Can the Seminoles Maintain Their ACC Dominance in 2024? A Preview of Florida State Football
Tallahassee - As the 2024 season kicks off, the Florida State Seminoles football team, under the dynamic leadership of head coach Mike Norvell, is poised for a resurgence. Entering his fifth season, Norvell has steadily rebuilt the program, instilling a culture of determination and excellence. The Seminoles are set to capitalize on their talented roster and make another run at the College Football Playoffs. With a challenging ACC schedule and high expectations, Florida State aims to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in college football. Seminole fans are eager to witness their team’s quest for conference supremacy and a return to national prominence.
Offense Preview:
After getting to such a hot start at the beginning of the season, they quickly cooled off to end the season. Having to replace the offensive firepower from Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Keon Coleman, and Johnny Wilson would be a struggle for most teams. Not Florida State. They have one of the top recruiting and transfer classes coming into the 2024 season and have plenty of talent to play just as well as last season. It will simply come down to the offense's consistency whether or not they will remain one of the most prosperous teams in college football.
Defense Preview:
Similar to the offense, they have to replace a ton of positions. Patrick Payton is there to fill it for Jared Verse. Marvin Jones Jr., transferring from Georgia, is going to create havoc as well. The secondary will be as dangerous as ever. Fentrell Cypress II is a lockdown corner and will not be easy to pick on. All in all, their defense should not fall off and may even be slightly better than last season.
Top Returning Players:
Lawrance Toafili RB - Toafili will be the lead back for the 2024 season. Coming off a season behind Trey Benson, he still managed to average 6.7 yards per carry. The FSU backfield is loaded with talent, so Toafili will have to earn his keep.
Patrick Payton DL - Payton only trailed Verse in team sacks last season. He also finished 6th in total tackles. Needless to say, after a lot of people leaving, Payton will be tasked with making up for some lost production.
Ja'khi Douglas WR - With three leading receivers leaving for the NFL, Douglas returns after making 14 receptions for 243 yards. He didn’t score a TD, but he should be one of the leading receivers this season.
Top Incoming Transfers:
D.J. Uiagalelei QB—D.J. is returning to the ACC after spending time with Oregon State. He threw for 2,638 yards and 21 touchdowns last season and should produce similar numbers in this high-powered offense.
Malik Benson WR—The Alabama transfer was the #1 overall JUCO recruit in 2023. He’s a very talented receiver. He broke the Hutchinson Community College record with 2,152 yards over two seasons and ranked second in school history with 21 receiving touchdowns.
Jaylin Lucas WR/RB—This guy was Mr. Do Everything for Indiana. He can run between the tackles, make catches out in the flat, and, most importantly, make people miss. He is incredibly elusive and will be a big-time playmaker for the Seminoles.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Charles Lester III DB - Lester III is one of 13 four-star freshmen in the FSU 2024 recruiting class. He’s rated as the #3 cornerback on 247sports and will come into FSU with a ton of value for their secondary. The 6’1, 191-pounder should get some early playing time.
Landen Thomas TE - Thomas is the nation’s #1 Tight End prospect, according to ESPN. With Jaheim Bell headed to the NFL, Thomas will be sliding into his starting position.
Kam Davis RB—The Florida State running back room is loaded with talent. Davis brings even more value to the already stacked running back room. According to Rivals, he is the #3 running back prospect and will push the more experienced guys to keep them in check.
Top Departures: TOP 3-4 GUYS
Jared Verse / Braden Fiske DE - This duo was incredible for FSU last season. They are both now teammates on the LA Rams. FSU could struggle to find two guys that can replace their kind of production and pressure on the quarterback.
Keon Coleman / Johnny Wilson (WR) - Similar to Verse and Fiski, this one-two punch at the Wideout position was as dangerous as they come. Coleman was an absolute steal in the transfer portal and FSU will look to find his replacement with Malik Benson.
Jordan Travis (QB) / Trey Benson (RB) - The backfield at Florida State will have to be replaced as Travis and Benson have left FSU to go play professionally.
Under-the-Radar Players (Sleepers):
Ryan Fitzgerald K—He might be a senior, but Fitzgerald is still as consistent as they come. He slips under the radar of top kickers in the country because he is so consistent and doesn’t draw attention from misses. Watch out for Fitzgerald to contend for the Lou Groza Award.
Win Total Prediction:
The Florida State win total is listed as 9.5 on most sportsbooks. My prediction for the Seminoles is that they will win less than 9.5 games. They open the season overseas in Ireland when they take on Georgia Tech, and that will be no easy game. I do think they get past Georgia Tech, but they do have a sneaky, difficult remaining schedule. I have only predicted nine wins for the Seminoles' 2024 season, including Boston College, Memphis, Cal, at Duke, at Miami, North Carolina, Charleston Southern, and Florida. Even though ESPN analytics suggest that Florida State will win more than nine games, I believe that they fall short of the mark.
