RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Florida State defensive line, while
talented, underachieved last season and was not a dominant force to be reckoned with by
opposing offenses.
The Seminoles failed to put pressure on quarterbacks
consistently, resulting in extended drives that turned into points. Florida State averaged just under three quarterback
pressures per game and 2.5 sacks per game last season. That is not going to cut
it.
In addition, four of the seven losses suffered by the
Seminoles last season were by eight points or less.
The Seminoles could not hold the lead when they needed
to, like giving up 13 points to Pitt after being ahead 24-21 going into the
fourth quarter, and losing to Virginia in overtime. On top of that, they could not keep
opponents out of the end zone and were playing from a deficit more often than
not.
All that will have to change if Florida State is to
have a successful 2026 college football season. The catalyst for that change
will be the defensive line. Here is a look at the players who will be counted
on to be more productive and dominant in 2026.
DE
Mandrell Desir
Re-recruited out of the transfer portal, along with
his brother Darryll, Mandrell Desir showed out as a true freshman last season. At
6-4, 260 pounds, Desir posted 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and
one quarterback hurry. Desir earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors and was
named Freshman All-American by On3.
DE
Darryll Desir
As a true freshman, Darryll Desir recorded 23 tackles,
1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and four quarterback hurries. He entered his name into the transfer portal,
but later withdrew his name after he and his brother decided to stay with the
Seminoles.
DT
Daniel Lyons
A senior this season, Daniel Lyons posted 26 tackles,
3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and four quarterback hurries in 2025.
DT
Deante McCray
In 2025, Deontae
McCray recorded 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three
quarterback hurries.
DE
Deomantae Diggs
Last season, Deomante Diggs recorded two tackles, one sack,
and two tackles for loss.
Jack
Rylan Kennedy
A transfer from Texas A&M , Rylan Kennedy recorded 14
tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in a reserve role. Kennedy will
push for a starting job in fall camp.
DL Kevin
Wynn
At 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, Kevin Wynn will battle for
playing time. He was the No. 10 defensive lineman nationally in the 2025 class,
according to 247 Sports.
A consensus four-star lineman, Wynn recorded only one
tackle and one pass breakup for the Seminoles last season. He failed to live up
to high expectations as a freshman after posting 59 tackles, 27 tackles for
loss and seven sacks during his senior year of high school.
Others will battle for playing time, working to become
starters and key contributors, and also to provide depth. These players will
need to continue to build chemistry and a sense of unity to become the
game-changing, dominant defense that is so desperately needed in Tallahassee.
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