Our 2026 Florida State Position Preview series continues with the defensive line. As Tony White enters his second season as the defensive coordinator at FSU, improving a mediocre run defense is a top priority.
Last season, Florida State allowed around 138 rushing yards per game, which ranked 51st nationally. In addition to an average run defense, the Seminoles struggled to maintain a consistent pass rush. If FSU wants to be a true contender in the ACC next season, developing a disruptive defensive front is essential.
2026 Florida State Position Preview: Defensive Line
Key Returners
Florida State returns four of its top six defensive linemen from a season ago, giving the Seminoles a solid core of talent to build upon.
Leading the front line is second-year player Mandrell Desir, who ranks as one of the best returning defensive linemen in the conference. Desir broke out in his first season, earning Freshman All-American accolades after registering 30 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks.
His 6.5 sacks and 7.5 TFLs led all ACC freshmen and helped him finish as the runner-up for ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Mandrell’s twin brother, Darryll, also enters 2026 with high expectations.
Darryll had a dominant performance against NC State, tallying a career-high seven tackles, the most tackles in a game for an FSU true freshman defensive lineman since College Football Hall of Famer Ron Simmons in 1977. If Darryll and Mandrell continue to develop, the Seminoles have two reliable anchors up front.
Daniel Lyons (6′-4″, 292) and Deante McCray (6′-4″, 291) bring significant experience to the defensive line room. Lyons started all 12 games at defensive tackle last fall, totaling 26 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
Despite producing similar numbers in 2024 as a reserve, Lyons has received high praise from Florida State’s coaching staff this offseason, with the fifth-year player being discussed as an all-conference-caliber talent.
McCray started two games in 2025 after transferring in from Western Kentucky. He recorded 25 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and one sack, earning FSU’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year award.
Replacing fourth-round NFL Draft pick Darrell Jackson Jr. won’t be an easy task, but outside of that, the Seminoles didn’t suffer much attrition. How former Coastal Carolina transfer Deamontae Diggs and second-year defensive lineman Kevin Wynn perform could determine what the depth looks like on the front line.
Newcomers
Transfer edge Rylan Kennedy (6′-3″, 251) brings notable experience to Tallahassee, playing 37 games with one start in three seasons at Texas A&M. In 2024, Kennedy logged a career-high 20 tackles with two TFLs and 1.5 sacks.
Throughout his career, Kennedy has produced 40 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and four passes defended. A three-star transfer, Kennedy has generated preseason buzz after performing well during the spring.
Jalen Anderson (6-2, 242) is another intriguing transfer addition, joining Florida State after being ranked as the number one JUCO edge and number two player from Louisiana. In 18 games with Pearl River (Miss.), Anderson combined for 80 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 20.5 TFLs. An underrated portal grab, Anderson also picked up offers from Vanderbilt, Colorado, and West Virginia before deciding to commit to FSU.
Jordan Sanders rounds out Florida State’s transfer additions, bringing ideal length at 6-foot-4 and totaling 16 tackles and 3.5 TFLs at Texas State last year. Sanders graded well on PFF, earning a 77.0 overall defensive grade, a 73.3 run-defense grade, and a 71.7 pass-rush grade.
Outlook
Tony White has proven that he can be a high-level recruiter, winning three Recruiter of the Year awards. With an underrated transfer haul and several key returners, Florida State has the pieces to field one of the ACC’s better defensive lines.
Main Image: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
