Florida State is only six weeks away from beginning the 2026 football season, and on Wednesday, head coach Mike Norvell, along with three FSU student-athletes, QB Ashton Daniels, DB Ja’Bril Rawls, and WR Duce Robinson, spoke at ACC Kickoff in front of the media in Charlotte to preview the upcoming year.
In his opening statement, the head coach discussed what excited him about the 2026 team, saying, “I think this is a talented roster” and that he likes the returning production to the program, mentioning, “It is a great combination of guys that have been here.”
Advertisement
“Last year we had 19 true freshmen who played four or more games. We were a young team. They were thrown into the fire and really had to learn on their road as we went through the highs and the lows. … There are a lot of lessons to be learned.”
Norvell also brought up his anticipation for seeing that the FSU defense can be in year two under defensive coordinator Tony White.
“(With) Coach White coming into his second year as defensive coordinator, we’re really excited about the personnel and the staff under his leadership on that side of the ball.”
Later on, Norvell talked about the late offseason addition of Tom Herman and what the former Texas head coach could bring to FSU.
Advertisement
“The opportunity to have Tom in and join the program is something I am excited about. He came in the spring, came out to practice, met with the staff. … We found a role and an opportunity that we think he can make a great impact to support this staff.”
After Norvell spoke, Daniels took the stand and touched on why he chose Florida State.
“It really just came down to the people in the program. Speaking with Coach Norvell, Coach (Austin) Tucker, Coach (Gus) Malzahn at the time, and obviously knowing Duce and a couple of the guys, you just know they’re the right type of people.”
Rawls was the second student-athlete to speak and focused on growing up from a freshman to now a leader in the Seminole secondary in his fourth season with the program.
Advertisement
“Last year I was just kind of going with the flow, I wasn’t as vocal. Once I got the hang of it, I knew that I could be one of the ones and lead by example every day.”
Robinson rounded out the day and brought his trademark smile as he told the press why returning to Tallahassee for another season was the best decision for him.
“Just trying to show that I can be a complete receiver and be successful was one of the main reasons why I came back.”
The four members of the Florida State football program will return to the 850 tonight as fall camp sits just around the corner.
The full media availabilities of head coach Mike Norvell, QB Ashton Daniels, DB Ja’Bril Rawls, and WR Duce Robinson can be found below.
Head coach Mike Norvell, Quarterback Ashton Daniels, Defensive back Ja’Bril Rawls, andWide receiver Duce Robinson
Video courtesy of Warchant.com
