2025 has come and gone for Florida State football and though there was improvement in the overall record, the results still fell short of Seminole expectations. With next season make-or-break for head coach Mike Norvell, how he and his staff navigate the roster could save his job or end his embattled tenure in Tallahassee. How did each position group do last season and what does the future look like?
In 2024, Florida State’s defensive line may have been the most disappointing unit on a 2-10 team — which is saying a lot. In an attempt to overhaul the room, the Seminoles left no stone unturned in the offseason and during the year to improve up front, hiring a new coach, taking a heavy transfer portal class, and allowing freshmen early access to playing time.
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But how much did those changes improve the defensive line?
2025 Florida State defensive line: PFF grades
59th-ranked defense: 90.7 run defense, 68.5 pass rush, 31 sacks
Top six players, by snaps
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Darrell Jackson Jr: 74.6 overall, 84.1 run defense, 57.7 pass rush
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Daniel Lyons: 72.7 overall, 75.2 run defense, 61.9 pass rush
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Mandrell Desir: 61.o overall, 52.5 run defense, 69.7 pass rush
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Darryll Desir: 67.9 overall, 62.9 run defense, 68.5 pass rush
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Deante McCray: 73.1 overall, 75.3 run defense, 63.7 pass rush
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Jayson Jenkins: 61.3 overall, 55.1 run defense,68.3 pass rush
2024 Florida State defensive line: PFF grades
107th-ranked defense: 70.0 run defense, 68.3 pass rush, 27 sacks
Top six players, by snaps
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Patrick Payton: 58.0 overall, 59.5 run defense, 61.2 pass rush
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Joshua Farmer: 63.5 overall, 61.0 run defense, 71.4 pass rush
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Darrell Jackson Jr: 70.4 overall, 68.0 run defense, 72.3 pass rush
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Sione Lolohea: 67.2 overall, 72.7 run defense, 59.3 pass rush
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Marvin Jones Jr: 61.5 overall, 62.8 run defense, 59.4 pass rush
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Daniel Lyons: 67.0 overall, 67.1 run defense, 60.8 pass rush
Florida State vastly improved from where they were in 2024, and yet, it felt throughout the 2025 season that there was much to be desired. James Williams came into spring ball as one of the most highly touted players on the roster and did not crack the top six in snap share. Darrell Jackson Jr. returned for another season, yet barely improved. The defensive line could not be any worse than it was in 2024, but that does not make the 2025 unit a formidable force.
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2026 defensive line recruiting
The Seminoles added nine defensive linemen in the 2026 class — from our own NoleThruandThru:
Terrance Knighton has been my biggest disappointment on the recruiting trail among the new hires prior to the 2025 season. That said, FSU was able to pull in a couple of nice prospects along the defensive line (I’m including edge rushers in this section) from a variety of methods. FSU did lose two DL commitments in Tico Crittendon (that one hurt) and James Carrington (hurt a little less) and whiffed majorly on edge Kamron Wilson.
Keeping Earnest Rankins in the fold was a big win for the staff, as he should be a nice interior piece who could play rotationally sooner than later. The Seminoles also won the Franklin Whitley sweepstakes, a prospect who shot up recruiting rankings and boards of some major programs. He’s raw but has perhaps the highest ceiling of any signee in Tribe 2026. Damaad Lewis, Chris Carbin, and Wihtlley Cadeau can become solid rotational players and FSU took swings on Judah Daniels and Luke Francis (who could find a home on offense). There were some big names along the interior FSU was after but the Seminoles either couldn’t afford them or couldn’t keep interest after another poor season.
Jalen Anderson, the top edge rusher in the JUCO ranks, stuck with FSU despite heavy interest from other programs (though if LSU had pushed for him, he’d have gone there IMO). He should be an immediate contributor. Jaemin Pinckney was a nice flip from USF after their coach went to Auburn. He has a great frame and should be able to add enough weight to become effective. FSU also had Cam Brooks fall into its lap after a coaching change at Cal. Brooks notably called out Knighton earlier this season for not caring enough to recruit him. It’ll be interesting to see how that goes.
I’m always a proponent of taking large prep and JUCO classes along both offensive and defensive lines and FSU went hard on both sides this cycle. Anderson should quickly be in the rotation for edge and a couple of others may be able to find some reps this season. Overall, a solid effort.
Grade: B
2026 projected depth
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Redshirt junior Daniel Lyons
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Redshirt junior Deante McCray
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Redshirt sophomore KJ Sampson
2026 outlook
There will be a ton of moving pieces along the defensive line in the offseason, both transfers coming in and out, but the first and most important question about the room, and possibly the team, comes from whether Florida State can retain the Desir brothers. On a team full of disappointments, the true freshmen were one of the few bright spots and should be in line for massive roles in 2026. Along with the Desir brothers, retaining Kevin Wynn and having him healthy in the offseason will be critical to building homegrown depth. Even if all three players return, however, Florida State will almost certainly have to take in multiple transfers along the defensive front, given a shallow pipeline of young talent and older players not living up to expectations.