RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesAshlynd Barker has a different feeling about Florida State football heading into the 2026 season.
The standout safety is in his third year with the program, and despite a record of 7-17 over the last two seasons and increased pressure, he feels the Seminoles have the chance to be "super good" this season.
Barker acknowledged it's early in preseason practice, but his belief is based on what he felt was a strong offseason and a lack of egos on the team.
"I was talking to K.J. (Kirkland) on the sidelines after we got off the field from a drive. I was saying, "We are going to be super good," Barker said after the first preseason practice.
"It's the first day I know, everyone can say that. I don't know why, but I just feel like there is something about this time. The main thing is there are no egos. You can say something to someone, and they won't talk back."
It's a ringing endorsement from Barker, who emerged as one of the top players in FSU's secondary last season. With Earl Little Jr. transferring to Ohio State, Barker will slide into the rover role in Tony White's 3-3-5 defense.
Barker recorded 48 tackles, two pass breakups and 3.5 sacks, which was the most by a program defensive back since Derwin James in 2015. He's a key figure for the team in 2026 in an area of the field that should be a strength for the Seminoles.
"This is probably one of my favorite groups that we've had so far. We've added a couple new people, and we bonded so quickly; that's a special thing," Barker said. The group is great. From the younger players to the older players, everybody can say something to each other, and there is no ego behind it, there is no talk back, you just listen. You just know they are trying to help you."
Florida State football schedule 2026
vs. New Mexico State | Aug. 29
vs. SMU* | Sept. 7
Bye
at Alabama | Sept. 19
vs. Central Arkansas | Sept. 26
vs. Virginia* | Oct. 3
at Louisville* | Oct. 9
at Miami* | Oct. 17
Bye
vs. Clemson* | Oct. 31
at Boston College* | Nov. 7
at Pittsburgh* | Nov. 13
vs. NC State* | Nov. 21
vs. Florida | Nov. 27
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter @__liamrooney .
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Ashlynd Barker believes Florida State football will be good in 2026
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