2026 FSU Position Previews: Defensive backs
· Yahoo Sports
No position group on Florida State’s defense faced more roster attrition over the offseason than the secondary.
Visit afnews.co.za for more information.
However, head coach Mike Norvell and his staff made sure to infuse the group with talent, both out of high school and in the transfer portal, to put together an interesting secondary, to say the least.
If it works, Florida State could have one of the best pass defenses in the conference. If not, FSU’s youth and inexperience has the potential to be exposed throughout the season, giving way to shootouts that the offense will not be able to keep up with.
FSU position previews: Defensive backs
2025 lookback: It is almost impossible to figure out how to rate the secondary from a year ago. The group did an impressive job on Alabama’s outstanding receivers, but was then torched by Virginia and Pitt a few weeks later. After barely forcing any turnovers in 2024, there was a clear improvement in 2025, but even after all the offseason talk from defensive coordinator Tony White and his staff about taking the ball away, there was still more to be desired. Long story short, the group needed a fresh start and got it this offseason.
Cornerback
Main name to know
- R-Jr. Ja’Bril Rawls: Rawls missed the end of last season due to injury but was one of Florida State’s best players through the first seven games he played. Head coach Mike Norvell and his staff believe that Rawls can take another step as one of the best corners in the ACC, as evidenced by being one of the most expensive players on the Seminole roster. The Panhandle native is one of three Florida State player representatives at ACC Kickoff, a telling sign of Rawls’ stance as a player and a leader on the 2026 team.
Returning players
- Sr. Quindarrius Jones: Similar to Rawls, Jones looked the part to start the season before missing the final seven games of the year with an injury. It is now or never for the senior in his final year of eligibility, who should get all the opportunities he needs to prove himself to NFL teams. The size and athleticism have always been there, but Jones will be counting on a new cornerbacks coach to take his game to the next level.
New faces
- R-So Nehemiah Chandler: After spending a redshirt year at Georgia Tech, Chandler, a Jacksonville native, transferred to South Alabama, where he burst onto the scene and earned First-Team All-Sun Belt after starting 11 of 12 games and recording over one pass breakup per game. He was one of FSU’s top targets out of the transfer portal, and the redshirt sophomore joins a revamped secondary with a ton of new faces. His versatility should allow him to stay on the field early and often, giving defensive coordinator Tony White another chess piece to play with on the back end.
- Fr. Chuck Kennon: Kennon, Florida State’s highest-rated recruit in the 2026 class, comes to college with a P4 frame, allowing him to earn playing time if he can get it. The Noles have had plenty of highly touted players come through the program over the last few years, but not many have panned out. Kennon hopes to change that trend and contribute in his first year as a Nole.
Safety
Main name to know
- So. Ma’Khi Jones: Jones spent one season at Duke and was one of the Blue Devils’ unsung heroes on their way to an ACC Championship. The safety played over 300 snaps a season ago and appeared in all 14 games. With plenty of player-personnel overlap between Florida State and Duke, including general manager of player personnel John Garrett, the staff made sure Jones ended up in Tallahassee. FSU needed at least one starting safety out of the portal with Shyheim Brown leaving the program, and I expect Jones to fill that gap.
Returning players
- R-Jr. K.J. Kirkland: Kirkland has played 24 games for FSU over the last two seasons, and there is plenty of good and bad tape on the Jacksonville native. He should compete with Jones for a starting safety spot and consistently see the field in a variety of roles. It would also not be a surprise to see Kirkland in a leadership role as he enters his fourth year in the program and is one of the better interviewers on the team.
New faces
R-So CJ Richard Jr: Richard, who spent 2025 with Illinois State, was a late addition to the Seminoles’ transfer portal class, but FSU certainly saw something it liked as he committed two days after announcing his intention to leave the Redbirds. Illinois State reached the FCS title game a season ago, so he will bring a winning attitude to a locker room that desperately needs it. Whether Richard Jr. can make the jump to P4 and contribute right away will be the question for the redshirt sophomore.
Jr. Karson Hobbs: Hobbs did not play a ton in his two seasons at Notre Dame, but Florida State decided to take a flier on the traits and athleticism, hoping to get the best out of the DB. Standing 6’1” and weighing 189 pounds, there is no reason Hobbs cannot play all over the backline of the FSU defense. But, considering the Fighting Irish let him enter the transfer portal, there is certainly a risk in taking Hobbs.
Rover
Main name to know
- R-Sr. Ashlynd Barker: It seems likely that Barker will step into the role vacated by Earl Little Jr., who did an admirable job in the position a season ago. Barker certainly has the size to be the rover, listed at 6’3” and 217 pounds, and should understand White’s defense as well as anyone after making nine starts in 2025. However, like a lot of the returning members of the secondary, Barker has been inconsistent during his time in garnet and gold, but will still be asked to shoulder a massive load for this defense.
Returning players
- R-Fr. Zae Thomas: Admittedly, there is not a whole lot of evidence or tape on Thomas for where he will play in 2026. However, with Barker needing a deputy, Thomas’ ranginess and physicality could come in handy. The South Florida native also stands 6’3” and split time between corner and safety during his time in high school. If Norvell and his staff want to find a way to get Thomas on the field in his second year in the program, easing him into the rover role could be a way to do it.
New faces
- Fr. Tre Bell III: Bell was one of the longest-tenured recruits to Florida State, committing to FSU in 2023 and enrolling early in January. He was a fringe top-300 prospect, depending on the recruiting site, but the Seminoles clearly believe in him after changing their defensive coordinator and secondary coach during his recruitment. Bell III mostly played safety during his time in high school, and by coming to campus in January, gave himself a chance to see the field during his freshman year.