Noles News: This season, who young athletes will represent FSU?
As Florida State University (FSU) heads into the 2025 college football season, the excitement surrounding the team is palpable. After a successful 2024 campaign that showed significant progress under head coach Mike Norvell, there is heightened anticipation for the new season. While the Seminoles have a strong roster of experienced players, a key factor to the program’s continued success is the infusion of young talent. As is the case with many elite programs, FSU is looking toward its younger athletes to step up and make an impact on the field.
The 2025 season presents a pivotal opportunity for the next generation of Noles to shine, with several freshmen, redshirt freshmen, and sophomores expected to play critical roles in FSU’s pursuit of an ACC title and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff. With talented incoming freshmen and young stars returning from injury or redshirt years, the Seminoles are set to feature a mix of seasoned leaders and fresh faces. But which young athletes will emerge as the future of FSU football in the 2025 season?
This article will provide an in-depth look at the freshmen and young players to watch in 2025, analyzing their potential, roles on the team, and how they could contribute to the program’s continued ascent in the competitive world of college football.
Key Young Athletes Set to Make Their Mark in 2025
- Quarterback: Brock Glenn (Freshman)
Perhaps the most exciting name among FSU’s young athletes is Brock Glenn, the highly touted quarterback out of Tennessee. Glenn was a four-star recruit and is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class. After committing to FSU over other major programs, Glenn will enter the 2025 season with high expectations, even though FSU has a strong incumbent starter in Jordan Travis.
However, Glenn’s skill set and football IQ have earned him a spot in FSU’s quarterback room, and it’s clear that Norvell sees big things in his future. Known for his strong arm and precision passing, Glenn could be the future of FSU’s offense. While Travis remains the starter for the time being, Glenn will likely see significant playing time in non-conference matchups and blowout victories, and he could be in line to take the reins of the offense in the coming seasons.
What makes Glenn such an exciting prospect is his ability to process the game at a high level. His mechanics are polished, and he has the poise to excel in high-pressure situations. While he may not start immediately, expect him to be a significant factor in FSU’s long-term plans.
- Running Back: Rodney Hill (Sophomore)
While FSU boasts one of the most talented running backs in the country in Trey Benson, a sophomore running back like Rodney Hill is expected to make a significant impact in 2025. Hill, who impressed during his freshman season, has the skill set to take over a larger role in FSU’s offense as the team looks to keep its backfield fresh and versatile. Hill, a speedy and powerful back, is a versatile threat who excels both between the tackles and on the outside.
Hill’s potential to contribute heavily in 2025 stems from his well-rounded abilities, including his elusiveness in the open field and his ability to contribute in the passing game as well. With FSU’s offense likely to continue using a running back-by-committee approach, Hill will be a key piece in giving Benson some relief and providing explosive plays out of the backfield. Expect Hill to earn a greater share of touches, especially in critical matchups when FSU needs a change of pace or a quick spark.
- Wide Receiver: Hykeem Williams (Freshman)
Wide receiver Hykeem Williams is another highly touted freshman expected to contribute immediately in 2025. Williams, a top recruit out of Florida, is regarded as one of the best wide receiver prospects in the country. Standing at 6’4” with a frame built to excel in the physicality of college football, Williams has the ability to dominate on the outside and make contested catches in traffic.
What sets Williams apart is his versatility and athleticism. He can stretch the field with his speed, but he also has the ability to make big plays in short-yardage situations. His size and hands give him the edge when it comes to winning contested catches, and with FSU’s already dynamic wide receiver room, Williams will have the opportunity to learn from upperclassmen while contributing to the offense.
Expect Williams to make an immediate impact on FSU’s passing game, both as a deep threat and a possession receiver. His ability to create mismatches on the field could give FSU another dimension in its aerial attack alongside veterans like Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman.
- Defensive Line: Keldric Faulk (Freshman)
The defensive line will be an area where FSU fans can expect to see a lot of young talent in 2025. One player to keep an eye on is Keldric Faulk, a top-rated defensive lineman out of Alabama. Faulk has been described as a disruptive force with a motor that never quits, and he is one of the most promising defensive line prospects in the nation.
At 6’5” and 270 pounds, Faulk has the physical tools to be an immediate contributor. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness allows him to excel as both a pass rusher and run stopper. His skill set makes him an ideal fit for FSU’s defensive front, which has historically been one of the most dominant units in the ACC. With the departures of some veteran defensive linemen, Faulk will have an opportunity to step into a prominent role early in his career.
If Faulk can develop his technique and adjust to the speed of college football, he has the potential to be a game-changer on defense, especially as a pass rusher. He will likely rotate in early on but could take on a larger role as the season progresses.
- Linebacker: Blake Nicholson (Freshman)
Another incoming freshman expected to contribute early in 2025 is Blake Nicholson, a highly rated linebacker from California. Nicholson is known for his ability to read the game, diagnose plays quickly, and react with speed and power. At 6’2″ and 220 pounds, he has the frame to play both inside and outside linebacker, which makes him a valuable asset to FSU’s defensive scheme.
Nicholson’s ability to cover ground quickly and track down ball carriers in both the run and passing game will be essential to the Seminoles’ defense. Linebackers have been a vital part of FSU’s defensive identity over the years, and Nicholson has the potential to carry on that tradition. If he can adapt to the college level quickly, he could become a key figure in FSU’s linebacking corps, providing leadership and stability to an already impressive defensive unit.
- Cornerback: Sam McCall (Sophomore)
Sam McCall, a talented cornerback who made waves in his freshman season, is poised for a breakout year in 2025. With his ability to lock down wide receivers and his ball-hawking instincts, McCall will be a key player for FSU’s secondary. Known for his elite athleticism and quickness, McCall is well-equipped to handle the top receiving threats in the ACC.
While the secondary as a whole will be a work in progress for FSU, McCall’s development could significantly strengthen the unit. His physicality at the line of scrimmage, paired with his speed, makes him a formidable cornerback. In 2025, expect McCall to see increased playing time and possibly emerge as one of the top corners in the conference.
- Tight End: Jackson West (Freshman)
While FSU’s offense has traditionally been pass-heavy, tight end Jackson West is poised to make a significant contribution in the 2025 season. West, a highly regarded recruit from Georgia, has great size and athleticism, making him an intriguing target in both the passing game and as a blocker in the run game.
With FSU’s offense likely to continue utilizing a variety of formations and personnel groupings, West’s ability to stretch the field vertically while also providing a reliable presence in the red zone could be invaluable. His development throughout the season will be key, as the tight end position is one where young players can often make an early impact.
The Road Ahead for FSU’s Young Talent
With a strong foundation of young players emerging, Florida State football looks poised for continued success in 2025 and beyond. The key to the team’s future will lie in how these athletes develop and adjust to the college game. While FSU has a solid core of experienced veterans, the youth movement will be crucial in ensuring that the Seminoles remain competitive at the highest level in the ACC and on the national stage.
Mike Norvell’s ability to integrate these young athletes into the team’s system and make use of their strengths will determine whether FSU can take the next step and contend for a national championship. With young stars like Brock Glenn, Rodney Hill, Hykeem Williams, Keldric Faulk, and Blake Nicholson, the future of Florida State football is bright, and fans can expect to see these athletes lead the way in the coming seasons.
As 2025 approaches, the Seminoles are ready to build on the momentum of past seasons and make a serious run at the top of the college football rankings. The young athletes who will represent FSU this season are not just the future—they are the present, and their performances will help shape the destiny of one of college football’s most storied programs.
