TALLAHASSEE — In an offseason of change at Florida State, one with nearly 50 new players and six new assistant coaches, there is also this stunning number: Four.
When comparing FSU’s depth chart before the 2024 season opener to what coach Mike Norvell released on Monday ahead of the 2025 opener against Alabama on Saturday, there are just four returning starters back for 2025: Running back Roydell Williams, offensive guard Richie Leonard IV, defensive tackle Darrell Jackson and safety Shyheim Brown. And they are not all starters this week.
FSU also listed 62 players on its two-deep or three-deep depth chart in 2024, but only 27 are back in 2025. Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer declared for the NFL draft early and some players ran out of eligibility. But 10 Seminoles on offense and six on defense transferred.
Even through coaching transition in the last decade — from Jimbo Fisher to Willie Taggart to Norvell — FSU has never seen this dramatic a shift on its depth chart from one year to the next.
Gone are seven of the top eight pass-catchers from 2024. FSU does return its leading tackler in Brown, but he is now a backup to Ashlynd Barker.
Norvell wanted to make this preseason camp a tough, physical one. And Norvell hammered home the point through August that he wanted to see the Seminoles have an edge.
“I really have liked the fight I’ve seen in this team throughout our preseason workouts and really since they got here in the offseason, stemming all the way back from January,” Norvell said. “And I think that’s going to be a great characteristic that’s needed and something that we were looking for.”
Here are three takeaways from FSU’s depth chart:
More freshmen than expected
Norvell has built the program through the portal, made numerous poor transfer acquisitions before the 2024 season and again went big in the portal this offseason.
But the Seminoles have eight true freshmen on the 2025 depth chart, including a starting receiver (Jayvan Boggs of Cocoa) and a backup tailback (Ousmane Kromah) who has consistently impressed coaches in camp.
“By probably the midpoint of the season, you’ll probably see pushing to double-digit guys that are in that freshman class that will have a chance to help this football team,” Norvell said.
This speaks to the depth of talent of FSU’s 2025 signing class as well as how they have worked to be in position to play early. But it’s also a message to the more than 100 prospects in the class of 2026 who will attend Saturday’s game to watch FSU-Alabama.
A few surprises on the depth chart
Safety Donny Hiebert and linebacker AJ Cottrill began their careers at FSU as walk-ons. Cottrill has 17 tackles and Hiebert has made 15 tackles, mostly on special teams. They were both listed as second-teamers this week.
“You’ve got to go put yourself in that position,” Norvell said. “Every player on the team desires to be a starter. Everybody desires to get a chance to go play.”
No clarity on backup QB
Brock Glenn and Kevin Sperry were given the “or” designation at backup quarterback behind starter Thomas Castellanos. Glenn missed time in camp due to an undisclosed injury, which gave Sperry time to run the second-team offense.
Glenn could get the nod based on his experience, 12 games over two seasons, if FSU needs to turn to a backup against Alabama. But Sperry should see the field in September games against FCS East Texas A&M and Kent State.
