FSU's 2026 Defensive Line: A Deep Dive into the Projected Depth Chart
FSU's Defensive Line: A Deep Dive into the Projected Depth Chart for 2026
With the 2026 college football season just six months away, it's time to take a closer look at Florida State's defensive line. The Seminoles will need to win with depth and versatility this season, as they look to replace their top player and move off of edge defenders who busted last season. So, let's dive into the projected depth chart and see how FSU plans to fill the gaps.
Speed EDGE
FSU's offseason pursuit of a speed rusher led them to Kennedy, a former track standout in college who shows signs of the requisite explosiveness needed to create an effective fast-ball off the edge. Kennedy, listed at 6-foot-3/240, doesn't have optimal size, but he is a plus athlete with burst who's shown some signs of being able to get to the QB (had 2.0 sacks this past season for Texas A&M). His efficiency, 14 QB Pressures on 72 pass-rush snaps, is good.
Diggs missed most of last season with a neck injury. He had a sack in the opener vs. Alabama, but held a 60.6 PFF Grade in three games (two of which vs. sub P4 competition).
Keep an eye on a freshman – Cam Brooks is a name that's popped up early this offseason – to also vie for reps.
3T
FSU will need Lyons to take on a prominent role as a senior…not just as a starter, but as a true difference maker. He generally showed well in the final month of the season, receiving solid-good PFF marks at Clemson, vs. VT, and NC State down the stretch. He finished the year with 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and 1 FF. FSU wants to move Lyons across the line to make the most out of his above-average athleticism, but a healthy offseason is needed for him to level up.
McCray was rock solid last season in a transition year to the P4 level. Nothing flashy. He did wear down some towards the end of the season, so getting his strength and conditioning up is a goal this offseason. FSU likes him as a malleable, scheme-versatile interior defender who can confidently steal 15-25 reps per game without much of a drop-off.
FSU can hopefully get something out of second-year player Tylon Lee, although there was some internal frustration about his lack of progress last season.
NT/1T
This has potential to be a weak spot for FSU if it doesn't get big jumps from either second-year defender Kevin Wynn, or its transfer addition in Jordan Sanders.
Wynn only played in four games last season to preserve his redshirt after an injury slowed him early in the year. The former four-star recruit had some buzz during camp before his injury, but the setback seemed to keep him from getting off the ground. Wynn's 49.3 PFF Grade was the lowest on the defense.
Sanders has a good frame (6-4/315) and was a steady performer in making the jump from the FCS to G6 last season. But it's worth noting that he wasn't a starter until the end of the year. Now he must make another big jump. Sanders is apparently a decent mover, but must get in better shape in order to make a strong impact.
Big DE
The retention of the Desirs – drama aside – was a big offseason win for FSU. They both held their own last season as rookies, with some dominant flashes sprinkled in with bouts of inconsistency.
Mandrell Desir is the big-time retention piece given his power and ability to generate mismatches inside the tackle box…but Darryll Desir has the frame and movement skills to be a strong edge rusher with enough speed to matter.
Anderson is a wildcard in this group. The JUCO product has a chance to contribute Day 1 due to his energy and ability to generate power.
