For all the things that went wrong in Florida State’s disastrous 2-10 2024 campaign, poor quarterback play stood out as perhaps the single biggest culprit. Head coach Mike Norvell, alongside new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and quarterbacks coach Tony Tokarz, made fixing that issue priority number one this offseason. The result? A complete rebuild of the QB room, plus heavy roster turnover across all offensive positions.
Whether these moves will turn the Seminoles’ offense from one of the worst in the nation into a competent, consistent unit remains to be seen — but there’s no doubt the pieces are at least in place for a turnaround.
Quarterbacks: A Veteran Steadying Hand
Gone are DJ Uiagalelei and Luke Kromenhoek, both moving on from Tallahassee. Enter Tommy Castellanos, a player Malzahn knows well from their time together at UCF. Castellanos, a South Georgia native, spent the past two seasons at Boston College, showcasing both dynamic mobility and the occasional erratic decision-making that has defined his career to date.
At his best, Castellanos is a true dual threat — capable of pushing the ball vertically and extending plays with his legs. At his worst, he struggles with accuracy and ball security. Still, after posting completion rates of 57.3% and 61.5% in his two BC seasons, he appears to be settling in well with the Seminoles.
Throughout spring practice, Castellanos emerged as a vocal leader, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike for his presence both on and off the field. He’s not expected to contend for a Heisman, but he brings exactly what Florida State needs — stability, poise, and the ability to control the offense.
Running Backs: Malzahn’s Ground Game Emphasis
Under Norvell’s tenure, the running back room has been a steady source of production — until last season. Injuries and inconsistency crippled the rushing attack, making its revival a top priority in 2025. Malzahn’s system, which thrives on a strong run game, could be the perfect antidote.
Roydell Williams returns for his sixth year of college football, now fully healthy after being limited to four games in 2024. The Alabama transfer has averaged 4.97 yards per carry in his career (excluding last season) and is expected to serve as the bell cow.
Kam Davis, a former five-star recruit, was thrown into the fire last season after Williams’ injury. His 173 yards were enough for second on the team, but the now-sophomore admits nerves and overthinking slowed him down. With the game “finally slowing down,” Davis has the potential to flourish in Malzahn’s physical rushing approach.
The depth behind them is impressive: freshman Ousmane Kromah, wildcard transfer Gavin Sawchuck, and returner Sam Singleton Jr. form a deep and versatile rotation.
Wide Receivers: From Dreadful to Dependable?
It’s hard to overstate just how poor Florida State’s receiving corps was in 2024. The unit ranked 124th out of 134 FBS teams in PFF receiving grade (60.8) and produced just one receiver — Ja’Khi Douglas — with a grade above 70. Seven receivers transferred out this offseason, allowing the staff to completely overhaul the group.
Duce Robinson was the headline portal addition, arriving from USC with the potential to be a true No. 1 option — though a spring injury delayed his development. Elijah Moore, who redshirted in 2024, will be counted on for reliable production if he can cut down on mental errors.
Lawayne McCoy showed flashes as a freshman and could be a dangerous playmaker when healthy, while BJ Gibson’s two-sport background brings toughness and blocking ability. The newcomer to watch is Squirrel White, the former Tennessee standout who ranks seventh in Volunteers history in career receptions. If healthy, White could be Castellanos’ most consistent chain-mover.
Tight Ends: Versatility and Depth
Tight ends coach Chris Thomsen has one of the more balanced position rooms on the roster — a blend of experience, upside, and new blood.
Markeston Douglas returns after a brief stint at Arizona State, bringing leadership and a winning pedigree despite likely being third on the depth chart. Randy Pittman Jr., a transfer from UCF, has the versatility to block inside or split out wide, filling a role similar to Jaheim Bell’s from 2023. Highly-touted freshman Thomas (name TBD if known) rounds out a group that could be pivotal in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
Offensive Line: New Coaches, New Hope
Florida State’s offensive line was, bluntly, a liability in 2024. The unit gave up 49 sacks (131st nationally) and paved the way for just 89.9 rushing yards per game — a massive drop from 2023. Nine different starting combinations underscored the lack of cohesion.
The addition of veteran OL coach Herb Hand from Malzahn’s staff at UCF brings hope for immediate improvement.
Key additions include Gunnar Hansen (Vanderbilt, 35 career starts at LT) and Micah Pettus (Ole Miss, 29 career starts at RT), both experienced SEC tackles who could stabilize the edges. Inside, Richie Leonard IV (Florida) and Jacob Rizy (Harvard) bring versatility and leadership, while Andre Otto aims to take a step forward after a mixed sophomore season.
Final Outlook
On paper, Florida State’s 2025 offense is vastly more experienced, deeper, and better coached than last year’s disastrous unit. Castellanos’ leadership at quarterback, a healthy and loaded running back room, and an influx of proven talent at receiver should all help Malzahn install a more balanced, explosive scheme.
The Seminoles may not transform into a top-10 offense overnight, but if the offensive line improves and the receivers develop chemistry with Castellanos, FSU could turn last year’s nightmare into a significant step forward — and maybe even climb back toward bowl contention.
