FSU football newcomers to make an instant impact: Who can lead the Seminoles turnaround

Posted by author January 9, 2025 Football

Spread the love

Following a disastrous 2-10 season, Florida State football overhauled its roster with new faces from the transfer portal and high school recruitment.

The Seminoles currently have 36 new players coming into the program via the portal or preps recruitment, with the portal class ranking fifth in the nation and the high school recruiting class ranked 18th, according to 247Sports.

While not every player is going to come in and make an instant impact, there are a handful of them who could be household names for those in Tallahassee and beyond next season.

As players begin their life as Seminoles with the new college semester starting, which players can make an instant impact on the team?

Here are four players who could fit the bill.

Thomas Castellanos – Quarterback

The Seminoles moved quickly to bring in former Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos, making him the first signee of the 2025 portal class.

It was a tumultuous year at the quarterback position for FSU, cycling through three different signal callers. Following the season, DJ Uiagalelei declared for the NFL draft and Luke Kromenhoek elected to transfer to Mississippi State, leaving Brock Glenn as the only scholarship quarterback still a Seminole from the 2024 roster.

Castellanos comes in with the expectation of bringing excitement back to the position. He’s a dual-threat quarterback, but with Boston College bringing in Bill O’Brien as head coach, Castellanos was transitioned into more of a pocket passer in 2024.

While his touchdown to interception ratio improved, throwing 18 touchdowns to five interceptions, Castellanos eventually dropped down the depth chart, leaving the Eagles program before coming to FSU.

He finished with 1,366 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, adding just 194 rushing yards and one touchdown this season. In 2023 he threw for 2,248 yards, 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while adding 1,113 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, his best year of his career in Chesnut Hill.

He brings a familiarity with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s offense, spending one season under him at UCF before transferring to Boston College, and he fits the mold of what Malzahn likes in his signal callers. With a revamped offensive line and wide receiver unit, Castellanos could make a splash this season.

Duce Robinson – Wide Receiver

Few position groups disappointed more than the wide receiver room in 2024 for the Seminoles. From drops, separation issues and a lack of big-play ability, FSU has brought in five new receivers to try and address those problems.

One noticeable change is the height of the receivers being recruited. Of the five, three stand 6-foot-5 or taller, with one of those players being the 6-foot-6 Seminole legacy Duce Robinson. The son of former FSU wide receiver Dominic Robinson, he spent two seasons at USC before transferring to Tallahassee.

Robinson has a unique skill set, and he could fill a similar role to Johnny Wilson’s during his time in Tallahassee. In his two seasons at USC, Robinson totaled 747 yards and seven touchdowns, recording 396 yards and five touchdowns last year.

With Castellanos at quarterback and a new offensive system, Robinson has the chance to have a career year.

Kevin Wynn – Defensive lineman

The best prospect in the 2025 Seminoles high school recruiting class, Kevin Wynn has the chance to make an instant impact on the defensive line in his freshmen season.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 340 pounds, Wynn is a dynamic prospect who could see the field quickly. Ranked as a top 100 prospect by 247Sports, Wynn is quick off the line and challenges offensive linemen with his aggressive playstyle.

The Seminoles pair Wynn with a returning Darrell Jackson and new defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, giving the freshman two strong football minds to learn and develop from. Adept at getting into the backfield in high school, Wynn recorded 14 career sacks, including seven in his senior season.

While he might need some time to adjust to the college level, Wynn has the tools to contribute quickly and make a difference on a new-look Seminoles defensive line.

James Williams- EDGE

With FSU hiring Tony White as defensive coordinator and bringing position coaches Evan Cooper and Knighton over from Nebraska, it was natural to think some players would follow. One such player was EDGE James Williams, affectionately named “Mr. Sack” by Knighton.

Ranked as a 4-star transfer portal prospect, Williams has the understanding of White’s 3-3-5 system and the versatility to become one of the key players for the Seminoles’ defense. Last season he posted 14 tackles and five sacks, with his ability to pressure the quarterback a standout element of his game.

He will be a player who can instantly start, especially with his understanding of White’s system. With the new look defensive line and familiarity with the coaching staff, Williams is one to watch.