FSU Football Reveals Early Returner Options for 2026

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida State Seminoles appear to be narrowing in on a few intriguing options in the return game this spring, with multiple young playmakers beginning to carve out roles on special teams.

As FSU prepares for its second scrimmage on Saturday, special teams coordinator Adam Scheier offered insight into the rapid overhaul of the Seminoles’ punt and kick return units during his first three months on campus.

Granted, much of the depth chart will continue to take shape heading into fall camp as the Seminoles wrap up their final six practices of the spring, but hearing yet another coach express confidence in Florida State’s return game should give fans something to look forward to from a unit that underperformed a season ago.

Two FSU Freshmen Continue to Emerge in Punt Return Battle

Scheier has guided four special teams units to top-10 efficiency rankings over the past 13 years, and his groups have scored nine touchdowns in the last six seasons, the fourth-most among special teams coordinators nationally. With that résumé in mind, his early praise for Florida State’s young return options carries some weight.

“Well, two of the guys that are getting the majority of the reps at punt returner are new in (Devin) Carter and J Roc (Jasen Lopez)," Scheier said to the media on Thursday.

Though Scheier didn’t spend much time discussing Carter, he was quick to highlight Lopez as a natural and savvy punt catcher. Whether that early praise carries over into fall camp and the regular season remains to be seen.

“He's probably as natural and as savvy and as calm a punt catcher and ball catcher as a wide receiver that I've been around in a long time," Scheier continued. "He's got some savvy, some feel, and some confidence that I think go beyond the years of a true freshman. So, I'm excited for him, and I'm going to continue to work with him and see how that develops. But he certainly has made an impression on me.”

Singleton, Danzy Give FSU Speed and Vision at Kick Return

Florida State running back Samuel Singleton Jr. (28) gains yards against Florida defensive end Kamran James (24) during the first half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun] | Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While Florida State continues to evaluate its options at punt returner, the Seminoles may already have a clearer picture on kick return, where a pair of explosive playmakers has stood out early in spring camp.

Running back Sam Singleton and wide receiver Micahi Danzy each bring experience and big-play ability to both the return game and offense. Singleton saw limited action as a returner last season, while Danzy would be a new face in that role, though his speed is expected to translate immediately.

“Between Sam Singleton and Danzy, I feel really good about our returners. Singleton's got elite vision and change-of-direction, and Danzy's got world-class speed," Scheier continued. "I think the guys that we have in front blocking for them are bought in, are tough, are physical, and can make that a real weapon for us.”

Florida State's second scrimmage is set for Saturday, April 4, as the Seminoles continue to shape all aspects of the team before summer workouts begin.

Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State throughout the year.

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok