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The 2016 Florida State Football season has been a highly anticipated year with the crop of current young stars such as Derwin James and Josh Sweat, combined with the veteran receiving core and offensive line to go along with the new recruits, highlighted by Malik Henry, who have already arrived on campus. After finishing 10-3 in a "rebuilding" season, Florida State looks to make a legitimate run for the title. They aren't the only one's that believe the team has a good shot as the 'Noles are ranked very high in many too-early top 25 polls from around the web.
The 'Noles went through massive rebuilding this season and still won 10 games. It will be quite the opposite this fall, as Jimbo Fisher brings back his entire starting offense, led by incumbent QB Sean Maguire and star RB Dalvin Cook. The defense loses CB Jalen Ramsey and a few other notable figures but is teeming with budding stars like freshman S Derwin James and freshman OLB Josh Sweat.
Notable FSU opponents:
Clemson (#1)
Ole Miss (#8)
UNC (#20)
Louisville (#23)
Miami FL (#25)
2015 was a rebuilding year for Florida State, yet the Seminoles won 10 games and played in a New Year's Six Bowl (Peach). Under coach Jimbo Fisher, Florida State has won at least 10 games in five out of the last six seasons and is poised to push Clemson in the ACC next year. Nearly everyone is back on offense for Fisher, including Heisman Trophy candidate and running back Dalvin Cook. The junior will be running behind an offensive line that should improve over the offseason and is anchored by left tackle Roderick Johnson. Finding a quarterback is Fisher's top priority, as Sean Maguire will compete with sophomore J.J. Cosentino and freshmen Malik Henry and Deondre Francois for the starting job. After giving up 5.5 yards per play in 2014, the Seminoles' defense showed marked improvement in 2015. Florida State ranked second in the ACC by holding opponents to 4.68 yards per play, second in scoring defense (17.5 ppg) and generated 32 sacks (up from 17 in 2014). This unit has a few key players to replace - tackle Nile Lawrence-Stample, linebackers Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup - and cornerback Jalen Ramsey left early for the NFL. A huge schedule advantage for Florida State in 2015 - Clemson, North Carolina and Florida all visit Tallahassee next season.
Notable FSU opponents:
Clemson (#2)
Ole Miss (#13)
UNC (#18)
Louisville (#22)
Florida (#25)
The only great concern for the Seminoles is quarterback play, especially with likely starter Sean Maguire set to miss spring drills following surgery on his injured ankle. With so many other positions loaded with skill and experience, FSU needs a healthy and consistent Maguire to reach its full potential.
Notable FSU opponents:
Clemson (#1)
Florida (#16)
Miami FL (#21)
Ole Miss (#22)
Louisville (#23)
Outlook: After winning a national championship in 2013 and reaching the College Football Playoff in '14, it was a bit of a rebuilding campaign for the Seminoles this past season. But FSU might be ready to challenge Clemson in the ACC, especially with every starter expected back on offense. The biggest question heading into spring practice: Can redshirt freshman Deondre Francois challenge quarterback Sean Maguire for the starting job? On defense, the Seminoles will have to replace two starting linebackers and two starting defensive backs. FSU opens the 2016 season against Ole Miss in Orlando, Florida, and it will also play Clemson and North Carolina at home during ACC play.
Notable FSU opponents:
Clemson (#1)
Ole Miss (#13)
UNC (#17)
Louisville (#24)
It's about to get interesting in the ACC Atlantic. FSU returns all 11 offensive starters. That means the game against Clemson could be one of the biggest contests of the season. More than a year removed from legal troubles, will the immensely talented Dalvin Cook be considered for the Heisman?
Notable FSU opponents:
Clemson (#1)
Miami FL (#13)
Ole Miss (#17)
Louisville (#23)