Florida State true freshman wide receiver Jasen Lopez has wasted little time making an impression. After joining the Seminoles in the spring following his commitments with the men's basketball team, Lopez quickly caught the attention of coaches and teammates. As preseason camp enters its final stretch, the Miami native has emerged as one of the team's most intriguing young playmakers and could push for meaningful snaps when FSU opens the season against New Mexico State in less than two weeks.
A nice toe tap grab from FSU freshman WR Jasen Lopez during practice this morning pic.twitter.com/ERIQjZSwgv — Liam Rooney (@__liamrooney) July 31, 2026 The key to Lopez's fast start, he said, is preparation. "It's been a consistent growth for me throughout fall camp," Lopez said Monday. "Each and every day, I'm just trying to put in the work in the meeting rooms." Once he became comfortable with the playbook, Lopez's confidence began to show on the field. Whether catching passes from quarterbacks Ashton Daniels or Kevin Sperry, the 6-foot receiver has consistently generated explosive plays during camp and steadily worked his way into the offensive rotation. "I understood that I had to get here, keep my head down and keep working because at any moment things can change," Lopez said. "I was just trying to be consistent on a day-to-day basis." Lopez said the spring was primarily an adjustment period as he learned the offense and acclimated to college football. By summer workouts, he began noticing tangible progress. "I was just getting adjusted to everything, like the plays and stuff like that," Lopez said. "Over the summer, I just kept growing, and I kept seeing myself in the rotation making a couple plays. But I've always been confident in myself to be able to go out there and make plays. Since I stepped foot on campus, I was always ready."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Jasen Lopez's basketball background paying dividends
As a dual-sport athlete, Lopez believes his basketball experience has helped accelerate his development as a receiver. The skills translate naturally, whether it's fighting through defenders for contested catches or navigating traffic across the middle of the field. "I feel it plays a part in basketball as well because you're driving in the lane and you have guys on the side of you," Lopez said. "You can definitely feel it, and it translates over to football when I'm running in the middle of the field. I have to get through a linebacker and then jump up for a catch and protect myself."
More: Five FSU football freshmen who could make the biggest impact for 2026 Preparation builds confidence: Jasen Lopez not worried about freshman jitters While many freshmen experience anxiety before their first college game, Lopez said he remains focused on preparation rather than pressure. Although the reality of making his college debut has not fully sunk in, he believes the work he put in during the offseason has positioned him for success. "I feel like I've been preparing over the summer pretty well," Lopez said. "I'm feeling confident. I don't think it's definitely hit me that the game's coming up in two weeks. Maybe the closer it gets, the jitters are coming, but right now I'm just trying to prepare for that first game so I can be ready. Whenever the coaches call my name, I can make a play." Lopez also credits veteran receivers Duce Robinson,Micahi Danzy and Jayvan Boggs for helping him adapt to the college game. Rather than viewing competition within the position group as a threat, he sees it as a collaborative effort that benefits everyone. "I feel like we sharpen each other," Lopez said. "They'll take a rep, and I can tell them something to help them out. Then I'll do a rep, and they'll come to me and help me out as well." Watching experienced players navigate practices and prepare for games has given Lopez a blueprint for success. "Seeing those guys who have done it, been in games, big-time games, and played at the college level helps me adjust," Lopez said. "We just keep making each other better."
With Florida State's season opener rapidly approaching, Lopez has positioned himself as one of the most promising newcomers on the roster. His blend of confidence, preparation and athletic versatility has already earned him opportunities in camp, and the next step is proving it under the lights on game day. If his preseason performance is any indication, the Seminoles may not have to wait long for "J Rock" to make his first impact at the college level. Florida State 2026 schedule
Aug. 29: vs. New Mexico State, 7 p.m. (CW) Sept. 7: vs. SMU, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Sept. 13: Bye Sept. 19: at Alabama, 3:30 p.m. (ABC) Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas, TBD Oct. 3: vs. Virginia, TBD Oct. 9: at Louisville, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday) Oct. 17: at Miami, TBD Oct. 24: Bye Oct. 31: vs. Clemson, TBD Nov. 7: at Boston College, TBD Nov. 13: at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday) Nov. 21: vs. NC State, TBD Nov. 27: vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday)
More: Mike Norvell explains what FSU football needs to settle before Week 1 Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: How freshman Jasen Lopez's confidence fuels rapid climb at Florida State