FSU faces a roster reset this offseason, and the rebuild may be sizable, though not as drastic as last year. That means some straightforward personnel calls driven by a disappointing record, alongside tougher decisions where both the program and individual players must weigh fit, development, and long-term potential. In some cases, choices will hinge on what’s best for the player; in others, they’ll be guided by salary, role, and a plan to foster growth. Ultimately, a roster move could be made to benefit a player or the team.
Yesterday highlighted players with big decisions looming; today turns the lens to the Seminoles who will determine their future outcomes.
QB Kevin Sperry
Kevin Sperry has shown promise as a signal-caller and earned strong praise from coaches during his time on campus. Gus Malzahn has often said Sperry doesn’t play like a freshman. The key question now is whether that translates into Sperry being trusted as the starter, or whether Florida State will seek a veteran quarterback in the transfer portal. Tommy Castellanos appears unlikely to be in the 2026 plans.
RB Sam Singleton
Samuel Singleton seemed poised to emerge as FSU’s RB1 late this season before an injury altered the rotation again. His straightforward, between-the-t tackles style fits the team’s IZ scheme, and the flashes—such as a 91-yard performance against Wake—make him a strong candidate to remain a central part of the rushing attack in 2025. The question remains: can he be the clear RB1?
RB Ousmane Kromah
The situation with Ousmane Kromah mirrors the RB1 debate. Florida State invested in him, used him, but he’s been more of a rotation option than a true starter, carrying 72 attempts as a freshman. If the Seminoles don’t see him as RB1, is another substantial salary worth it for a two-year deal? Would the staff be comfortable pairing him with a transfer runner if Kromah isn’t viewed as the top option for the carries?
WR Elijah Moore
Elijah Moore’s ceiling has been widely discussed, but his production hasn’t matched the hype over the past two years. He’s entering a critical third season, especially with a crowded wide receiver group in the 2025 class and efforts to keep Duce Robinson in the fold. Moore’s development and impact in 2025 will be a major factor in assessing his long-term role.
OL Lucas Simmons
Now-or-never applies to Lucas Simmons. Brought in as a developmental tackle, a health setback in 2023 limited his progress. He didn’t establish himself as a reliable starter this past season and isn’t inexpensive to develop. The question is whether he’s ready to start at tackle in 2026 or if the staff should pursue other options.
OL Andre’ Otto
Andre’ Otto was the seventh lineman last season, backing up the versatile Jake Rizy. After three years of development, Otto may be positioned to start in 2026 if the staff is convinced of his readiness. If not, the team must decide whether to compensate him as a high-end backup similar to Rizy or commit to him as a starter.
TE Landen Thomas
Landen Thomas had a quieter sophomore season after a promising freshman showing. Persistent injuries haven’t helped his trajectory. Florida State invested in him and moved him with high expectations from Georgia, but this season didn’t justify a guaranteed starting spot in 2026. The staff must determine whether Thomas can contribute as a starter and, if not, what value he holds at a reduced price.
DE Amaree Williams
Amaree Williams is highly regarded by FSU, but his first two seasons have seen him shuffled across positions without a clear pathway to a defining role. He’s young for his class, leaving room for growth, yet retaining him will require a careful cost-benefit calculation. A two-year deal is in place, but the program will need to weigh the investment against potential development time and position specialization.
DE James Williams
James Williams’ 2025 campaign didn’t meet expectations. The plan for him as an every-down defender backfired, and his effectiveness as a pure pass rusher appeared to wane during the transition. If he can’t become more than a situational contributor, the staff must decide whether patience with continued development is viable or if relocation to a more specialized role is necessary.
CB Charles Lester / CB Cai Bates
The Class of 2024 cornerbacks entered with high expectations, yet neither has delivered sustained proof of being a consistent contributor. Lester posted a 61.6 PFF grade on roughly 90 snaps, while Bates recorded 58.5 on 26 snaps. With Ja’Bril Rawls sidelined by injury and Quindarrius Jones out for the season, the position needed immediate depth, prompting a shift of Shamar Arnoux from safety to corner. The two sophomores still haven’t shown they can be trusted as reliable options, even in limited duty. Can FSU still extract more from Lester and Bates, or is it time to move on and pursue new options?
Overall outlook
With some players still developing and others at crossroads, Florida State must balance immediate needs with long-term potential. Each decision will hinge on whether players can contribute at a high level, the cost of continued investment, and how the staff envisions the program’s direction moving into 2026. The department will need to weigh performance, health, versatility, and development trajectory as it maps out who to keep, who to replace, and how to structure contracts and roles for maximum growth.
What are your thoughts on which players should be prioritized for development or replaced, and how should the coaching staff frame these moves to maximize both immediate impact and long-term success?
