Seminole Sunday Sauce — Jan. 4, 2026: FSU Football to Return Key Contributors, Adds to Staff
After a tumultuous month, Florida State football received some good news this week. A handful of key players are set to return.
The year started with FSU announcing the return of All-ACC wide receiver Duce Robinson announcing his return. Robinson finished with 56 catches for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns in 2025.
According to reports, defensive back Ja’Bril Rawls and tight end Landen Thomas are also now set to return after previously expressing intentions to enter the transfer portal. On Saturday, FSU landed its first transfer in South Alabama defensive back Nehemiah Chandler. Chandler was an All-Sun Belt performer this season.
The Seminoles also made a slew of staff hires official, including John Garrett, who will serve in a general manager role. Kam Martin, previously at Incarnate World, UCF and Tulsa, will serve as running backs coach. Tim Harris, previously passing game coordinator, will serve as wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator alongside Gus Malzahn.
FSU is coming off its sixth losing season in eight years. The Seminoles finished 5-7 this past season.
FOOTBALL
Record: 5-7
Ranking: N/A
Recognitions: None
Commitments: None
Decommitments: None
2026 Recruiting Class Rank: No. 14 nationally, second in ACC* (32 total commitments)
Wrap-up: After a rough last month, FSU received some good news this week.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Record: 7-8 (0-2 ACC)
Ranking: N/A
Past Week: (0-2), lost at North Carolina on Tuesday, 79-66; lost to Duke on Saturday, 91-87
Upcoming: vs. NC State (Saturday)
Recognitions: None
Commitments: None
Decommitments: None
2026 Recruiting Class Rank: No. 9 nationally*, second in ACC (4 total commitments)
Wrap-up: FSU hung tough with two top-15 teams this week but could not secure a win.
WomEN’S BASKETBALL
Record: 5-10 (0-3 ACC)
Ranking: N/A
Past Week: (0-1), lost at Syracuse on Thursday, 82-72
Upcoming: vs. Virginia (Sunday)
Recognitions: None
Wrap-up: FSU showed fight at Syracuse but continues to be winless in ACC play.
Swimming and Diving
Ranking: Men No. 12 CSCAA
Past Week: Idle
Upcoming: vs. Villanova (Tuesday); at Georgia (Saturday)
Recognitions: None
Wrap-up: FSU returns to the pool this week with a pair of head-to-head meets.
Track and Field
Ranking: N/A
Upcoming: Jimmy Carnes Invitational (Jan. 16)
Recognitions: None
Wrap-up: FSU kicks off the indoor season in Gainesville later this month.
*Recruiting rankings according to the 247Sports Composite rankings
- Mike Ferguson is the lead writer for Double Fries No Slaw. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson. For all of his work, “Like” or “Follow” Mike on Facebook.
