Here are five Florida State players who must take the next step in 2026

With fall camp approaching and Florida State's season opener against New Mexico State just a month away, plenty of questions surround Mike Norvell's program entering his seventh season in Tallahassee.

The Seminoles will feature a mix of established veterans, newcomers and former highly touted recruits still searching for consistency. For several players, 2026 represents a pivotal year — whether it's a final opportunity to maximize their potential, a chance to bounce back from injury or an opportunity to prove they belong in a full-time role.

Here are five Seminoles who could be poised to turn the corner this season.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Jayvan Boggs, Sophomore, Wide Receiver

With Duce Robinson entrenched as Florida State's top receiver, Micahi Danzy showing flashes last season and young talents Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez generating buzz, Jayvan Boggs has quietly slipped under the radar.

That wasn't the case a year ago.

Boggs was one of the standouts of spring and fall camp as a freshman and eventually started four of the eight games he played. However, his production didn't match the offseason hype, as he finished with nine catches for 103 yards and one touchdown.

Now entering his sophomore season, Boggs has an opportunity to remind everyone why he earned those early opportunities. With another year of development and added experience, he could be in line for a significant jump in production.

More: FSU football star Duce Robinson brings pickleball, charity together

André Otto, Redshirt junior, Offensive Line

Florida State's staff has long believed André Otto possessed the tools to become a key contributor along the offensive line. The challenge has been finding consistency.

Now entering his junior season, Otto appears ready to step into a starting role after spending the past three years as a reserve. The 6-foot-5, 318-pound lineman is projected to start at left guard and will be part of a revamped offensive line featuring several transfer additions.

Norvell has expressed excitement about Otto's development and what he can bring to the front five. After years of waiting for his opportunity, Otto enters 2026 facing a simple question: Can he become the player Florida State envisioned when it recruited him?

More: How Duce Robinson's return can help FSU football, improve NFL stock

Kevin "JuJu" Wynn, Redshirt freshman, Defensive Line

Few young Seminoles enter the season with higher expectations than Kevin "JuJu" Wynn.

The former highly regarded recruit from Greensboro, Georgia, arrived at Florida State known for his natural strength and leverage. Injuries, however, limited his freshman campaign. Wynn appeared in just four games before preserving a redshirt season.

With veteran defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. no longer in the program, Wynn is expected to compete for a major role at nose tackle. His combination of power and athleticism could make him a key piece in Florida State's defensive front.

If Wynn remains healthy, 2026 could be his breakout season.

More: Why Za'Kari Johnson is a critical recruiting win for FSU football

Daniel Lyons, Redshirt senior, Defensive Line

It feels like Daniel Lyons has been at FSU forever.

The Miami native enters his fifth and final season with the Seminoles as one of the most experienced players on the defensive line. Throughout his career, Lyons has provided valuable depth and flashed his potential as a rotational contributor, recording 71 tackles and five sacks.

Now, he's expected to take on a larger leadership role for a defensive front loaded with younger players. Florida State will need Lyons' experience and production, and he has a chance to cap his career with his most impactful season yet.

More: Mike Norvell's defining season? Ranking FSU football's biggest 2026 games

Quindarrius Jones, Senior, Cornerback

Quindarrius Jones enters what could be his final opportunity to establish himself as a major contributor in Florida State's secondary.

His 2025 season was cut short after a season-ending injury limited him to five games. Before going down, Jones recorded seven tackles and one pass breakup.

Over three seasons, he has totaled 25 tackles and four pass breakups while primarily serving in a rotational role.

With Ja'Bril Rawls expected to lock down one cornerback spot, another starting job remains up for grabs. Jones will have to fend off several challengers during camp, but the competition could bring out the best in a veteran still working his way back to full health.

For Jones, a strong fall camp could provide the opportunity he's been waiting for.

More: FSU football recruiting: Ta'Shawn Poole commitment provides big boost

Florida State 2026 schedule

• Aug. 29: vs. New Mexico State, 7 p.m. (CW)
• Sept. 7: vs. SMU, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
• Sept. 13: Bye
• Sept. 19: at Alabama, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
• Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas, TBD
• Oct. 3: vs. Virginia, TBD
• Oct. 9: at Louisville, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)
• Oct. 17: at Miami, TBD
• Oct. 24: Bye
• Oct. 31: vs. Clemson, TBD
• Nov. 7: at Boston College, TBD
• Nov. 13: at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)
• Nov. 21: vs. NC State, TBD
• Nov. 27: vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday)

More: ACC college football stadium rankings: Clemson, Florida State lead list of 17 schools

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Here are five Florida State players who must take the next step in 2026