The Seminoles have players they're banking on to step up in season two. Here's why Chase Loftin is expected to hit new strides.
Spring football on the Florida State campus comes with expectations.
Starting positions aren't necessarily on the line during March or April. However, spring development can dictate the future two-deep. This is also a time period for young players to step up -- a la tight end Chase Loftin.
The 6-foot-6 Nebraska native came to Tallahassee as the state's No. 2 overall prospect by 247Sports, plus the nation's No. 27 tight end. But as Brendan Sonnone of Noles247 shared Wednesday, Loftin's FSU start got off on a bad note.
"Chase Loftin took a redshirt year in 2025 due to a nagging hamstring injury. Too bad for Loftin and FSU, as the Nebraska native figured to get some rotational work as a flex TE/WR type as a rookie," Sonnone said.
That lower body ailment prevented Loftin from potentially forming a nightmare red zone duo with wide receiver Duce Robinson. The wideout is just as tall compared to the redshirt freshman. Loftin's presence would've created more one-on-one matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Now the standout from Millard South High in Omaha walks into the spring expecting to take new leaps.
"Now in Year 2 at FSU, the expectations remain high for Loftin," Sonnone said. "He produced a strong winter workout session and figures to be in the mix along with transfer Desirrio Riles and third-year product Landen Thomas."
Riles and Thomas can form a solid to spectacular trio with Loftin in the TE room.
"A fair deal of mixing and matching with the trio is expected based on package and situation, with Riles the probably front-runner for reps," Sonnone said.
Yet still, Loftin presents a big case for earning new starter action moving forward.
"But Loftin's 6-foot-6 frame and joint flexibility give him a chance to become a productive target in tight quarters," Sonnone said. "Getting consistent mentions of touchdown catches in practice would point to upside in a potential red-zone role in 2026."
Florida State needs higher red zone production in the 2026 season. While FSU ranked fifth among Atlantic Coast Conference teams in red zone offense, the Noles appeared to rely too heavily on Robinson to bail them out inside the 20-yard line. All the more reason why Loftin stepping up can open that side of the ball.
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