Florida State kicks off its 2024 season in Dublin, Ireland on August 24 against ACC foe Georgia Tech. After being snubbed of a College Football Playoff berth last season, the new-look Seminoles seek to return to the CFP for the first time since 2014.
When FSU takes the field in Ireland against the Yellow Jackets, former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei will be under center for the Garnet and Gold. DJU brings in a ton of experience with 57 passing touchdowns and over 7,000 career passing yards. The Noles’ offense has seen quite the change with numerous transfers and recruits enter the program this off-season. Of note, former Alabama running back Roydell Williams will look to be the premier back in Tallahassee this season.
The Seminoles offense will be the spotlight of the team this upcoming season. Seeking a repeat of last year’s undefeated regular season, the Noles will rely heavily on Uiagalelei and the tailbacks to move the ball down the field. However, receivers such as Hykeem Williams, Kentron Poirtier and Ja’Khi Douglas will look to be the go-to targets in the passing attack. But fans cannot look past Destyn Hill and Alabama transfer Malik Benson having a consistent role in the pass catching scheme.
Switching to the defense, the Seminoles are replacing a plethora of talent at numerous positions. Of the incoming freshmen, defensive linemen KJ Sampson and Lamont Green Jr. could have a significant impact in their first seasons at Florida State. The Noles do bring back defensive linemen Patrick Payton and Joshua Farmer. The program added former Georgia defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr., who brings in a total of 16 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. The depth up front for Adam Fuller’s defense gives Jones the opportunity to see time in the rotation.
From a schedule standpoint, FSU has a favorable schedule to yet again earn a berth to Charlotte for the ACC Championship. The schedule sees the Noles open in Ireland with Georgia Tech before hosting ACC foe Boston College on Labor Day. In the non-conference slate, the Seminoles host Memphis and Charleston Southern while traveling to South Bend to face Notre Dame in early November. The ACC home slate includes BC, Cal, Clemson, North Carolina. The Seminoles will travel to SMU, Miami and Duke.
Given the level of talent on this roster, the 2024 Florida State football team has everything in place to not only contend for the ACC, but also the College Football Playoff.