Mike Norvell has not been afraid to put freshmen on the field for Florida State football.
The Seminoles had multiple freshmen emerge last season, including freshman All-American Mandrell Desir and his twin brother, Darryll Desir, who emerged as a legit pass-rush threat. Add in wide receiver Jayvan Boggs and running back Ousmane Kromah, and Norvell wasn't shy in letting his young players play if he felt they were ready.
With 34 freshmen enrolled, there is no doubt that multiple will play this season, but which players are emerging as the potential instant impact players? Let's take a look at the five most important freshmen on FSU's roster.
1. Izayia Williams - Linebacker
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 226 pounds
Buzz: Izayia Williams has the physical traits to step onto the field for the Seminoles' opener and look like a seasoned veteran, and he's already earning praise for his performances in preseason camp. He possesses great speed and flies to the ball, something that the FSU linebacker room desperately needs. Alongside veterans Chris Jones, Mikai Gbayor and Caleb Lavallee, Williams has a unique skill set that complements the other backers in the room. The biggest question for Williams is how his knee holds up after an ACL injury kept him out of his senior season with Tavares. If he stays healthy, he's got freshman All-American potential.
2. Jasen Lopez - Wide receiver/returner
Measurables: 6-foot, 182 pounds
Buzz: One of the most talked-about players in preseason camp, Lopez has firmly put himself in the conversation for significant playtime at wide receiver. Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy are nailed-on starters, but the Seminoles need more players to step up, which Lopez has. He continues to earn praise for "big plays" and his work ethic, which has him firmly in the competition to start as WR3, battling it out with Boggs. A shifty and smooth route runner, Lopez finds ways to get open and could be a big part of the Seminoles' game plan on third down when they need a first down.
3. Chuck Kennon - Defensive back
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 186 pounds
Buzz: With the competition still open for the second cornerback spot, Chuck Kennon's name is worth mentioning. While he's still competing with Charles Lester III, Quindarrius Jones and Nehemiah Chandler for reps, Kennon has stacked positive practices and has at least earned consideration for play time this season if the situation arises. He moves well and has speed to keep up with quick athletes outside, and a year learning behind veterans and getting some reps when needed will be beneficial for his long-term development.
4. Devin Carter - Wide receiver
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 176 pounds
Buzz: The second freshman wide receiver, Devin Carter, will play a key role in the Seminoles' receiver corps this season. He's smooth and has athletic bloodlines, with his father Dexter one of the most dynamic athletes in FSU history. Carter had a noisy spring camp, consistently one of the top performers, and while he hasn't been talked about as much in the preseason, he will be a factor. Carter has a large catch radius, and he's capable of winning 1-on-1s, which will open opportunities for him downfield in the pass game.
5. Jaemin Pinckney - Defensive line
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 222 pounds
Buzz: Jaemin Pinckney slightly flew under the radar entering preseason camp, but the former 4-star edge has caught the attention of edge coach Nick Williams with his performances in practice. He's likely still 20 pounds away from being a finished product at the JACK position, but Pinckney's early flashes might help him land some early reps as he works his way up the depth chart.
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 LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU Football: Ranking the 5 freshmen most likely to impact the 2026 season