Florida State’s 2025 recruiting class added some dynamic playmakers to the roster from the high school ranks. Although a host of veteran players are in the mix for starting spots, some talented young players will have opportunities to make an early impact, as seen with Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams last season. Accounting for the layout of the roster and their readiness for the college game, here are three freshmen I feel stand out as potential contributors in year one.
When FSU hired new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, one of the benefits was four-star wide receiver Jayvan Boggs following him to Tallahassee. He has already begun making his name known during the spring with multiple mentions as a standout player. Boggs’s name was the first to be mentioned when Houston transfer cornerback Jeremiah Wilson was asked about the top receivers he’s gone against at Florida State. Wilson noted that “he’s going to surprise a lot of y’all this year.” He also said, “he’s a sleeper,” and “he’s cold.” Those encouraging remarks are nice to hear from one of the best cover corners in the country last year.
Boggs’ bursting onto the scene is a welcome development, but shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. His high school stats are some of the most impressive I’ve ever seen. During Jayvan’s senior season, he caught 99 passes for 2,133 yards and 24 touchdowns. His high school honors include being named a MaxPreps first-team All-American, a 2023 Mr. Football selection, a two-time state champion, and he holds the Florida single-game record of 378 yards. Throughout his three-year career, Boggs put up 233 receptions for 4,348 yards and 54 touchdowns!
The 6-foot-1, 204-pound freshman from Cocoa, Florida, should get an opportunity to showcase his talent this fall. I look for the bulk of that opportunity to come early against East Texas A&M and Kent State, and then build into bigger moments as the season progresses if he earns playing time. Boggs, who was once UCF’s highest-rated recruit, chose FSU over the Knights, Ohio State, and Missouri, where he was previously committed to all three schools. We’re fortunate to have him in garnet and gold, and I can’t wait to see what he brings to the offense.
One of the biggest steals of signing day last year, Ousmane Kromah, brings a host of excitement to the Seminoles’ backfield. The 6-foot-1, 214-pound consensus blue-chip recruit was a top 100 national prospect and top 5 running back coming out of high school, according to the 247 Composite rankings. Kromah pops as soon as you turn on his film. Jump cuts, contact balance, and power are his strong suits. During his senior season in high school, Kromah produced 2,097 all-purpose yards with 23 touchdowns and averaged 8 yards per carry!
Gus Malzahn is no stranger to using a freshman running back if he earns his stripes. Michael Dyer was the MVP of Auburn’s 2010 National Title win as a freshman with Malzahn as the Tigers’ OC. FSU has a deep stable of backs for 2025, but the group felt like it lacked someone “special.” Many believe that Kromah could be the game-changer in this position group, even as a freshman.
The Seminoles have since added Oklahoma transfer running back Gavin Sawchuk, who I believe has that “home run hitter” potential (more on him coming soon in our 2025 Impact Player Watchlist). However, Kromah is still one to watch in this group. He did not arrive on campus until after spring camp, so it may take time to get acclimated, but like Boggs, in those two tune-up games after Alabama, I think we’ll see him get action. With an impressive showing, he could climb near the top of the depth chart.
Finally, one of the crown jewels of Florida State’s 2025 class, defensive tackle Kevin Wynn. The 6-foot-2, 343-pound freshman was also a consensus blue-chip recruit, ranked in the top 100 nationally and top 10 at his position. FSU fought off fierce competition to flip Wynn but held on thanks to the team effort of Odell Haggins and Terrance Knighton. When he signed with the Seminoles, Wynn became the highest-rated defensive tackle signee for FSU since 2017.
Wynn was a monster in the trenches in high school. His senior year, he recorded 59 tackles, 27 TFL, and 7 sacks. That came after a junior season where he racked up 70 tackles, 30 TFL, and 2 sacks. Wynn was invited to participate in the Navy All-American Bowl and was awarded day one MVP when he had to sit out for being too dominant… seriously.
Aside from being talented and already possessing the size to contribute in college, one of the reasons I’m looking for Wynn to make an impact in year one is FSU’s depth at defensive tackle. In Tony White’s scheme, defensive linemen are expected to be versatile so pieces can be shuffled around to cover needs. However, if they want to run an even front or just have a big-body nose tackle in the odd front, there are only so many on the roster.
FSU has just four other defensive tackles listed over 300 pounds (Daniel Lyons comes in just shy at 292). If there were any type of injury situation, FSU’s depth would get thin very quickly. If Wynn can fill even a small role on the defensive front and do it well, it would provide a big boost to the depth on the interior defensive line. This is why I expect him to contribute early and can see him making an impact for the Noles in year one.
The Seminoles’ new staff did a solid job of acquiring talented prospects in the 2025 class despite a late start and coming off a terrible season. This list is not the only freshmen I could see having an immediate impact. La’Jesse Harrold and Tylon Lee are talented edge rushers. The Desir twins have already started to impress in their short time on campus. Chase Loftin should be an immediate contributor at tight end with Amaree Williams now splitting snaps on defense. I’m hoping we get to see freshman quarterback Kevin Sperry get some snaps as well.
However, given the talent they bring and the situation at each of their position groups, Boggs, Kromah, and Wynn are three freshmen I feel are poised to make an immediate impact for FSU. Thanks for reading and Go Noles!
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