Impactful additions on both sides of the ball are set to reshape Tallahassee as a Texas A&M transfer and a dynamic legacy recruit crack ESPN’s elite rankings.
With the 2026 college football season less than three months away, Billy Tucker of ESPN has put out a comprehensive look at the top 100 newcomers in college football for the 2026 season.
This list consists of both transfers and incoming freshmen. The Florida State Seminoles landed two of their own on the list, one each on offense and defense.
#95 Rylan Kennedy, Edge
A transfer from Texas A&M, Rylan Kennedy saw limited action due to a loaded and talented defensive line meeting room. But Kennedy contributed to an Aggie defense that ranked 18th in total defense, and fielded a top-three defense in sacks, tackles for loss, and was No. 1 in the country in opponents’ third-down conversions at 22.89 percent.
At 6-foot-3, 239 pounds, Kennedy saw action in 21 games over three seasons in College Station. In 2025, he recorded 14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. The scouting report on Kennedy is that he has great athleticism, with a quick burst off the line, and he uses his hands to get proper leverage when engaging opposing blockers.
Kennedy will be a welcome addition to the Seminoles, as they lost nine players from the defensive line from last season. The success Kennedy achieves in Tallahassee this upcoming season will depend on his continued growth and development, facilitated by coach Mike Norvell and his staff.
#97 Devin Carter, WR
A Florida State legacy, Devin Carter is the son of former Seminoles running back Dexter Carter. A member of the ESPN 300, Carter enrolled in January so he could participate in spring practice, and he wasted no time turning heads in his first foray into college football.
As a high school senior, he was ranked as the No. 20 receiver, according to ESPN. During his high school career, Carter caught 148 passes for 2,413 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Imagine if you will, Carter as part of a talented three-headed monster at wide receiver for the Seminoles that also includes Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy. Make no mistake, Florida State will be talented on offense this season.
With Norvell calling the plays this season in the wake of Gus Malzahn’s retirement, the Seminoles have to take full advantage of this talent and win ball games. Posting a 7-17 record over the past two seasons will not cut it.
Another losing season and the fans will storm Doak Campbell Stadium with pitchforks looking for a sacrificial lamb to take to slaughter. Up until now, Norvell has looked like a sheep in sheep’s clothing.
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