The 2026 season is fast approaching, and Florida State's football team is gearing up for another exciting campaign. With the annual offseason practice of ranking the 40 Most Important Players underway, it's a chance to take a closer look at the roster and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the team. This year's list is a collaborative effort between Trey Rowland, Kev Little, Coach AB, Kolby Crawford, and the author, with each bringing their unique perspective to the table.
One player who has generated significant buzz is wide receiver Jayvan Boggs. The true freshman from Cocoa High was a standout performer during practices, with teammates praising his potential. However, the author notes that some sources were more cautious, warning of the need for patience. Boggs' production in his first season was underwhelming, with just 9 catches for 103 yards and 1 touchdown, hampered by lingering injuries. Despite this, the expectation is that Boggs will start again in 2026, with the return of Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy as the likely 1-2 punch at wide receiver. Boggs' ability to stay healthy will be crucial to his success.
Another player who has been a key addition to the team is defensive lineman Deante McCray. While he may not be flashy, McCray brings stability to the defense with his versatility and high-end run-stopping ability. His strong spring camp performance and high PFF Run Defense Grade of 76.1 further solidify his importance to the team. With a high floor and a stable baseline, McCray is an easy Top 20 player on a defense lacking many proven commodities.
At tight end, Desirrio Riles transferred in from ECU, bringing with him a successful track record. With 362 yards on 28 catches and a 12.9 YPC average, Riles is expected to step into a key role as TE1 and become the top target getter at the position. His ability to create stress on defenses down the seam and add YAC value on screens makes him a valuable asset. However, the author notes that Riles' blocking will need to improve significantly for him to stay on the field consistently.
Nehemiah Chandler, a Panhandle native, returns to FSU after transferring from South Alabama. With a strong chance to start opposite Ja'Bril Rawls, Chandler has the potential to be a key contributor. However, the author highlights the need for improvement in certain aspects of his game, including a poor Run Defense Grade of 47.0 and giving up 6 touchdown passes. The extreme variance in his performance is a cause for concern.
The offensive line is a position of interest, with Bradyn Joiner joining the team after starting at Purdue and Auburn. His ability to play either center or guard adds value to the team, as a quality center can be hard to find. Joiner's replacement-level PFF Grade of 63.6 and his experience as a part-time starter make him a key player in the offensive line puzzle.
Micahi Danzy, a redshirt sophomore, is another player who has the potential to be a key contributor. While his volume may be limited due to the run-first offense, Danzy's speed and ability to unlock spacing advantages make him a valuable asset. His breakout performance last season, with 571 receiving yards, 216 rushing yards, and 6 total touchdowns, further cements his importance to the team.
In the running back position, Quintrevion Wisner was a splurge in the transfer market. With over 2,000 yards of total offense combined over the last two seasons, Wisner brings stability to a rushing attack that lacked consistency. His quickness, good vision, and reliability out of the backfield make him a key piece in the passing game when Robinson isn't the primary target.
Safety Ma'Khi Jones, who transferred from Duke, has the potential to be a high-leverage player in the defense. With 35 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, and a pass breakup, Jones has already made a strong impact. His role as FSU's field safety/nickel defender is crucial, and the team is banking on his maturity and work ethic to elevate consistency.
The offensive line is another area of interest, with Nate Pabst and Chimdia Nwaiwu as key players. Pabst, a veteran transfer with substantial experience at both guard and tackle, has the potential to be a competent player at both positions. Nwaiwu, a rising redshirt junior, makes a big jump up from the FCS and has displayed enough glimpses in the spring to start at right tackle. The staff is high on his upside, and his ability to play both positions adds flexibility to the team's offensive line.
In conclusion, the 2026 season promises to be an exciting one for Florida State's football team. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising freshmen, the team has the potential to make a strong showing. The collaborative effort of ranking the 40 Most Important Players provides a valuable insight into the team's strengths and weaknesses, and the author's commentary adds a deeper understanding of the players' roles and potential impact.
