:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48778237/usa-today-9028492.0.jpg)
Mark Schlabach has FSU as the No. 2 team in the country, though I have to downgrade his analysis based on the idea that FSU's No. 1 class (on ESPN, not on other services) is going to make a huge impact this year. It's probably not that type of class. It's an incredible depth class, but lacks top-20 type stars like some of FSU's previous classes.
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC
Returning starters: 11 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, DT Nile Lawrence-Stample, LB Reggie Northrup, LB Terrance Smith, FS Lamarcus Brutus, QB Everett Golson, K Roberto Aguayo
Outlook: The Seminoles were already loaded enough to challenge Clemson in the ACC, and then coach Jimbo Fisher signed the country's No. 1 recruiting class. If FSU can get more consistent play at quarterback, it might be the team to beat in the ACC. Returning starter Sean Maguire will miss spring practice after undergoing ankle surgery, so redshirt freshman Deondre Francois might have a legitimate chance to win the job. Every starter is coming back on offense, including star tailback Dalvin Cook. FSU opens the season against Ole Miss in Orlando, Florida, and plays Clemson and North Carolina at home.
FSU opponents Clemson (6), Ole Miss (13), North Carolina (18) and Florida (24) also make the list.
Recruiting
The Miami Herald is reporting that Devin Bush, FSU great and father of four-star linebacker recruit of the same name who chose Michigan over FSU, is on the verge of joining Jim Harbaugh's staff. He's qualified, having been a great CFB player, a top NFL player and a state champion coach.
If this happens, it will be interesting to see what happens with five-star 2017 FSU legacy cornerback recruit Stanford Samuels III, and his father, who would become Flanagan's head coach.
Elite running back recruits are now coming back after being largely missing from the 2016 class, I wrote for the Crootletter. To get me in your inbox each morning with the biggest national news on recruiting, all free, hit this link.
Alumni
Awesome breakdown of Jalen Ramsey from Pro Football Focus.
Other sports
Excellent scouting report on FSU's Malik Beasley from Yahoo!
Disney seems to have no idea how to talk about ESPN right now.