While the Seminoles struggle with high-scoring losses and defensive rankings, standout playmakers Ja’Bril Rawls and CJ Richard Jr. provide a glimmer of hope within an embattled backfield.
The 2026 season has not started the way supporters of the Florida State Seminoles expected.
The Seminoles opened the season with a win over New Mexico State and recently defeated Central Arkansas, two teams that were expected to be easy opponents. Ranked SMU and Alabama were the true tests for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles, and they came up short in both games.
A major problem has been Florida State’s defense. The Seminoles' defense has given up 25.25 points per game and has allowed 429.8 yards per game through four weeks. They also rank 126th in Total Defense. Although their defense has been a negative for the majority of the season so far, their secondary has some bright spots, like defensive backs Ja'Bril Rawls (cornerback) and CJ Richard Jr. (safety)
So far this season, Rawls has 24 tackles, two pass breakups, and a sack in four games. One of Rawls' better games was against Alabama, where he had eight total tackles, and a pass breakup.
Richard Jr. has 29 total tackles and a pass deflection of his own. One of the best games he's had this season was against Alabama, with 12 total tackles. They lost to the Crimson Tide 50-36, and it was not a good performance by the defense, but they held their own well in their individual matchups.
Rawls was a 3-star recruit in the class of 2023 and enrolled in the summer. Rawls appeared in three games as a freshman, then redshirted toward the end of the season. He entered the transfer portal in late 2025, but withdrew and came back to the program.
Richard Jr. enrolled at Illinois State in December 2024, spent two seasons there, and entered the transfer portal in January 2026, committing to the Seminoles. FSU's secondary and defense overall could still use some improvement, as they are 135th in passing defense, allowing 290 passing yards per game.
They're going to take on Virginia at home on Saturday, October 3rd. The Cavaliers' passing attack is ranked 43rd, with 263 passing yards per game. It'll be a tough test for the Seminoles, but they have players who are up to the challenge. Virginia has three wide receivers that over 100 yards this season, one of which being Kameron Courtney, leading the team with 166 yards and two touchdowns.
Virginia has a balanced offense that can run and pass the ball. The Seminoles' secondary will have to contain the pass and try to make them one-dimensional throughout the contest.
FSU is currently 2-2 and at 14th place in the ACC.
