Breaking down the best and worst FSU football performances vs. Wake Forest

Who were the Florida State Seminoles' highest and lowest graded players in the win over Wake Forest?

Dustin Lewis | Nov 2, 2025

Nov 1, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) runs the ball during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images / Melina Myers-Imagn Images

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Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles finally found life to begin November, knocking off a Wake Forest team that was trending in the right direction, 42-7. It was a shocking result, especially considering the recent struggles by the Seminoles.

Coincidentally, Florida State hadn't scored 40+ points against an ACC opponent since its last meeting with the Demon Deacons in 2023, a 41-16 victory. The performance also marked just the second time this season that the Seminoles prevented an opponent from reaching 10+ points.

Was it a fluke by Wake Forest, or did the BYE week come at the right time for Florida State? That will be dictated by how the Seminoles play moving into their final four regular-season games.

Who struggled and who had success for the Seminoles on offense and defense in the win?

*Minimum 5 snaps

How Does PFF Grade Players?

PFF employs 600 full or part-time analysts who grade every single snap by every single player on offense, defense, and special teams during the game. The grades are calculated on a per-play basis where each play is broken down to grades of -2 to +2 in 0.5 increments. An average or expected play would result in a grade of zero, a game-ending turnover would bring in a grade of -2, and a perfect touchdown throw to win a game would be worth +2.

These apply to every single player on every play. For instance, a quarterback throwing a good pass that is dropped by a wide receiver would earn a positive grade. The wide receiver who dropped the ball would receive a negative grade while the offensive tackle protecting the blind side would get positive marks as well.

Obviously, PFF can't be certain on the assignments of every given player on a play but they grade on what the player is attempting to do. Plays in which there is a question mark can be deferred to as a zero. Hopefully, this provides a little bit of clarification on some of the details you'll view below.

OFFENSE:

Nov 1, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Duce Robinson (0) during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images / Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Highest Graded Players:

1. QB Tommy Castellanos (91.1) - 49 snaps

Castellanos looked more like himself following a week off. The senior quarterback completed 12/16 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown while adding 10 carries for nine yards and another score.

2. WR Duce Robinson (90.1) - 49 snaps

Robinson had one of his performances of the season, coming down with a nasty one-handed catch. He finished with five receptions for 148 yards a touchdown.

This is the third game of the year where Robinson has recorded 100+ receiving yards.

3. LT Lucas Simmons (76.3) - 9 snaps

Simmons came off the bench late in the game with the contest out of reach. He's an important part of Florida State's future along the offensive line.

4. TE Randy Pittman Jr. (75.9) - 49 snaps

Banged up for most of the season, Pittman Jr. is fighting to get on the field each week.

Pittman Jr. caught two passes for 32 yards and housed a tough seven-yard run for a touchdown in the second half.

5. RB Ousmane Kromah (71.4) - 13 snaps

Kromah played sparingly with Samuel Singleton Jr. having the hot hand. He rushed four times for 19 yards and added a 12-yard reception.

Lowest Graded Players:

5. C Chavez Thompson (58.1) - 9 snaps

Thompson came off the bench late in the game.

4. WR Lawayne McCoy (56.8) - 33 snaps

McCoy started but only caught one pass for 12 yards. It was his only target of the night.

3. TE Markeston Douglas (55.1) - 24 snaps

Douglas struggled as a run-blocker while contributing off the bench.

2. RT Jon Daniels (54.2) - 9 snaps

Daniels entered late in the game with Florida State up big.

1. TE Landen Thomas (53.3) - 9 snaps

Thomas has been on this list far too often this season. He only played nine snaps and needs to grow quickly.

Full Grades:

Pro Football Focus

DEFENSE:

Oct 11, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles safety Earl Little Jr. (0) and defensive back Ja'Bril Rawls (11) celebrate after an interception during the first half of the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images / Melina Myers-Imagn Images