With Fall camp just a week away, it’s time to project Florida State’s 2026 Starting Offense. While several position groups appear settled, replacing the entire starting offensive line remains one of the biggest questions the Seminoles must answer heading into camp.
Projecting Florida State’s 2026 Starting Offense
Quarterback
- Starter: Ashton Daniels
- Backup: Kevin Sperry
- Third-string: Malachi Marshall
After battling with Kevin Sperry throughout spring ball, experience won out as veteran transfer Ashton Daniels secured the starting job. Daniels played well in two key games for Auburn last season (Vanderbilt, Alabama), managing both games efficiently while showing improvement from his previous stint with Stanford.
Despite there being glaring inconsistencies in his game, head coach Mike Norvell elected to take a shot on Daniels and bank on the upside he flashed at Auburn. With Norvell pronouncing Daniels as the starter, confidence levels should rise for the fifth-year player as he gains the trust of his teammates and coaches.
Running Back
- Starter: Ousmane Kromah
- Backup: Quintrevion Wisner
- Third-string: Samuel Singleton Jr.
Who starts at running back is a difficult question to answer, as both Ousmane Kromah and Quintrevion Wisner have immense talent and figure to get a significant amount of reps this season. Kromah might have the advantage as a returning player who is expected to get better in his second year with the program.
Though Wisner brings more proven production, Kromah’s long-term upside may give him the edge entering fall camp. One thing is certain: the one-two punch of Kromah and Wisner will be a nightmare to game plan against.
Tight End
- Starter: Desirrio Riles
- Backup: Landen Thomas
Desirrio Riles transfers in from East Carolina after showcasing his potential as a receiving threat last fall. With Randy Pittman Jr.’s departure to ACC foe SMU, Riles will be asked to fill the pass-catching void left behind and perhaps become a more effective run blocker than Pittman.
Landen Thomas is a third-year player with nice length at 6-foot-4. He started seven games in 2024, but saw his production and role diminish last season. Riles should get the starting nod at tight end.
Wide Receiver
- No. 1: Duce Robinson
- No. 2: Jayvan Boggs
- No. 3: Micahi Danzy
Duce Robinson returns to Florida State as one of the best receivers in college football, boasting an imposing frame at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds and producing a 1,000-yard receiving season. Having a number one receiver like Robinson is a huge advantage and should help Daniels ease into the offense.
Micahi Danzy put his explosive track speed on full display last year, emerging as a legitimate deep threat who could also be utilized in motion packages. If Danzy takes another step in his development, he could put up bigger numbers than last season.
Jayvan Boggs started four games in his first season with the program, hauling in nine passes for 103 yards and a score. Boggs put up impressive numbers as a senior at Cocoa High School and projects as a favorite to start, though the pair of Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez could shake things up.
Offensive Line
- LT Xavier Chaplin
- LG André Otto
- C Bradyn Joiner
- RG Nate Pabst
- RT Chimdia Nwaiwu
With an influx of experienced transfers joining the offensive line, there are several contenders for starting jobs. Xavier Chaplin at left tackle seems to be solidified as he possesses great size and has experience protecting Ashton Daniels. Outside of that, competition will likely continue throughout most of fall camp.
Bradyn Joiner, Nate Pabst, and Chimdia Nwaiwu would mean that four of five starters up front would be transfers, with André Otto being the lone returning starter. Otto and Pabst seem likely to start at the guard positions, while center and right tackle appear to be up in the air.
Returnees Chavez Thompson and Jonathan Daniels will factor into this competition and could determine what the starting lineup ends up being.
Outlook
Florida State’s skill-position talent gives the Seminoles one of the ACC’s highest offensive ceilings entering 2026. Whether the offense reaches that potential may ultimately depend on how quickly the new offensive line comes together once fall camp begins.
