TALLAHASSEE — In an era when college football players are more likely to transfer at least once in their career, rather than stay at the same place for four years, it’s fair to wonder if players can truly grasp the significance of rivalry games.

The question is especially pertinent for FSU, which landed 24 transfers in the offseason, many of them starters or in the two-deep depth chart for the No. 19 Seminoles (3-1, 0-1 ACC) as they host No. 3 Miami (4-0, 0-0) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  Two transfers who have a unique understanding of the rivalry, and can share stories with teammates, are wide receiver Duce Robinson and rover Earl Little Jr.

Robinson is the son of Dominic Robinson, who played at FSU from 2001-04. Duce Robinson grew up in Phoenix and played at Southern Cal for two seasons before transferring to FSU.

“This is the game you grew up hearing about,” Duce Robinson said. “These are the moments. This is why you come to Florida State, to be able to play this game. Hearing my dad talk about his experiences throughout this game, just talking about the feelings he has, the passion he has for this game, I’m really excited to participate.”

Robinson leads FSU in catches (17), receiving yards (346) and receiving touchdowns (three). He grew up hearing about his dad’s FSU teammates (Anquan Boldin) and adversaries on Miami (Frank Gore and Sean Taylor). And now Duce Robinson has a chance to put his stamp on the rivalry and do what his dad didn’t back in his playing days — defeat Miami.

Little Jr. grew up in Fort Lauderdale hearing FSU-Miami stories from his dad. Earl Little Sr. played at Miami before beginning his eight-year NFL career. While Little Jr. initially chose Alabama, he transferred to FSU before the 2024 season. Playing rover in the Seminoles’ secondary, Little Jr. leads FSU in tackles (28) and has an interception.

“I’m from down there and I kind of know everybody down there,” Little Jr. said. “I brought my talents up here. The whole down south is against me. It is a big game for me and this program as well. It means everything to play in this game, and I’m truly blessed to be a part of something like this.”

Florida State defensive back Earl Little Jr., the son of a former Miami Hurricanes great, celebrates his interception during the first half against East Texas A&M, on Sept. 6, 2025, in Tallahassee. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley)

 

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/10/03/rivalry-with-um-is-not-lost-on-these-two-seminoles/