Florida State football is looking to bounce back after two back-to-back losing seasons. They are hoping that both the newcomers to the program, from the high school recruiting class and the transfer portal, will help them do that.
With this in mind, who might be a name to watch this upcoming season? The Athletic's Antonio Morales recently wrote a piece on the most intriguing newcomers to each FBS program. At Florida State, that is offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin from Auburn.
Here's what Morales had to say about Chaplin:
Chaplin has started 37 games over the past three seasons and was a highly touted transfer last offseason but had a disappointing year at Auburn. Can he revert to his 2024 form (when he was a standout at Virginia Tech) and help the FSU offensive line?
The senior started all 12 games for the Auburn Tigers last season, and he earned a grade of 90 percent or higher in five games. In three seasons at Virginia Tech, he was an honorable mention All-ACC in 2024, as well as ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week vs. Boston College. In 2023, he was also a third-team All-American.
Florida State has just one returning player on its offensive line; Chaplin is part of four newcomers to the trenches this season that are expected to start.
FSU opens its 2026 season against the New Mexico State Aggies on Aug. 29. Fans can catch the game on the CW Network at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of FSU news, notes, and opinions. Jacob Smith is a contributor for FSU Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can also follow Jacob on X at @jsmith_sports.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: See the most intriguing newcomer on Florida State's roster