2026 FSU Position Previews: Defensive line

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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 15: Mandrell Desir #93 of the Florida State Seminoles in pregame warm-ups vs. the Virginia Tech Hokies at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 15, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Florida State University/University Images via Getty Images)

Florida State’s defensive line, while improved, still left a lot to be desired last season.

Some of that can be chalked up to misfires on additions, some can be attributed to acclimation to a new scheme, but either way, the end result was a defensive line that was servicable but not game-changing.

After hiring a new defensive line coach last year in Terrance Knighton, FSU brought on Nick Williams as its new defensive ends and pass rush specialist coach this past offseason in an effort to further shake things up. It nearly lost three promising young players in Kevin Wynn and the Desir twins, but managed to retain them while also adding intriguing newcomers in Jordan Sanders, Rylan Kennedy and Jalen Anderson.

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FSU position previews: Defensive line​

2025 lookback: After a rough, rough 2024, Florida State improved in 2025 but still failed to get production from highly-touted players. Darrell Jackson Jr., FSU’s lone draft selection this year, improved in run defense but took a step back in pass rush, while transfer portal addition James Williams came in with high expectations but failed to make any impact on the year. The main story was the emergence of the Desir twins, with Mandrell earning multiple freshman All-American honors with an All-ACC honorable mention nod as well.

Defensive tackle, nose tackle​

Main name to know​

• Daniel Lyons: One of the few homegrown talents on either side of the ball, Lyons took a major step forward in 2025, starting every game for the Seminoles at defensive tackle. Entering his redshirt senior year, he earned plenty of compliments during spring ball and is being looked at as a key piece of FSU’s defense.

Returning players​

• Kevin Wynn: Will the second-year player be able to step up for the Seminoles in 2026? After suffering an injury, he only played in four games last season, logging just one tackle and one pass breakup as he failed to fully elevate his game. He entered the transfer portal briefly but FSU was able to retain him, maintaining high hopes for the former four-star recruit.
• Deante McCray: McCray, who was one of Florida State’s most consistent pieces on the line last season, further grew into his role as a veteran in the trenches as he put together a nice spring for the Seminoles. He’ll get plenty of snaps, especially as one of the steadier run defenders on the roster.
• Tylon Lee: Another former four-star, Lee only appeared in three games last season, preserving his redshirt. His name wasn’t brought up during spring, but he’ll be working to find his way into rotation as the season rolls on.

New faces​

• Jordan Sanders: A Texas State transfer, Sanders missed all of spring camp with an injury, so he’ll be playing a bit of catch-up this summer, but he still projects as a player who will be pushing for starting reps. Last year, he logged 16 tackles (3.5 for loss) and a forced fumble for the Bobcats, where he transferred to after beginning his collegiate career at the FCS level. He’s a versatile player who can play at multiple spots along the line, earning a 77.0 overall defensive PFF grade, with a 73.3 for rush defense and a 71.7 for pass rush. His tackling, however, registered a 34.9, which is certainly concerning.
• Earnest Rankins: Rankins was a major recruiting win for the Seminoles, choosing FSU over fellow finalist Auburn while also fielding offers from the likes of Alabama, Ohio State and Oregon. He earned a few compliments during spring, but likely won’t be logging major reps barring significant progression.
• Franklin Whitley: Another highly-rated true freshman, Whitley is an athletic but raw prospect who primarily played basketball in high school. With just one year of organized football under his belt, he’s still got plenty of room to grow as he continues to learn the game — though he received plenty of accolades in his short time in Tallahassee, flashing plenty during spring ball. He’s got a chance to earn some playing time if he continues on his current trajectory.

Defensive end​

Main name to know​

• Mandrell Desir: Outside of Duce Robinson, Mandrell was the biggest retention win for FSU this past offseason, managing to bring both him and his twin Darryll after the duo entered the transfer portal. He was one of the country’s best freshmen last season, logging 30 tackles (7.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks, one pass breakup and one forced fumble. A step forward in his run defense is key to his growth as a next-level, every-down defender.

Returning players​

• Darryll Desir: Darryll also played in every game for the Seminoles last season, making two starts and finishing with 23 tackles (1.5 for loss) and one sack. He very likely could be starting alongside his brother, actually being graded higher than him (67.9 vs. 61 overall) by PFF. He’s got to nail down his consistency, but the tools are there for him to continue to grow, and he’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so.
• Deamontae Diggs: Diggs, after transferring to FSU in 2025, played in just three games for the Seminoles before suffering a season-ending neck injury, registering a sack in Florida State’s upset of Alabama. He’s got plenty of experience under his belt, having started his college career in 2020, and the praise that came his way from spring shows that the staff is ready to get him back on the field.

New faces​

• Rylan Kennedy: Kennedy was one of the key wins from FSU’s transfer portal haul this offseason, adding him from Texas A&M in an effort to shore up the Seminoles’ edge rushing. He had 14 tackles (3.5 for loss) and two sacks for the Aggies last season but never emerged as a starter for them during his three years there. A speedy athlete who also ran track and played basketball in high school, Kennedy had a huge spring for FSU, earning plenty of compliments from the staff and figures to be a major part of Florida State’s defensive attack.
• Jalen Anderson: A JUCO addition, Anderson had a good spring that showed Florida State it might be able to rely on him as, at the very least, a rotational piece in pass rush situations. He’s still got a bit of acclimation to do in the conditioning department as he adjusts to the P4 level, but Anderson’s got the skills and tools to be an immediate contributor.
• Cam Brooks: Brooks missed all of spring after suffering an injury during offseason workouts and is expected to miss a few games to start the season for the Seminoles as well. His recruitment was an interesting one — he said that he wasn’t feeling a lot of interest from FSU originally but, after decommitting from Cal, the Seminoles managed to work their way back into the mix and earned a commitment from him on signing day. Even if he does make his way back from injury during the year, don’t expect too much as he continues to ease back into action.
• Jaemin Pinckney: A signing day flip from USF, Pinckney has to put on a bit more weight before he’s able to fully contribute at this level but still got some nice words tossed his way for his spring performance. He should get some early action against teams like New Mexico State and Central Arkansas, which will indicate how the rest of the year will go.

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