ESPN Ranks FSU Football In Way-Too-Early Top-25 For 2024 Season
With the conclusion of the National Championship on Monday night, the 2023 season has officially come to an end. Already ESPN has put out their Way-Too-Early Top 25 looking toward next fall.
Despite an unblemished regular season and an ACC Championship, the folks in Bristol placed the Seminoles at #17 behind the likes of Ole Miss (#7), Missouri (#8), Arizona (#9), Penn State (#12), and Utah (#13).
Not counting Notre Dame (#10), Florida State was placed as the highest-ranked ACC team. Clemson (#19), NC State (#20), Louisville (#22), and SMU (#24) made the list as well.
Georgia was ranked #1 despite losing big names such as wide receiver Ladd McConkey, tight end Brock Bowers, and running back Kendall Milton. However, they did retain quarterback Carson Beck and landed Florida running back Trevor Etienne.
The Seminoles found themselves in a similar situation. They lost key pieces to the NFL Draft such as quarterback Jordan Travis, defensive end Jared Verse, running back Trey Benson, wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, linebackers Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune, and defensive lineman Braden Fiske. They also lost linebacker DJ Lundy (Colorado) and defensive tackle Malcolm Ray (NC State) to the transfer portal.
However, Mike Norvell and his staff returned to the transfer portal in an attempt to replace the flurry of talent they lost.
The former Clemson and Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei found his home in Tallahassee and will likely be the starter come August. Edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr., the son of FSU legend Marvin Jones Sr., transferred to FSU as well.
Additionally, Florida State picked up Alabama cornerback Earl Little Jr. and wide receiver Malik Benson as well as LSU wide receiver Jalen Brown. Speedy Indiana running back and kick returner Jaylin Lucas will likely share the backfield with Lawrance Toafili.
On the defensive side of the ball, the ’Noles picked up defensive lineman Grady Kelly from Colorado State. He will play alongside Darrell Jackson Jr. and Patrick Payton on the edges and possibly Dennis Briggs in the interior should his waiver clear.
In the final AP Poll, the Seminoles finished tied for #6 with Oregon.
READ MORE: Veteran Defensive End Transferring From FSU Football After One Season
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