RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesAfter two weeks of preseason camp and a pair of scrimmages, Florida State football enters "move week" with spots on the depth chart up for grabs.
Head coach Mike Norvell said as much after the Seminoles' second scrimmage inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 9. There are two weeks left in preseason camp before the program enters game week preparation for New Mexico State, and the coaching staff is working on finalizing position groups.
"Excited to jump into this week and continue to get better. This is going to be a big move week for us," Norvell said in a Zoom after the scrimmage. "We are starting to see who's emerging within the depth chart and really working to finalize some of those personnel groupings as we get ready for game prep here the following week."
There are a few roles and positions where players have already solidified their spots on the depth chart. Ashton Daniels is the starting quarterback, both Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy are the top two receivers, and Ja'Bril Rawls and Ashlynd Barker are stars in the secondary.
So what positions are up for grabs heading into "move week" for the Seminoles? Let's take a look.
Who can take the WR3 role alongside Robinson and Danzy?
While Robinson and Danzy have had their names penciled in as the top two receivers since the final whistle of the 2025 season, the third receiver role remains a question.
A player that has made strides toward earning that role is true freshman Jasen Lopez . He's been one of the most heavily praised players in the preseason, and Norvell said he's earning his opportunities.
"He's still got plenty of things to be able to work on, plenty of things to grow in. But the mentality is one thing I do appreciate with him," Norvell said. "We're challenging him, asking him to do a lot of different things ... but he's definitely answered the call in a lot of ways."
It's not just Lopez in contention, though he seems to be the frontrunner, as Jayvan Boggs, Devin Carter, Tae'Shaun Gelsey and Teriq Mallory are also in play.
Carter had a big spring as a true freshman, and that's put him into a position to earn reps early on, even if he doesn't start. Boggs was a starter last season as a freshman, but he battled injuries, which have lingered into his sophomore season. If healthy, he's a dynamic route runner who could start, but he's being pushed by Lopez.
Both Gelsey and Mallory are in their second season and have developed after limited appearances as freshmen. A push for the starting spot is possible, though both players are likely going to start the year as backups. However, a big week of practice could open some eyes.
How does the rest of the secondary shape up?
Rawls and Barker are locked in as starters at cornerback and safety, respectively, but what about the rest of the secondary?
Starting at corner, Norvell mentioned the battle for the second corner role after the scrimmage. For the week ahead, all of Nehemiah Chandler, Quindarrius Jones, Charles Lester III and Ricky Knight will be jostling for a chance to move their names up the depth chart.
"I think it's very competitive right now," Norvell said. "Q[uindarrius Jones] has been really good. You see Nehemiah Chandler, Charles Lester had a really nice pick tonight. A guy that we challenged, Ricky Knight. Who's going to emerge as one of those guys that can be counted on?"
Chandler transferred into the program after a standout season at South Alabama that landed him All-Sun Belt first team honors. He had 31 total tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups and should see significant play time this season.
Q. Jones is a veteran in the room and has battled injury. Now healthy, he's impressed in the preseason and might be in line to start alongside Rawls in his senior season. Both Lester and Knight have yet to make good on their promise as highly touted recruits; could this week be an opportunity to change that? It'll be something we follow.
Who starts at linebacker with Chris Jones?
Linebacker is one of the key positions for the Seminoles in 2026. It's a key cog to Tony White's 3-3-5 scheme, and one that is likely to be anchored by Chris Jones. But who lines up with him could be identified this week.
The room has been hampered by injury with Mikai Gbayor and freshman sensation Izayia Williams both missing time, but if healthy, they could be the two starters with C. Jones. If they aren't healthy, where does that put the linebackers?
Returning veterans Caleb LaVallee, Omar Graham Jr. and Blake Nichelson are all options, and players who could jump up the depth chart with a strong week of practice.
"I think Omar Graham's playing really, really good ball. You're seeing guys like Blake Nicholson, Caleb LaVallee, that have been here. I think everybody's talked about Chris Jones. He's definitely been a force," Norvell said. "He's the guy that you really like to see. Izayia Williams, he was out tonight, but expecting him to get back in action here in this next week or so. A guy that I think is a young player who is going to have an opportunity to impact."
Is the offensive line set?
Arguably the most critical piece of any success for FSU this season is the offensive line. Protecting Daniels and allowing him to get the ball to playmakers, or open up gaps for the ground game, will be crucial.
There are some solidified starters, with Bradyn Welch-Joiner at center and Xavier Chaplin as one of the tackles. Nate Pabst, André Otto and Chimdia Nwaiwu are among the other players who can fill out the offensive line.
Is that set? It doesn't seem so, but this week is the chance for the trenches to be solidified as the first week of the season is quickly approaching.
Florida State football schedule 2026
vs. Florida | Nov. 27
vs. New Mex...
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