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FSU Football’s Top Performers at Each Position So Far in 2026

By Tyler Burnam | October 22, 2026

Statistics through October 17

Ashton Daniels prepares to pass behind Florida State’s offensive line against Miami
Ashton Daniels prepares to pass against Miami. Photo: Jeff Romance / FSU Athletics.
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Florida State’s season has brought frustration, missed opportunities, and questions about the program’s direction. Still, several Seminoles have delivered individual performances worth recognizing.

From Ousmane Kromah’s production on the ground to Chris Jones’ activity on defense, these players have stood out at their respective positions through seven games.

Quarterback: Ashton Daniels

Ashton Daniels has been central to Florida State’s offense, providing production through the air and on the ground.

Daniels has thrown for 1,618 yards and 12 touchdowns while completing 58.6 percent of his passes. He has also rushed for 354 yards and 11 touchdowns. Eight interceptions, however, highlight the mistakes that have limited his effectiveness.

His mobility gives Florida State another way to move the chains when passing plays break down. The challenge is pairing that playmaking ability with better ball security and more consistent execution. Daniels has matured as a quarterback since the start of the year and has become a bright spot for the Noles’ offense.

Running Back: Ousmane Kromah

Ousmane Kromah has carried the largest workload in Florida State’s backfield, rushing for 609 yards and five touchdowns on 114 attempts. He is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and has added 97 receiving yards.

That combination of workload and efficiency makes him one of the offense’s most important contributors. His production has given Florida State a foundation on the ground and helped take pressure off the passing game. Unfortunately, he has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.

Wide Receiver: Jayvan Boggs

Jayvan Boggs has emerged as a productive receiving option, catching 19 passes for 351 yards and a touchdown. His average of approximately 18.5 yards per reception illustrates the yardage he has generated from relatively few catches.

Duce Robinson leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, but Boggs deserves recognition for his contributions alongside him. His production has made him a top target for Daniels. I believe Boggs is someone FSU must retain during the offseason.

Tight End: Landen Thomas

Landen Thomas has recorded four receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown in a passing attack that has given its tight ends limited opportunities.

The numbers leave room for growth, but Florida State has not consistently involved its tight ends in the passing attack this year.

Offensive Line: André Otto

André Otto represents the offensive line in this group.

Evaluating an offensive lineman requires more than looking at team rushing totals or sacks allowed. Assignments, protection calls, and the performance of surrounding players all affect the outcome of a play. Otto has been one of this team’s leaders throughout the offseason and into the regular season.

For Otto and the entire unit, consistency remains the priority. Florida State has shown improvement along the offensive line since the start of the year.

Edge Rusher: Rylan Kennedy

Rylan Kennedy has supplied Florida State’s strongest pass-rushing production, recording six sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

His ability to finish behind the line of scrimmage makes him a significant part of this defense. Sacks and tackles for loss can put an opponent behind schedule, creating opportunities to get off the field.

Continuing to generate sacks will be important as Florida State looks for more consistent defensive results.

Interior Defensive Line: Kevin Wynn

Kevin Wynn has contributed 11 tackles and one sack from the defensive interior.

His role involves work that does not always appear in the box score. He has also played limited snaps, which has affected his production totals.

Linebacker: Chris Jones

Chris Jones leads Florida State with 46 tackles. His production also includes four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and six quarterback hurries.

Those contributions show activity both around the ball and behind the line of scrimmage. Jones has contributed as both a tackler and a pass rusher. He has also made multiple fourth-down stops across consecutive games.

Defensive Back: Ashlynd Barker

Ashlynd Barker has combined tackling production with an ability to create turnovers.

He has recorded 38 tackles, three pass breakups, and a team-leading two interceptions.

Takeaways give a defense the chance to change a game immediately. Barker’s interceptions, alongside his tackling contributions, make him a standout in a Florida State secondary that has struggled this year.

Special Teams: Gabe Panikowski

Gabe Panikowski has provided dependable kicking, converting all six field-goal attempts and all 27 extra points. Four of his field goals have come from 40–49 yards, with a season long of 46.

His accuracy has allowed Florida State to capitalize when it turns to its kicking unit. In games decided by a possession, maintaining that reliability can make a meaningful difference.

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