow they decide to keep him."
• Mark Rogers: Discusses angry vs. complacent fanbase; legacy expectations make this one of the toughest situations in the country.

Takeaways

• Fanbase is in revolt mode due to eroded standards, not total apathy.
• 2026 is pivotal but expectations are tempered; sustained success + recruiting surge needed to save Norvell.
• Program needs philosophy shift, big spending, or new leadership for revival.
• Guests provide strong on-campus + analytical perspectives; episode is raw and honest.

Recommended for: FSU fans seeking unfiltered analysis, recruiting/draft context, and 2026 preview vibes. Next episode planned to dive into QB situation.

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Key Segments & Highlights

Opening & Guest Intro

• Gus Wilson introduces himself: FSU graduating senior (Media & Communications + Entrepreneurship minor), aspiring sports journalist, excited about Seminoles football.

2026 NFL Draft – FSU Focus

• Daryl (Gerald) Jackson – Sole FSU draftee, taken early 4th round by New York Jets.
  • Gus liked the fit: rotational DT/nose tackle behind Devondre Sweat and veteran Harrison Phillips.
  • Immediate contributor potential due to Jets’ interior DL needs.
  • Continues Jets-FSU pipeline (Hamza Nasiruddin ’21, Jermaine Johnson ’22/’24, Jordan Travis ’25, now Jackson ’26).
• Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs):
  • Jacob Rizzi (OL) – New England Patriots: Versatile (all 5 positions), good chance to make roster amid OL struggles.
  • Jerry Wilson (CB) – Los Angeles Chargers: 4.31 speed at pro day, strong chance in young/athletic secondary.
  • Squirrel White (WR/Returner) – Chicago Bears: Primarily special teams returner upside.
• Tommy Castellanos – Transitioning to WR; invites to Dolphins & Titans (joining Roydale Williams). Athleticism noted, but QB transition struggles common (reference to John Rhys Plumlee).

Broader Draft Reactions

• Quiet draft for FSU compared to recent years; reflects ongoing rebuild after down 2025 season.
• ACC Standouts: Miami & Clemson dominated (multiple early picks).
  • Clemson: Blake Miller, Peter Woods, TJ Parker, etc., despite disappointing season.
  • Miami: Strong haul including Keontae Scott to Buccaneers.
• Notable: Cade Klubnick (Clemson QB) to Jets; Carson Beck (Miami) early 3rd round to Cardinals.

2027 NFL Draft Outlook for FSU

• Deuce Robinson (WR) – Strong first-round candidate; big-bodied X-receiver prototype.
• Desire twins and others expected high if they return.

Current FSU NFL Players Outlook

• Keon Coleman (Bills) – Breakout candidate with full offseason + Joe Brady.
• Trey Benson (Cardinals) – Depth concerns with new additions; possible change of scenery.
• Others: Ryan Fitzgerald (kicker), Brenden Fisk, etc.

2026 FSU Football Season Preview

• Tough schedule: Alabama, SMU, Virginia, Louisville, Miami, Clemson, etc. Multiple Friday/Monday games.
• Gus’s predicted record: 5-7 (realistic ceiling ~7-5, floor ~4-8).
  • Early losses likely (SMU, Bama, Virginia, etc.).
  • Mid-season stretch could trigger coaching changes.
  • Late wins possible vs. Boston College, Pitt, Florida.
• Rebuilding year; not yet back to ACC contention.

Basketball, Baseball & Softball

• Men’s Basketball: Highly optimistic. Strong recruiting/transfer class (local talent + high-level transfers). Luke Laux praised. Potential NCAA Tournament team (8/9 seed possible).
• Softball: Dominant (43-7); Issa Torres breaking records. Strong College World Series hopes.
• Baseball: Struggling after Miles Bailey injury; still expected to make regionals.

Closing

• Gus plugs socials: @byGusWilson (Instagram/Twitter), LinkedIn as Michael Wilson.
• Next episode: Tuesday 8 PM.
• Sign-off: “Go Noles!”

Overall Tone

Positive on individual FSU draft prospects and basketball/softball momentum; realistic/measured on 2026 football expectations during rebuild. Strong chemistry between Jacob & Gus.

Great introductory episode for Gus Wilson — insightful draft analysis and FSU program overview.

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• Jacob apologizes for sounding sick; hopes viewers are doing well despite pollen.
• References last week's FSU-specific schedule show, where he projected the 'Noles in the 6-6 to 7-5 range.
• Notes the recent naming of Ashton Daniels as FSU's starting QB (veteran transfer from Auburn/Stanford). This has sparked some renewed optimism for a "decent" 2026 season, though outcomes vs. SMU and Alabama will be telling.
• Goal of the episode: Go team-by-team through the ACC master schedule, predict outcomes, and project records. (He uses a visual chart and marks W/L on the fly.)

Key Predictions by Team (Summarized from Jacob's Calls)

Jacob's style is casual and opinionated—he calls out "unlucky schedules," rivalries, and perceived team momentum/transfers. He frequently adjusts on the spot while marking a chart.

Boston College: Struggles heavily. Predicted 2-10. Losses to Cincinnati, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, SMU, Pitt, Duke, Florida State, Notre Dame, Miami. Wins over Maine and Syracuse (home).

Cal: Starts hot but fades (classic Cal trait in his view). Predicted 7-5. Wins over UCLA, Wagner, UNLV, Wake Forest, Virginia, Stanford; losses to Clemson, Virginia Tech, SMU, NC State, Pitt. (He double-checks for consistency.)

Clemson: Strong but not undefeated. Predicted 10-2. Loss to LSU (Brian Kelly gone, but LSU gets it done); demolishes Georgia Southern and North Carolina. Beats most others, including FSU and others in conference play.

Duke: Predicted 6-6. Mixed results—loss to Tulane, loss to Illinois, but wins elsewhere. He likes Georgia Tech more than Duke in their matchup.

Florida State (his team): Sticks close to last week's projection—6-6. Early thoughts: W-L-L-W pattern mentioned; revenge win vs. Virginia; losses to Louisville and Miami; wins over Pitt and NC State; loss to Florida. Optimism tied to Ashton Daniels, but "to be determined" vs. tough non-con (SMU, Alabama) and road games.

Georgia Tech: Predicted 6-6. Wins over Mercer, Stanford, and (surprisingly) Virginia Tech in his final call. Loses five straight at one point but finishes bowl-eligible.

Louisville: One of the stronger teams in his view. Predicted 9-3. Losses to Ole Miss and North Carolina; wins over Villanova, Wake, NC State, FSU, Syracuse, Stanford, Pitt, Kentucky. Solid but not title-contending.

Miami: Easy non-con in his eyes but some weird losses. Predicted 9-3. Beats Stanford, Florida A&M, Wake, FSU, North Carolina; loses to Pitt, Notre Dame, and (randomly) Virginia Tech. Misses CFP in his projection despite strong record.

North Carolina: Predicted 5-7. Loss to TCU (Ireland game), Notre Dame, UConn, Virginia, NC State; wins over Pitt and Syracuse. Falls back to earth.

NC State: Predicted 8-4. Solid mid-tier; beats Cal (cross-country travel advantage), others.

Pitt: Predicted 5-7. Mixed; wins over Syracuse, Bucknell; losses to Miami, etc.

SMU: Predicted 9-3. Strong again—beats BC, Virginia, Wake; losses to Notre Dame, Stanford (LOL call), and possibly Tech. Contender in his eyes.

Stanford: Predicted 3-9. Rough year—win over Hawaii and narrow one over Elon; lots of losses.

Syracuse: Brutal drop-off. Predicted 1-11. Only win over New Hampshire; losses everywhere else (including "for no reason" to Virginia). "Free win nowadays" after being good two years ago and bad last year.

Virginia: Predicted 8-4. Beats Wake, Tech, SMU (in his optimistic calls); solid but not elite.

Virginia Tech: Predicted 9-3. Beats VMI, Old Dominion, Maryland; competitive.

Wake Forest: Predicted 5-7. Wins over Akron, Purdue, Merrimack (miracle?); losses to Virginia, Duke, etc.

Final Projected Records (Jacob's Tally)

• Boston College: 2-10
• Cal: 7-5
• Clemson: 10-2
• Duke: 6-6
• Florida State: 6-6
• Georgia Tech: 6-6
• Louisville: 9-3
• Miami: 9-3
• North Carolina: 5-7
• NC State: 8-4
• Pitt: 5-7
• SMU: 9-3
• Stanford: 3-9
• Syracuse: 1-11
• Virginia: 8-4
• Virginia Tech: 9-3
• Wake Forest: 5-7

ACC Championship: Clemson over Miami (or SMU by miracle tiebreaker). He leans Clemson repeating as champs; Miami falls short despite strong record. Only Clemson as CFP team in his view (9-3 not enough for Miami).

Bowl Teams: Most of the 6+ win teams make it (Cal, Duke, FSU, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, NC State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, etc.). North Carolina sneaks in as one of the last.

Closing Thoughts (~27:00–end)

• Jacob calls the picks "100% correct" (jokingly).
• ACC overview: Miami is the favorite to "repeat" but has never won the ACC title in program history—the trend continues. Clemson could reclaim it (though Dabo's transfer portal usage is questioned). Wild cards: Louisville or SMU sneaking in; even a 7-5 Duke winning it would be "fun."
• Quick FSU recruiting note: Class looks solid; Ashton Daniels named starter recently—Jacob thinks he'll be "pretty good."
• Thanks viewers; episode 12 already. Plans for a new co-host soon. Subscribe, like, comment on whether his takes are hot, lukewarm, or "freezing cold."
• Sign-off: "Go Noles!"

Overall Vibe

Fun, unfiltered, low-production (chart marking, mic checks, coughs) FSU fan perspective. Jacob acknowledges his predictions can be off (admitted messing up last year) but enjoys the process. Heavy on subjectivity ("for no reason," "by some miracle," "they got nothing").

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• Tone and Context: Candid, realistic assessment of FSU football. The program is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons (2-10 in 2024, 5-7 in 2025). The vibe around Tallahassee is described as low, with high expectations for a historic program clashing against recent reality. No spring game was held (consistent with recent trends); the team used three internal scrimmages instead.
• Key Theme: This is a "prove-it" year for head coach Mike Norvell. Heavy reliance on the transfer portal in recent years hasn't yielded sustained success, and in-state recruiting has lagged behind rivals like Miami and Florida. The conversation balances frustration with guarded optimism around talent pockets (especially at wide receiver) and the need for better execution, cohesion, and fundamentals.

Historical Context and What Went Wrong (2023–2025)

• Norvell's Challenges:
  • Not a strong high school recruiter, especially in Florida. Many starters in recent years were portal additions, not "homegrown" or even in-state players.
  • 2023 success (13-1) gave way to struggles. The portal "gave and took away"—athletes from bigger programs often didn't gel or perform at FSU (e.g., Malik Benson barely played but thrived at Oregon).
  • 2024 and 2025 offenses were inconsistent despite additions like Gus Malzahn's influence. Wide receiver room in 2024 was called one of the worst seen in terms of blocking and route-running.
  • Quarterback Issues: DJ Uiagalelei didn't work out. Tommy Castellanos flashed early (notably in the 2025 Alabama upset win, where he showed mobility and the defense flew around), but turnovers plagued him (e.g., crucial picks vs. Virginia and Miami). He pushed out of Boston College and had success on the ground but lacked consistency throwing.
  • Close calls that snowballed: Dropped game-winning TD by Deuce Robinson vs. Virginia; near-misses vs. Stanford; walk-off loss to Georgia Tech in 2024. These "bounces" contributed to lost confidence and poor locker room vibes late in seasons.
  • Defense (under Tony White) started strong in 2025 but collapsed, allowing points in bunches. End-of-season blowout loss to Florida highlighted disarray.
• Program Position: FSU is in a tough spot relative to its history and expectations—not the absolute worst team, but the gap between pedigree and performance feels stark. In-state talent often heads to Miami or Florida; UCF is arguably in a better spot.

Quarterback Situation for 2026

• No starter named after spring (battle likely extends into fall/preseason).
• Ashton Daniels (transfer from Stanford/Auburn): Veteran with dual-threat ability, similar build/style to Castellanos but with a stronger arm. Showed flashes (good games vs. Alabama and Vanderbilt in limited Auburn starts). Has looked solid in spring reps; experience gives him an edge, especially with Norvell coaching for his job.
• Kevin Sperry (redshirt freshman): Good arm, showed potential in limited 2025 action (e.g., vs. Charleston Southern, brief Stanford relief). Has had turnover issues in scrimmages but brings youth and upside.
• Malachi Marshall (JUCO transfer from Iowa Western, arriving summer): National champion, NGCAA D-I Offensive Player of the Year (33 TDs, 8 INTs, 63% completion). Pocket passer with impressive arm talent and some mobility; lighter frame (~<200 lbs). Norvell highlighted him as a name to watch. Could shake up the competition; Cole suggests FSU may need to move away from pure dual-threat QBs after recent experiments.
• Overall: Room needs a strong running game and improved O-line play. Norvell hasn't named a starter, creating intrigue. Daniels seems the safe "prove-it" choice short-term, but Sperry/Marshall could push.

Key Position Groups and Spring Takeaways

• Wide Receivers (Biggest Positive): Strongest/most intriguing group. Deuce Robinson (transfer, ex-USC tight end converted to WR) is a standout—reminds of Keon Coleman; big-play threat, "top 5 receiver in college football" potential. Limited in spring but reliable. Micahi Danzy also returns as a veteran option.
  • True freshmen impressing: Jasen Lopez (dual-threat athlete, also played basketball), Devin Carter (from Atlanta), and EJ White. Norvell praised Lopez and Carter heavily; they're quick, slot-type players who could see early reps. Norvell said they'd "have to regress" not to play in fall. Opportunity for smaller, quicker WRs out of the backfield/slot to create mismatches (pro-style influence noted).
  • Jayvan Boggs was out for spring.
• Defensive Line / Front Seven: Critical for Tony White's 3-3-5 scheme. Need interior pressure (lacked last year).
  • Anchors: Desire twins (Mandrell and Darryll)—high upside, back after portal flirtation.
  • Deamontae McCray and Demonte Diggs (sack in 2025 Alabama game before injury) drawing praise.
  • Linebackers: Caleb Lavelle and Blake Nicholson impressing Norvell (speed, coverage, pressure ability).
• Secondary: Some experience returning (Ashton Barker moving to more of an Earl Little-type anchor role; KJ Kirkland). Barker praised as a potential mentor. Defense generated more turnovers in spring scrimmages than prior year.
• General Spring Focus: Fundamentals, technique, conditioning, depth chart battles. No major spring game for public viewing.

2026 Outlook and Norvell's Job Security

• Schedule: Tough, with few easy games after openers.
  • Home: New Mexico State (Aug 29), SMU (Sep 7, potentially ranked), Central Arkansas (Sep 26), Virginia (Oct 3), Clemson (Oct 31), NC State (Nov 21), Florida (late).
  • Road: Alabama (Sep 19—huge early test), Louisville (Oct 9), Miami (Oct 17), Boston College (Nov 7), Pitt (Nov 13).
  • Bye weeks after SMU and Miami.
• Path to Survival: Norvell is on a very short leash. Ideal start: 3-1 (wins over NMSU, SMU?, Central Arkansas; competitive vs. Alabama). Struggles with cupcakes or a blowout at Alabama could end his tenure quickly (possibly by Week 3 or before October). Losing 4 of first 5-6 ACC games would likely trigger a change (intern/Tim Harris or Tony White step-up speculated).
  • Ceiling: Bowl eligibility possible with talent, but 8+ wins feel optimistic given the slate and recent road woes (last true road win feels distant). No "give-me" games in ACC play; many mid-tier opponents where FSU is at best even.
  • Nuance: It's not just win total—how the team plays (turnovers, effort, late-season vibes) matters. Recent seasons showed early promise fading into checked-out performances.
• Cole's Take: Norvell can't afford to "hand the keys" to a true freshman like Sperry if fighting for his job; experience (Daniels) likely prioritized early. Team has enough pieces for a bowl but needs cohesion.

Closing Notes

• The show positions itself as an ongoing weekly series (aiming for Wednesdays ~p.m. ET). New co-host Cole brings on-campus/FS View perspective alongside Mark's history of FSU coverage.
• FanDuel sponsorship; chat encouraged for questions.
• Overall Vibe: Not overly optimistic ("not great around Tallahassee"), but highlights talent (WRs, certain defenders) and the stakes. "We can get all the content out that we can."

This episode serves as a thorough spring recap and season preview, blending nostalgia for past success (e.g., 2023, the Alabama upset) with frank analysis of structural and execution issues. Future episodes will track the QB battle, fall camp, and early 2026 results.

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• Host: Jacob Smith
• Episode: 11
• Format: Solo show (quick tech hiccup at the start)
• Main Topic: 2026 FSU football schedule breakdown and win/loss predictions
• Tone: Honest, realistic, and fan-frustrated after recent 2-10 and 5-7 seasons. Jacob notes the schedule is tough with "no real breaks" except a few soft non-conference games. He emphasizes uncertainty for FSU fans but highlights spring progress and defensive praise from Tony White.
• Key Theme: Will FSU reach bowl eligibility (6+ wins), or is another sub-.500 season likely? Early optimism for 7 wins has been tempered.

2026 FSU Football Schedule & Jacob's Predictions

Jacob walks through the schedule game-by-game, referencing recent opponent performances (mostly 2025 results). He calls the slate unforgiving outside of a couple of FCS/Group of 5 games.

Confirmed 2026 Schedule (based on the episode and official details):

• Aug 29: vs New Mexico State (Home) — Win (confident; NMSU went 4-8 in 2025 with wins over weak FCS/G5 teams like Bryant, Tulsa, Sam Houston, UTEP; blown out by Tennessee).
• Sep 7: vs SMU (Home) — Loss (SMU was strong in 2025: 9-4 overall, 6-2 in ACC, playoff contender vibe in prior years; lots of winnable games on their slate).
• Sep 19: at Alabama (Away, Bryant-Denny) — Loss (Alabama has a gauntlet but remains an "institution"; no shot at Bryant-Denny).
• Sep 26: vs Central Arkansas (Home, FCS) — Win (decisive; not expecting a Jacksonville State-style scare).
• Oct 3: vs Virginia (Home) — Loss (Virginia was strong in 2025, reached ACC title game, won Gator Bowl; good non-con schedule in 2026).
• Oct 9: at Louisville (Away) — Loss (Louisville had an easy 2025 non-con but went 8-4 or 9-4; tough road game).
• Oct 17: at Miami (Away) — Loss (Miami has owned recent matchups; easy 2026 non-con for them).
• Oct 31: vs Clemson (Home) — Loss (Clemson had a down 2025 but still "owns" FSU historically; rebound expected).
• Nov 7: at Boston College (Away) — Win (BC projected as very weak, possibly 1-11 or 0-12).
• Nov 13: at Pitt (Away) — Loss (Pitt was competitive in 2025; road game in Pittsburgh swings it).
• Nov 21: vs NC State (Home) — Win (flip from earlier prediction; NC State seen as middle-of-the-road).
• Nov 28: vs Florida (Home, rivalry) — Loss (Florida had a rough 2025 but still favored; new QBs on both sides).

Final Predicted Record: 5-7 (no bowl game).

• Wins: New Mexico State, Central Arkansas, Boston College, NC State (+1 more possible flip).
• Earlier prediction was also 5-7; spring scrimmage and transfer portal activity didn't change the overall outlook much, though Pitt was flipped to a loss and NC State to a win.
• Jacob notes only Pitt and Florida feel like true "maybe" games that could swing the season. A 3-win floor feels possible if things go poorly, but upside exists for 6-7 if spring momentum carries over.

Overall Takeaways on Football:

• Schedule is brutal: Power opponents like Alabama, SMU, Virginia, Louisville, Miami, Clemson with few easy ACC games.
• Recent history (2-10, 5-7) creates low confidence, but "hope every year" for Noles fans.
• Encouraging notes: Spring scrimmage progress, Tony White's high praise for defense/offense, transfer portal activity.
• If 5-7 happens again, "it's over" for the current era/coaching staff (humorous Kawhi Leonard "It's over" meme graphic referenced).
• Advice to fans: Attend the blowout home games vs. New Mexico State or Central Arkansas for fun.

Other FSU Sports Segments

Basketball (Positive Outlook):

• Luke Loucks (new head coach) is building something strong.
• Recent transfer: Sean Abaiv (or similar spelling; former Cincinnati player, McDonald's All-American pedigree, 4-star transfer averaging solid minutes/points).
• Recruiting class: Ranked ~23rd nationally (or top 9-10 composite) with multiple 4-star transfers + high school talents like Jason Lopez (3-star dual-sport phenom).
• Surrounded by tournament teams in the rankings; Loucks prioritizing player health/well-being (declined NIT to avoid a deflating loss and focus on development).
• Projection: Minimum 20 wins next season feels realistic; NIT or better ACC tournament run possible. Long-term, FSU could shift toward "basketball school" vibes under Loucks—Jacob fully supports it.

Baseball (Quick Recap):

• Currently strong vs. Stetson (9-2 lead mentioned).
• Recent tough loss to Georgia Tech (17-3).
• Upcoming: Favorable but not automatic (Notre Dame, North Florida, Stanford road trip, USF, Pitt, Jacksonville, Clemson, Miami).
• Projection: Likely NCAA Regionals; Super Regionals or College World Series possible but requires going 2/3 or better in most ACC series. Coach Link Jarrett trusted to keep them competitive.

Closing

• Jacob thanks viewers, plugs his Twitter (@jsmith_sports or similar), and ends with "Go Noles!"
• Light-hearted moments: Tech issues, meme references, self-deprecating "do I know ball?" question to comments.
• Overall vibe: Realistic pessimism on 2026 football tempered by hope in roster building and non-football sports trending up.

This episode serves as a thoughtful, fan-level schedule preview with balanced analysis rather than pure hype.

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• Jacob Smith welcomes Seminoles Nation.
• Show presented by FanDuel.
• Acknowledges it's a short stream due to other commitments (possibly watching games later).

Men's Basketball Tournament Recap

• Highlights the national championship game: Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 to win the title.
• Jacob notes it was a close, nerve-wracking game, especially during UConn's late push, but Michigan pulled it out for their second national championship.
• Personal rooting interest: Jacob cheered for Michigan partly because of his dad's past fandom (pre-sign-stealing scandal) and because Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic) played there.
• Congrats extended to all Wolverines fans.

Florida State Baseball Deep Dive (~00:01:22 – end)

Current Standing (as of the stream):

• Overall record: Mentioned as "and seven" (context suggests around 24-7 at the time; FSU entered the week strong).
• Ranked #5 nationally (D1Baseball and others).
• ACC standings note: Georgia Tech was the top ACC team and ranked higher nationally (#3 overall) than FSU at the time of the show.

Tonight's Game (vs. Florida – in progress during stream):

• Top of the 5th inning, Florida leading 2-1.
• Jacob called Florida an unranked but historically tough "Achilles heel" rival for FSU.

Upcoming Schedule Highlights:

• This weekend (April 9-11): Huge series at Georgia Tech (Yellow Jackets) — #5 FSU at #3 Georgia Tech. Described as one of the best matchups of the year. Games Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
• Jacob's prediction: FSU splits the series (like they did at Virginia, winning 2-1), but it will be closer and competitive. Possible high-scoring games early, then lower-scoring as pitching adjusts. Optimistic FSU takes at least 2 of 3.
• Followed by: Stetson (home), Notre Dame, North Florida, at Stanford, USF (home), Pitt (home), Jacksonville (home), at Clemson, Miami (home).
• Season is in the back half — roughly a month and a week left.

Team Strengths & Outlook:

• Offense: Elite hitting core. High OPS, slugging, etc. Standout performers mentioned:
  • Jace Estes (~1.142 OPS)
  • Will LeVar (~1.048 OPS)
  • Braden Dowd (~.984 OPS)
  • Myles Bailey was out (injured), but the depth is "out of this world."
• Pitching: Dominant low ERA staff. Examples include John Abraham (~0.61 ERA), Jake Echols, Wes Mendes, Trey Beard (all sub- or very low ERA; some noted as ".XI" — likely sub-1.00 or low-2.00 range in context).
• Jacob: This team is "built for May" (postseason baseball). Strong statistical profile overall.

NCAA Tournament Projection (Bracketology):

• FSU projected as a #1 seed (Tallahassee Regional host).
• Baseball America had them as the 6th-best #1 seed.
• Likely regional opponents: Texas State, Connecticut, Campbell.
• Outlook: Hosting regional is locked in; Super Regionals and College World Series appearance are realistic but will depend on matchups and travel.
• Path reminder: Win 3 in regional → Super Regional; win another → CWS.
• Jacob asked viewers: Is this team built to win in May, or will they exit early in regionals again? (He leans optimistic.)

Closing & Additional Notes (~00:08:05 – end)

• Apology for starting a bit late.
• Call for viewer debate in comments.
• Shoutout to Florida State Esports:
  • Focus on the Splatoon team (competitive Splatoon 3).
  • 4th playoff appearance in 5 seasons; 3rd semifinals appearance.
  • Facing UC Santa Cruz Slugs in semifinals on Sunday, April 12.
  • Stream likely on Twitch; Jacob planned to share the link.
• Final thanks to viewers. Follow Jacob on X: @jsmith_sports (or similar handle).
• Sign-off: "Have a wonderful rest of your day. We'll see you next week."

Overall Tone & Style

• Casual, enthusiastic, and fan-friendly.
• Heavy optimism about FSU baseball's 2026 season and postseason potential.
• Kept short and sweet as promised.
• Balanced baseball analysis with personal touches (e.g., Michigan rooting interest, esports shoutout).

This episode served as a quick hit on the basketball title while centering the strong start to FSU baseball and previewing the critical Georgia Tech series.

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• Fun, fan-oriented solo show with bracket talk, personal stories, and light humor (e.g., celebrating Florida and Miami eliminations, "corn-mageddon" for Iowa-Nebraska).
• Jacob shared his strong early-round bracket performance (one entry ranked ~6,000th out of 30 million) and admitted some misses (like Florida losing to Iowa).
• He built a "second-chance" bracket with in-depth game-by-game reasoning, leaning on stats like KenPom, offense/defense balance, and historical trends.
• Ended with women's bracket, baseball, and a shoutout to FSU Splatoon esports.

Men's March Madness Discussion (Main Focus)

Jacob called this one of the most interesting Final Fours in years (no all-#1s like last year, after Florida's upset loss to Iowa). He noted Purdue's easy path to Elite Eight and highlighted toss-ups.

Sweet 16 Matchups & His Quick Takes:

• Duke vs. St. John's: Duke looks best on paper but struggled early vs. Siena. He picked Duke (citing a weird historical trend: teams beating Mount St. Mary's the prior year often win it all), but liked St. John's (Pitino factor) for a potential upset.
• Michigan State vs. UConn: Very close (52-48 odds for UConn). Michigan State has better offense; UConn better defense. He leaned defense-wins-championships → UConn.
• Purdue vs. Texas: Purdue favored; he saw their run potentially ending soon.
• Iowa vs. Nebraska ("corn-mageddon" rivalry): Nebraska leads in most KenPom categories → Nebraska.
• Illinois vs. Houston: Big offensive showdown; he leaned Houston.
• Michigan vs. Alabama: Michigan takes care of business.
• Arizona vs. Arkansas: Arizona handles it easily.
• Other notes: Liked Iowa State's shot; called Duke "fraudulent" at times; referenced streamer MoistCr1tikal's funny Michigan State-to-championship prediction (possibly vs. Michigan).

His Second-Chance/Final Four Prediction (fun "100% confirmed" version for laughs):

• Elite Eight advanced: Nebraska, others leading to a Big Ten-heavy Final Four.
• He jokingly went all-in on a Big Ten quadfecta (Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Purdue? — with Michigan vs. Michigan State in the title game). Called it the "Big Ten quadfecta" — would be hilarious if it happened.

He showed multiple brackets, praised his own "ball knowledge," and noted the top public bracket only had 3 wrong so far. Overall vibe: Wide-open tournament; could see a 3-seed crash the Final Four.

Women's March Madness

More "chalk" (favorites advancing). All #1s still alive at Sweet 16 stage.

Sweet 16 Teams Mentioned:

• UConn, North Carolina, UCLA, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, LSU, Duke, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, TCU, Virginia.

His Takes & Second-Chance Picks:

• UConn is a massive favorite (odds like -100,000); "utterly dumb" dominance → easy pick to win it all.
• UCLA (33-1) strong.
• Liked LSU (familiar from past FSU matchup; good coach).
• Upset special: Notre Dame over Vanderbilt (due to Hannah Hidalgo — he saw her destroy FSU live, met her courtside while working the game; called her excellent).
• Other picks: Texas, Michigan, South Carolina, TCU advancing in regions.
• Final Four-ish: UConn, UCLA, etc., with UConn winning the championship. Notre Dame run likely ends in Elite Eight.

He emphasized picking #1s far in women's brackets as a safe strategy.

FSU Baseball Quick Hit

• Record at the time: 19-4 (strong season).
• Playing Florida that night (down 5-0 in top 8th; "we're cooked" — humorous).
• Upcoming: Home series vs. Duke (March 27-29).
• Then at Stetson.
• Ranked ~top 10-25 in Baseball America/D1 Baseball polls.
• Optimism: Another College World Series push, hosting regionals, maybe getting "over the hump" past Super Regionals.

Closing & Shoutouts

• Thanks for tuning into recent solo shows.
• Follow him on X: @jsmith_sports.
• Big plug for FSU Splatoon esports (his team?): Undefeated (4-0), clinched playoffs, next vs. Houston. Deserves fan support — follow @FSUSplatoon on X. "If you care about FSU athletics at all, give them some love."
• Camera was partially cut off the whole show (self-deprecating joke).
• Sign-off: Enjoy the tournament, great week, see you next time.

Solid, breezy episode full of bracket enthusiasm and Seminole pride. Jacob's predictions leaned chalk with some fun chaos (all-Big Ten Final Four), and the Hidalgo story added a nice personal FSU touch.

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• Host: Jacob Smith (solo, as co-host Matthew lenix was unavailable due to moving).
• Theme: Unofficial kickoff to March Madness 2026, focusing on bracket predictions, picks, and analysis using KenPom stats, despite Florida State not making the tournament.
• Tone: Casual, enthusiastic "ball knowledge" sharing with commentary, some chalk-heavy predictions (favoring higher seeds in this era of NIL/conference realignment), and personal biases (e.g., UCF fanboy moments).
• Length/Style: Live stream-style breakdown, screen-sharing bracket, reacting to ongoing First Four game (Howard vs. UMBC at ~63-51 Howard lead mid-episode; later updates show Howard winning 86-83 for their first NCAA tourney win).
• Key Quote: "This is not the year of sixteen beats a one... it's just not." (Emphasizing chalk in modern college hoops.)

Main Segments

1. Intro & Setup (00:00–~02:00)
   • Welcomes viewers to official March Madness start.
   • Notes FSU absence but pivots to tournament hype.
   • Jumps into bracket picks region-by-region, using KenPom for insights.
2. First Round Predictions & Analysis (~02:00–~18:00+)
   • Heavy reliance on KenPom rankings (offense/defense, points per possession, rebounding, turnovers, etc.).
   • Predicts mostly chalk (top seeds advancing), but notes some toss-ups and potential upsets.
   • Highlights:
     • Ohio State vs. TCU: Split, leans TCU defense but picks OSU in some brackets.
     • UNI vs. St. John's: Loves Rick Pitino; picks St. John's (better offense).
     • Kansas vs. Cal Baptist: Kansas easily (no Cal Baptist upsets in his brackets).
     • Louisville vs. USF: Torn, leans Louisville but has USF in some.
     • Michigan State vs. North Dakota State: Easy MSU.
     • UCF vs. UCLA: UCF fan hope, but picks UCLA.
     • UConn vs. Furman: Easy UConn.
     • Florida vs. Lehigh: Easy Florida.
     • Clemson vs. Iowa: Leans Iowa but picks Clemson redemption.
     • Vandy vs. McNeese: Vandy momentum.
     • Nebraska vs. Troy: Nebraska wins first tourney game.
     • UNC vs. VCU: UNC experience over trendy VCU upset pick.
     • Illinois vs. Penn: Illinois (elite offense).
     • St. Mary's vs. Texas A&M: Picks St. Mary's defense.
     • Houston vs. Idaho: Easy Houston.
     • West Region: Arizona over LIU; picks Utah State over Villanova; High Point over Wisconsin (regrets likely); Arkansas over Hawaii; NC State over BYU/Texas; Gonzaga over Kennesaw; Miami (FL) over Missouri; Purdue over Queens.
     • Midwest/South: Michigan over Howard; Georgia over St. Louis (SEC bias but KenPom favors SLU); Akron potential over Texas Tech; Alabama over Hofstra; Tennessee over SMU; Kentucky over Santa Clara; Iowa State over someone (100% certain).
3. Round of 32, Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final Four, Championship (~18:00–end)
   • Advances chalk mostly: Duke, UConn, Florida, Houston, Arizona, Gonzaga/Purdue battles, etc.
   • Sweet 16 leans: Duke over St. John's; UConn over MSU; Florida revenge over Vandy; Houston over Illinois (defense wins); Arizona over Arkansas; Gonzaga over Purdue.
   • Elite 8/Final Four: Duke over UConn; Houston over Florida; Arizona over Gonzaga; Michigan advances.
   • Championship: Duke over Michigan (cites fun trend: teams beating Mount St. Mary's prior year win title next; Duke did last year).
   • Overall: Very chalky bracket (all 1-seeds strong except some 4s); 22 brackets made, this one dedicated to "Florida State Crime Time Live."
4. Other Notes & Wrap-Up
   • Mentions multiple brackets (chalky ones, UCF Elite 8 dream, goofy names, KenPom-based).
   • Some regrets/potential Ls: Penn over Illinois? High Point? Akron?
   • Promotes subscribe/like/comment/follow @jsmith_sports.
   • Ends positively, teases next Tuesday stream.

Notable Takeaways

• Emphasizes modern era makes Cinderella runs rarer (NIL funnels talent to blue-bloods).
• Personal flair: UCF homer picks, hates Miami (FL), excited for potential Florida-UCF/USF chaos (didn't happen).
• Live element: Reacts to Howard/UMBC score (Howard pulling away).

This was a fun, stats-driven solo breakdown—perfect for bracket enthusiasts debating picks right as the tournament kicked off!

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• Saturday, August 29 – New Mexico State (Week 0 opener at Doak Campbell Stadium)
• Monday, September 7 – SMU* (Labor Day game, ACC opener)
• Saturday, September 19 – at Alabama
• Saturday, September 26 – Central Arkansas
• Saturday, October 3 – Virginia*
• Friday, October 9 – at Louisville*
• Saturday, October 17 – at Miami*
• Saturday, October 31 – Clemson* (Halloween game)
• Saturday, November 7 – at Boston College*
• Friday, November 13 – at Pitt*
• Saturday, November 21 – NC State*
• Friday, November 27 – Florida (rivalry finale, day after Thanksgiving)

• FSU plays eight ACC games (one of five teams in the league with this in 2026; most play nine).
• Two bye weeks: After SMU (leading into Alabama) and after Miami (before Clemson).
• Three Friday games total (Louisville, Pitt, Florida) — the first time since 1955 FSU has three Fridays, and four non-Saturday games overall (a program first).
• Non-conference: Tough SEC road trip to Alabama (revenge after FSU's 2025 win in Tallahassee?); cupcakes in New Mexico State and FCS Central Arkansas.
• The schedule is widely viewed as one of the tougher ones in the ACC, with a brutal mid-season road stretch (Louisville → Miami → Clemson → BC → Pitt, four of five away, two Fridays).

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Portal chaos isn’t just a Florida State problem. It’s happening everywhere across college football. So, Seminole fans, don’t believe the narrative that this is isolated to Tallahassee. That said, the real question remains: is there hope for 2026?

We’ll break it all down right here on Voice of College Football – Florida State Live, coming to you on a Thursday night.

Before we get rolling, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell. With shows rotating between Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays — and with hosts George, James, and myself — you’ll want those alerts turned on so you never miss a live show.

We’re presented by FanDuel, and later in the show we’ll also touch on the national championship game.

George from the Renegade Report Joins the Show

George from the Renegade Report joins me tonight. George, appreciate you being here.

“Absolutely, man. Thanks for having me. And honestly, I’m glad we still have these shows because it gives me a place to vent.”

Like many Florida State fans, George hasn’t been doing as many shows recently — not because of lack of passion, but because of the current state of the program.

Florida State Adds Linebackers — But What Does It Really Mean?

Florida State recently added Chris Jones, a linebacker from Southern Miss.

Let’s be clear — Jones was highly productive:

• Led the Sun Belt in tackles

• Seventh nationally in total tackles

• 133 stops, 9.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks

• Forced a fumble and recorded an interception

Yes, it came in the Sun Belt, but production is production. At minimum, he can wrap up ball carriers, and Mike Norvell has historically done well developing Group of Five defenders.

The question, though, isn’t effort or instincts — it’s context.

“What does a linebacker need to be successful?”
“A defensive line.”

And that’s where the concern begins.

Another Linebacker Added: Mai (Malik) Gabor

FSU also brought in Mai (Malik) Gabor, formerly of North Carolina. A familiar name to die-hard fans — someone the staff previously recruited out of high school.

• 6’2”, 230 lbs

• 112 career tackles

• 5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, forced fumble

A solid depth piece — but again, not a difference-maker without defensive line help.

The Bigger Problem: Losses Everywhere

Here’s the issue:
It’s not that Florida State is losing elite stars — it’s that they’re losing every reliable piece they had.

These weren’t All-Americans.
They weren’t Heisman contenders.
They were functional building blocks — and almost all of them are gone.

Some of the most damaging losses:

• Juice Cryer (LB, Texas)

• Omar Graham Jr.

• Randy Pittman Jr. (TE, SMU)

• Edwin Joseph (Safety, Michigan)

• Amari Williams (Edge, Mississippi State)

• Kai Bates, Elijah Moore, Camden Frier

• James Williams, Jaden Jones, Jason Jenkins

• Daryl and Mandrell Desir (potentially)

“These weren’t stars — but they were the only guys keeping the team afloat.”

The Desir Twins Situation Is Unforgivable

This is where frustration turns into disbelief.

Florida State hit the lottery with the Desir twins — under-recruited players who became legitimate foundational pieces. In today’s college football, where depth is thin and snaps are massive, you cannot let those players walk.

“I don’t care if you had to allocate 40% of your NIL budget to two players — you keep them.”

You can’t:

• Miss on high school recruiting

• Miss on portal evaluations

• Miss on retention

…and then let your best defensive linemen leave.

That’s not roster building. That’s surrender.

Is Florida State Operating Like a G5 Program?

This is the uncomfortable truth many fans are wrestling with.

“Florida State is operating like a Group of Five program — and not a smart one.”

There appears to be:

• A self-imposed NIL cap

• A reluctance to compete for top portal talent

• Minimal urgency to retain proven contributors

The theory?

“They’re waiting for 2030.”

Waiting for:

• A new conference

• Bigger media payouts

• A reset window

If that’s the case, then 2026 looks like a placeholder season, not a push season.

Quarterback Reality: You Must Pay to Play

Every playoff team — with very few exceptions — has a transfer quarterback.

FSU didn’t just miss on one. They missed on two consecutive portal QBs.

And now?

They add Ashton Daniels, a capable backup-level quarterback — not a program lifter.

“If he’s your starter, you’re not competing for an ACC title.”

This isn’t a knock on the player — it’s a reflection of market reality.

You either:

• Pay for a proven QB

• Or accept mediocrity

There is no middle ground anymore.

Final Thought: What Is the Plan?

That’s the question nobody can answer.

• No elite portal class

• No strong retention

• Declining high school recruiting

• Thin defensive line

• Unclear quarterback direction

“What lies are we supposed to tell ourselves this offseason?”

Right now, the positives are:

• Trey Wisner (RB, Texas)

• Herb Hand rebuilding the offensive line

That’s it.

And for a program like Florida State — that’s not nearly enough.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.