Football is back, and Florida State has released its first depth chart of the 2025 season. With many new players competing for starting spots in a closed camp, and some hints that starters at a few positions weren’t certain yet, it was something we had been anxiously awaiting. There were plenty of expected moves, but also some surprises that stirred social media after its release. Let’s start by looking at the actual depth chart for game one versus Alabama.
My first takeaway is that out of 23 positions listed (offense lists 12 for two RBs), there are 22 new starters. Only Roydell Williams on offense and Darrell Jackson on defense return as starters. This is why I have long maintained that last season’s results have little to do with this year’s team. There are a few players who were on the depth chart last year who make a return, but were not in starting roles.
Seeing how some of these position battles have shaken out indicates that the new staff gave everyone a fresh start and let everyone earn it. Some young players have moved up the depth chart, while some veterans have moved down.
There weren’t many surprises on offense. Kevin Sperry is listed as an OR with Brock Glenn, but it’s no secret that Glenn has been limited for most of fall camp. Roydell Williams and Gavin Sawchuk will share the starting role at running back. Ousmane Kromah is on the depth chart at the second running back position behind Jaylin Lucas. With David Johnson saying they would likely roll with 2-3 backs this year, one thing that stood out is that no Kam Davis, Caziah Holmes, or Sam Singleton were listed.
Chase Loftin is listed as the backup in the slot receiver position. This isn’t exactly a surprise, as Chris Thomsen said he had been getting a lot of work at that position over the summer and into fall. Not to mention, a 6-foot-6 slot would be something to see… Jacob Rizy got the “or” designation at both guard sports. This either indicates you have a solid sixth man, or the two starting guards might not be solidified yet. Freshman Chavez Thompson is that backup center.
On defense, the biggest surprise is probably Ashland Barker starting over veteran and former starter Shyheim Brown. We heard a lot of talk about Brown’s lack of a positive performance in camp, and he was believed to be the one Tony White was calling out. One that caught everyone off guard is walk-on Donny Hiebert, who has mostly served in a special team’s role, listed as the backup to Earl Little Jr at rover safety. Edwin Joseph and KJ Kirkland share an “or” at the other starting safety spot. The defensive line is as predicted, but noted that freshman Mandrell Desir has earned his way into the lineup at defensive end as a co-backup.
One thing of note is that receiver LaWayne McCoy and freshman defensive tackle are out for this game, per Mike Norvell, as to why they do not make an appearance. It is interesting to see how these play out over the course of the season. I would also remind you that teams very loosely follow depth charts, so I would take this with a grain of salt and expect changes. My feelings about the team don’t change much after seeing it. I still think FSU’s starting 22 could be solid, but I am concerned about the depth. FSU kicks off against Alabama this Saturday at 3:30 pm on ABC. Thanks for reading, and Go Noles!
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