What's Next for Florida State University Football in the 2024 Season?
As a longtime observer of college football and a dedicated follower of the ACC, I’ve spent this offseason mulling over that very question. Florida State’s 2023 campaign was a rollercoaster of dominant performances and a postseason snub that left a bitter taste. Now, with spring practices in the rearview and the summer grind underway, the path forward is coming into focus. But let’s be honest—predicting this stuff is part art, part science, and a whole lot of gut feeling. To break it down, I think the best approach is to tackle the biggest questions head-on. So, here’s what’s on my mind regarding what's next for Florida State University football in the 2024 season.
1. Can DJ Uiagalelei truly elevate this offense to a championship level? This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? We all saw the flashes of brilliance at Clemson and the struggles at Oregon State. Now, he’s in Tallahassee, arguably with the most complete roster he’s ever had. My take? The pressure is immense, but the structure might be perfect for him. He doesn’t need to be a superhero every down. With a stable of running backs like Lawrance Toafili and that massive, experienced offensive line, his job is to be efficient and make plays when they’re there. I’m reminded of a mindset I’ve heard from players in high-pressure situations. It’s not about carrying the weight of the world; it’s about embracing the moment. There’s a certain freedom in that. It brings to mind a phrase I once heard from an athlete facing similar expectations: "Hindi naman ako nag-e-expect. Enjoy lang." ("I'm not really expecting. Just enjoying."). If Uiagalelei can adopt a bit of that "enjoy lang" mentality—playing loose, trusting his weapons like Johnny Wilson and Malik Benson—instead of pressing, this offense could be terrifying. The physical tools are undeniable. The key is between the ears.
2. How does the defense replace the historic talent lost to the NFL? Let’s not sugarcoat it: losing Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Renardo Green, and Tatum Bethune is a massive blow. Coordinator Adam Fuller earned his paycheck last year, and he’ll need to do it again. The good news? The transfer portal giveth. Players like Marvin Jones Jr. (edge, Georgia) and Sione Lolohea (DT, Oregon State) are plug-and-play starters with Power 5 pedigree. The secondary, while young, is dripping with athleticism. My concern isn’t the first-string; it’s depth. Can the second unit hold up in the fourth quarter against Clemson or Miami? That’s where development this summer is critical. I expect some early-season growing pains, but by October, this should still be a top-25 defense nationally. They might not lead the nation in sacks again, but they’ll be plenty disruptive.
3. Is the schedule a blessing or a trap? On paper, missing North Carolina and Louisville from the ACC slate is a gift. The non-conference trip to Notre Dame in November is the obvious marquee game and a potential playoff decider. But here’s where I get nervous. The opener in Dublin against Georgia Tech is a quirky, distracting trip. A Week 3 visit from a revitalized Memphis team is a classic "trap" game before the Boston College conference opener. And let’s not forget the "Sunshine State" games: at Miami (Nov. 2) and vs. Florida (Nov. 30) to close the season. That’s a brutal final month. The path to 11+ wins is there, but it requires a level of week-to-week focus that eluded the team at times in 2022. They can’t afford a single off-weekend.
4. What is the realistic ceiling for this team? This is where my personal bias kicks in. I believe this is a College Football Playoff contender. Not just a 12-team playoff participant, but a team that can host a first-round game and make a serious run. The roster is built to compete with anyone in the country. The offensive line returns over 100 career starts. The skill positions are deep. The coaching staff is stable and motivated. The biggest variable, as always, is quarterback play and health. If Uiagalelei finds consistency and the defense reloads as expected, the ceiling is the ACC Championship and a top-8 seed. The floor? Maybe 9-3 with a frustrating loss or two. But the talent says the ceiling is the target.
5. How will the team handle the "unfinished business" narrative? The 13-0 season left out of the playoff will fuel this program all year. That’s a powerful motivator, but it can also become a burden if they start pressing. This goes back to mentality. The coaches will preach "1-0 each week," but the players know the story. They have to channel that frustration into precise execution, not desperate play. Again, that idea of managing expectation is key. Playing with a chip on your shoulder is good. Playing tight because you’re terrified of falling short is a recipe for disaster. Embracing the journey, the daily work, the camaraderie—that’s what wins in November. It’s about finding joy in the grind. "Hindi naman ako nag-e-expect. Enjoy lang." It’s a surprisingly profound approach for a team with national ambitions. Don’t get weighed down by the destination; find your edge in the competition itself.
6. Who is the breakout star we’re not talking about enough? Everyone knows the big names. I’m looking at a guy like wide receiver Hykeem Williams. The former 5-star recruit had a quiet freshman year (5 catches) but possesses freakish size and athleticism at 6'3", 225 lbs. With defenses focused on others, he’s primed for a sophomore leap. On defense, keep an eye on linebacker Blake Nichelson. He showed flashes as a freshman and has the speed to be a sideline-to-sideline force in Fuller’s system. My dark horse? Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. After a rocky start to his career, he was nearly perfect last year (19-of-21 FGs). In a season where close games are inevitable, a reliable kicker is worth his weight in gold.
So, what's next for Florida State University football in the 2024 season? It’s a season defined by both immense opportunity and palpable pressure. It’s about a talented transfer quarterback finding a home, a defense rebuilding on the fly, and a schedule that offers no easy weeks. But more than anything, it’s about mentality. Can this team blend its fierce desire for redemption with a loose, confident, and enjoyable approach to the week-in, week-out battle? If they can, the journey could be as memorable as the destination they’ve been dreaming of since that painful December snub. I, for one, can’t wait to watch it unfold.
