The Florida State defensive line, while talented, underachieved last season and was not a dominant force to be reckoned with by opposing offenses.

The Seminoles failed to put pressure on quarterbacks consistently, resulting in extended drives that turned into points. Florida State averaged just under three quarterback pressures per game and 2.5 sacks per game last season. That is not going to cut it.

In addition, four of the seven losses suffered by the Seminoles last season were by eight points or less.

The Seminoles could not hold the lead when they needed to, like giving up 13 points to Pitt after being ahead 24-21 going into the fourth quarter, and losing to Virginia in overtime. On top of that, they could not keep opponents out of the end zone and were playing from a deficit more often than not.

All that will have to change if Florida State is to have a successful 2026 college football season. The catalyst for that change will be the defensive line. Here is a look at the players who will be counted on to be more productive and dominant in 2026.

DE Mandrell Desir

Re-recruited out of the transfer portal, along with his brother Darryll, Mandrell Desir showed out as a true freshman last season. At 6-4, 260 pounds, Desir posted 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and one quarterback hurry. Desir earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors and was named Freshman All-American by On3.

DE Darryll Desir

As a true freshman, Darryll Desir recorded 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and four quarterback hurries. He entered his name into the transfer portal, but later withdrew his name after he and his brother decided to stay with the Seminoles.

DT Daniel Lyons

A senior this season, Daniel Lyons posted 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and four quarterback hurries in 2025.

DT Deante McCray

In 2025, Deontae McCray recorded 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three quarterback hurries.

DE Deomantae Diggs

Last season, Deomante Diggs recorded two tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss.

Jack Rylan Kennedy

A transfer from Texas A&M, Rylan Kennedy recorded 14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in a reserve role. Kennedy will push for a starting job in fall camp.

DL Kevin Wynn

At 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, Kevin Wynn will battle for playing time. He was the No. 10 defensive lineman nationally in the 2025 class, according to 247 Sports.

A consensus four-star lineman, Wynn recorded only one tackle and one pass breakup for the Seminoles last season. He failed to live up to high expectations as a freshman after posting 59 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and seven sacks during his senior year of high school.

Others will battle for playing time, working to become starters and key contributors, and also to provide depth. These players will need to continue to build chemistry and a sense of unity to become the game-changing, dominant defense that is so desperately needed in Tallahassee.

Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!