As the Florida State Seminoles prepare for the 2024 season, Head Coach Mike Norvell has provided a candid assessment of the team’s strengths and areas for improvement. After a season that will be remembered among the best in FSU’s history, which included winning the ACC championship but falling short of a College Football Playoff berth and suffering a blowout loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl, the Seminoles are now setting their sights on another conference title and a potential national championship run. With the playoff field expanded to 12 teams, FSU aims to secure an automatic spot in the CFP, but they’ll need new starters to step up and fill the voids left by departing talent, most notably quarterback Jordan Travis.
FSU’s Strengths and Weaknesses for the 2024 Season
The Miami Herald offers a position-by-position evaluation of the Seminoles’ roster as they approach their season opener against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Dublin, Ireland.
Quarterbacks | B+
Jordan Travis, the 2023 ACC Player of the Year, was the heart of the Seminoles’ offense for the past three seasons, making his departure the most significant loss for FSU. To address this, the Seminoles brought in transfer quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei from Oregon State. Uiagalelei, who has experience in the ACC from his time at Clemson, has completed 59% of his career passes, accumulating 8,132 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions over 48 games. On several award watch lists, Uiagalelei is expected to lead the Seminoles’ offense. If he can quickly adapt and perform under pressure as Travis did, FSU has a strong chance at a national title run. Behind him, redshirt freshman Brock Glenn, who started in the ACC championship game last season, along with freshmen Luke Kromenhoek and Trever Jackson, will serve as backups.
Running Backs | B
The running back position took a hit with the loss of Trey Benson, who contributed 905 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. However, FSU added depth through the transfer portal by bringing in senior Roydell Williams from Alabama. Williams, who ran for 1,165 yards and 11 touchdowns during his time in Tuscaloosa, will share the backfield with veteran Lawrance Toafili, now in his fifth season with the program. Senior Caziah Holmes, along with Kam Davis, Jaylin Lucas, and Micahi Danzy, add further depth, but it remains to be seen if any of these backs can replicate Benson’s game-changing impact.
Wide Receivers | B-
The wide receiver corps has also seen significant turnover, with Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson now in the NFL, taking with them a considerable amount of the team’s offensive firepower. Coleman’s ability to make tough catches and stretch the field, combined with Wilson’s physical presence as a 6-foot-6 target, will be missed. To fill these gaps, FSU added senior Malik Benson, another Alabama transfer, who caught 13 passes for 162 yards last season. Senior Kentron Poitier, entering his fifth season, is expected to be a regular starter for the first time, while fifth-year senior Ja’Khi Douglas will start in the slot.
Reserves Hykeem Williams, Deuce Spann, Darion Williamson, and freshman Jalen Brown will also compete for playing time. While there is talent in the room, these players will need to step up to fill the large shoes left behind.
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