
FSU narrows Week 1 starters as camp winds down
Florida State football projects its Week 1 starting lineup as it enters the final week of camp, with defensive lineman Mandrell Desir highlighted, ahead of the Aug. 29 season opener vs New Mexico State.
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Florida State football projects its Week 1 starting lineup as it enters the final week of camp, with defensive lineman Mandrell Desir highlighted, ahead of the Aug. 29 season opener vs New Mexico State.

Australian-born Daniel Hughes, a 28-year-old punter new to Florida State after stints at City College of San Francisco and New Mexico, has built a growing social-media presence while delivering strong punting metrics and earning a spot on the Ray Guy Award watch list as he aims to boost FSUs special teams this season.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he does not endorse Rep. Cory Mills in the Republican primary for Florida’s 7th District, as Mills faces three challengers while the House Ethics Committee probes serious allegations including possible domestic violence and campaign-finance violations. Mills has denied wrongdoing despite related police reports and a protective order issued against him by a former girlfriend. Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos have backed Mills’ opponent Ryan Elijah. Mills is 46 and running for a third term.

Florida State enters move week with several unsettled spots, notably the right side of the offensive line (right guard candidates Andre Otto, Nate Pabst, and Paul Bowling, plus a right tackle competition between Johnathan Daniels and Chimdia Nwaiwu), a behind-Duce Robinson wide receiver battle (Micahi Danzy and Jayvan Boggs, with freshmen Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez pushing for time), and the safety/nickel spots after Karson Hobbs’ injury, as Ma’Khi Jones, KJ Kirkland, CJ Richard Jr., and Ricky Knight III compete for advantages as Norvell pushes for depth-chart clarity before game prep.

Florida State uses move week to settle its depth chart after a second scrimmage, with ongoing position battles highlighted by cornerback Charles Lester’s two recent interceptions as coach Mike Norvell prepares for the season opener.

Florida State heads into its second preseason scrimmage at Doak Campbell Stadium, with three key questions to be answered as the team continues evaluating roster and performance.

The Protect College Sports Act could reshuffle Florida State’s conference options far more than NIL rules, by proposing a 19-member cap on power conferences and a five-year independence requirement for any school switching leagues. If kept, these provisions would largely block a quick Big Ten option, funnel Notre Dame’s slot as the remaining top landing, and leave FSU in an SEC-or-bust scenario with no guaranteed home for five years after leaving the ACC—potentially erasing its 2030 exit leverage. The bill is not law yet and could change in the House or Senate.

Charlie Woods opened with a triple bogey and a bogey-filled first five holes before steadying to shoot 5-over 76 in the first round of the U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley CC. He sits at 5-over for the event, well outside the 1-over cut line as two rounds of stroke play determine the top 64 for match play. The field features 264 players, and ties for the cut can force a sudden-death playoff; Woods, Tiger Woods’ son, has verbally committed to Florida State for 2027.

Florida State is adding former Houston, Texas, and FAU head coach Tom Herman to its coaching staff as part of a broader offseason reshuffle that also saw Tim Harris promoted to offensive coordinator after Gus Malzahn’s departure. Herman brings extensive head-coaching and offensive experience from his time at Houston, Texas, FAU and various college programs (plus NFL work), in a bid to help the Seminoles bounce back from a 7-17 stretch over the last two seasons under Norvell. His exact role hasn’t been specified publicly yet.

The Chicago Cubs selected Florida State 1B Myles Bailey with the 75th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, betting on his elite raw power despite injury history and concerns about his hit tool and strikeout rate. Bailey posted eye-popping college power and a strong left-handed swing, but scouts note questions about how well his power and approach will translate to the pro game, where he’s likely headed to first base after showcasing his defensive versatility.

Florida State fights to stay alive in the Tallahassee Regional, after a weather-delayed 2-1 win over Coastal Carolina, as it meets Northern Illinois in a must-win game. Cooper Whited will start for FSU as the away team at 7:10 p.m. ET on ESPN+, while NIU, the MAC champion, looks to rebound and keep its bid alive for a regional crown.

North Carolina defeated Virginia Tech 10-4 to reach the ACC Baseball Championship semifinals, while Pitt topped Florida State 8-6 behind Kai Wagner’s two homers, including a go-ahead three-run shot in the ninth. The semifinals set for Saturday: Georgia Tech vs. Miami and North Carolina vs. Pitt.

Florida State and Georgia mutually canceled their 2027 and 2028 home-and-home football games amid evolving ACC/SEC scheduling mandates and are pursuing a future neutral-site matchup; the decision will not reduce total home games for FSU, and the school opens the 2026 season at Doak Campbell vs New Mexico State.

Florida State erased a 4-1 deficit in the fourth after Link Jarrett was ejected on a review, then scored four in that frame and held Pitt scoreless the rest of the way to win 6-4 and complete the ACC series sweep. Knief earned the win in relief, while key hits from players like McCulley and DeLamielleure helped fuel the comeback as the Seminoles closed out the game.

Florida State named transfer Ashton Daniels the starting quarterback for the 2026 season, edging out Kevin Sperry after a training-camp battle. Daniels, who played four games for Auburn last year, threw for 797 yards with 3 TDs and 2 INTs and rushed for 280 yards with 2 TDs, and is set to lead the Seminoles into the Aug. 29 opener vs. New Mexico.