Elite Eight: Florida State’s Top Players On Offense Entering the 2023 Season

There has been a lot of hype surrounding the Florida State Seminoles heading into the 2023 season, and rightfully so. They return one of the top offenses in the country after coming off of a 10-3 (5-3 ACC) season and have a Heisman candidate quarterback returning for his last year with the 'Noles.

Also returning is projected first-round draft pick running back Trey Benson, along with leading receiver Johnny Wilson and an experienced offensive line, which will help keep Travis upright.

Accented by a plethora of veterans and transfers, here is a list of FSU's most impactful players entering 2023.

Quarterback Jordan Travis

Returning signal caller Jordan Travis entered the 2022 season as the undisputed No. 1 quarterback, having split reps with McKenzie Milton the previous year.

The dual-threat quarterback's ability to motivate his teammates and will the team to victory stood out last year. He accounted for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns through the air, along with 417 yards on the ground and another seven scores.

Heading into 2023, Travis will be an essential player in leading an offense that finished seventh overall, per Pro Football Focus, on a team with championship aspirations.

Wide Receiver Johnny Wilson

In his second year with the 'Noles, Wilson is set to return as a standout receiver after an impressive performance last season. He secured 43 passes for a total of 897 yards and scored five touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the nation's top-rated returning receivers.

Wilson is an adept route runner at an imposing 6-foot-7, weighing 240 pounds. He led the ACC and ranked third nationwide in 20-plus yard receptions, showcasing his ability to gain substantial yardage on the field. has also displayed his knack for making crucial plays during high-stakes moments.

How Wilson and the rest of the deep wide receiver room work together in harmony will be an interesting storyline heading into the season.

Running Back Trey Benson

Trey Benson led the way in the running back room a season ago after amassing 990 yards rushing on 154 attempts and nine touchdowns during the 2022 season.

He is a projected first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and will be part of a powerful rushing attack with fellow running back Lawrance Toafili.

Benson elected to return to the 'Noles to improve his stock and said that he's "just scratching the surface" in regard to what he feels FSU can achieve in 2023.

Another big year with even more carries due to the transfer of Treshaun Ward will only improve his draft stock come next April.

Wide Receiver Keon Coleman

One of the top transfers in the country from Michigan State, Coleman earned a No. 4 ranking among transfer wide receivers from the NCAA transfer portal. He is anticipated to play a significant role adjacent to Wilson.

Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, he made played in 22 games, securing 12 starts, and showcased his skills with an impressive record of 65 receptions, 848 yards, and eight touchdowns at Michigan State.

Paired with Jordan Travis, there should be lightning in the group lining out wide with him in the mix.

Tight End Jaheim Bell

Bell is one that will likely blow some FSU fans' minds after it is all said and done. He's a versatile tight end that can play multiple positions and adds another "pick your poison" option in the receiving game. As the No. 1 at his position out of South Carolina, he compliments head coach Mike Norvell and Atkins' scheme.

Bell is listed at 6-foot-3, 233 pounds, and he can line up at most offensive skill positions and have success. He recorded 56 receptions for 757 yards and seven touchdowns while also rushing for 301 yards and three scores during his time with the Gamecocks.

Paired with Markeston Douglas and Kyle Morlock, he is a gadget player that can take the focus off of traditional skill players and make big plays of his own.

Running Back Lawrance Toafili

Toafili complements Benson as the Ying to his Yang, bringing versatility and skill to the table. With a blend of balance, speed, and excellent hands, he has the ability to disrupt defenses and keep them on their heels.

Toafili accumulated 457 rushing yards and five touchdowns last year and added 268 receiving yards along with a touchdown. His prowess as a receiver and versatility have earned him a firm position as the second component in a three-pronged rushing attack. Notably, Toafili played a pivotal role in a historic FSU game, where three separate players rushed for over 100 yards (against Duquesne).

Wide receiver Kentron Poitier

The only player on the list who isn't a transfer and likely the most overlooked player returning to the squad, Poitier is poised for a promising season as he enters his fourth year with the Seminoles.

Last season, he showcased his skills in all 13 games, securing 14 receptions for 283 yards and four touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Poitier is prepared to elevate his performance and compete with Coleman for the starting spot opposite of Wilson.

Offensive Lineman D'Mitri Emmanual

This was a challenging decision as there were a few others that could very easily make the list (Bless Harris, Jeremiah Byers, Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, etc.).

Byers himself was the No. 1 transfer prospect at his position and has worked himself into the starting lineup. He paired with the veteran squad offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has put together, should be a backbone for the offense.

Emmanuel, who joined Florida State after transferring from Charlotte, proved to be a valuable asset throughout the 2022 season, starting in all 13 games. During the spring, he was granted a waiver for a seventh year of eligibility, making him the most experienced player on the roster in terms of his time at the college level. Given his performance and tenure, it stands to reason that his impact will make a difference.

Harris had an amazing spring after missing 2022 with an injury, and if we're going off of spring camp alone, he stood out the most. There is still fall camp ahead, so the top spot on the offensive line is up for grabs.

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