Seminoles’ tight ends dominated as blockers in the 34-17 win over New Mexico State, earning praise from Mike Norvell despite limited catches.
Florida State’s season opener against New Mexico State offered plenty of highlights. Ousmane Kromah burst onto the scene with an explosive rushing performance, Ashton Daniels efficiently guided the offense and the Seminoles opened the 2026 campaign with a comfortable 34-17 victory.
But one position group quietly helped make the offensive success possible without filling the stat sheet.
Florida State’s tight ends weren’t featured as pass catchers, but their fingerprints were all over the running game.
Head coach Mike Norvell made that clear during his weekly press conference, praising a unit that embraced one of football’s least glamorous responsibilities.
“No, I thought they did a really good job, especially blocking,” Norvell said. “There was some limited opportunities just kind of how things were working through coverage-wise on them, but they didn’t get as many catches. But I thought their impact in the game was really good.
“I know on a couple of the big runs, they did an outstanding job creating space. I’m excited about that group. I think all three, Dessirio (Riles), Landen (Thomas) and Chase (Loftin), all played double-digit plays in the game and definitely had some good moments.”
The advanced grading backed up Norvell’s assessment.
Sophomore Landen Thomas led Florida State’s tight ends with a 72.9 offensive grade while logging 39 snaps. He was especially effective as a blocker, earning a 71.1 pass-blocking grade and a 68.4 run-blocking grade while playing 26 run-blocking snaps and five pass-blocking reps.
Thomas wasn’t targeted often, but he consistently helped seal the edge and create running lanes for Florida State’s backs.
Dessirio Riles also made his presence felt despite limited opportunities as a receiver. Playing 36 snaps, Riles posted a team-best 72.2 pass-blocking grade among the tight ends while earning a 63.1 run-blocking grade. His willingness to handle physical assignments allowed Florida State to stay balanced throughout the afternoon.
Chase Loftin played 16 snaps and delivered perhaps the biggest surprise as a run blocker. He finished with a 69.1 run-blocking grade despite seeing only seven blocking snaps, providing quality depth whenever his number was called.
Collectively, the trio played 91 offensive snaps, with 50 of those coming as run blockers.
That production helped Florida State average more than six yards per rushing attempt while controlling the line of scrimmage for much of the game.
The offensive line deserved plenty of credit as well. Center Bradyn Welch-Joiner finished with one of the team’s highest offensive grades (74.2), while tackles Xavier Chaplin and Chimdia Nwaiwu consistently created movement at the point of attack. Guards Nate Pabst and André Otto also turned in strong run-blocking performances as Florida State established its physical identity early.
The tight ends simply complemented that effort.
Norvell also emphasized the versatility of the room and hinted that an even deeper rotation could be on the way.
“I’m excited about where that group can continue to grow,” Norvell said. “It was, a lot of that was game plan going in. We were down, limited a couple of receivers there last week, and that’s the great thing about that group is that they can do a variety of things.
“It really just kind of all played. We’re excited, I think, to get Tae’Shaun Gelsey back this week and to be able to get him back in the fold. We’ll see where things go with Devin (Carter) and all that, but excited about getting some guys back in it.”
That flexibility could become increasingly valuable as Florida State’s receiving corps gets healthier. With Gelsey expected to return and Carter’s status still developing, Norvell has options to adjust personnel packages without sacrificing physicality.
Winning on the edge. Sustaining the running game. Protecting the quarterback.
Those contributions rarely generate headlines, but they often determine whether an offense can consistently control games. Against New Mexico State, Florida State’s tight end room proved it can impact winning long before the football ever arrives in its hands.
