Let’s be honest, as a lifelong Florida State fan, the 2024 season feels like standing at a crossroads with a map that’s half-blank. We’re coming off a 13-1 season that ended with a feeling so bitter it could curdle milk—being left out of the College Football Playoff despite a perfect regular season. The memory of that snub is the ghost in the locker room, and how this team responds will define everything. I keep thinking about a quote I once heard from a player in a different sport, facing immense pressure: “Hindi naman ako nag-e-expect. Enjoy lang,” he said. It translates to “I’m not really expecting. Just enjoying.” That mindset, that balance between fierce ambition and the pure joy of playing, might just be the secret sauce for FSU this year.
The biggest question mark, and it’s a massive one, hangs over the quarterback position. We lost Jordan Travis, a heart-and-soul player, and saw a carousel in the Orange Bowl. Now, it looks like DJ Uiagalelei, the Oregon State transfer, is the guy. He’s got a cannon for an arm and prototypical size, something we haven’t had in a while. I watched his tape, and when he’s on, he’s a game-changer. But consistency has been the critique. The good news? He’s walking into an offense still stacked with weapons. Johnny Wilson might be gone, but the wide receiver room, led by guys like Malik Benson, is deep and fast. And let’s not forget the engine of this offense: running back Lawrance Toafili. If the offensive line, which returns about 60% of its starts, can gel quickly, this unit won’t need the QB to be a superhero every single down. He just needs to be a steady, reliable pilot.
That’s where the “enjoy lang” part comes in. Sometimes, a player trying to live up to a legend or prove everyone wrong can tighten up. The best version of DJU might be the one who plays loose, who embraces the chaos of a Doak Campbell night game rather than fearing it. I remember watching some of our greats; they had this swagger, this visible love for the battle. The coaching staff, led by Mike Norvell, is masterful at cultivating that culture. They don’t just build players; they build a mentality. The defense, which was frankly elite last year giving up only about 17 points per game, has some holes to fill with Jared Verse and others heading to the NFL. But Patrick Payton showed flashes of brilliance, and the secondary, anchored by Shyheim Brown, should be a strength again. This defense can keep us in any game while the offense finds its new identity.
The schedule is no cakewalk, and that’s where my personal anxiety—and excitement—kicks in. The opener in Dublin against Georgia Tech is a wildcard. Travel, time zones, a neutral site… it’s a tricky start. Then we’ve got the usual ACC grind, but the real monsters are clear: hosting Clemson in late October and then the finale at Florida. Those two games have felt like season-defining moments for a decade, and this year is no different. To be a true contender, not just in the conference but for the new 12-team playoff, we probably need to win at least one of those. The expanded playoff does change the calculus, though. A 10-2 season, which might have felt like a disappointment before, could very well be a ticket to the dance now. That safety net might actually allow the team to play with more freedom.
So, what’s next for Florida State? It’s a season of integration and resilience. It’s about Uiagalelei finding a home and a rhythm. It’s about the defense reloading without skipping too many beats. And more than anything, it’s about the team’s psyche. Can they use the 2023 playoff snub as an eternal chip on their shoulder, while not letting the weight of “unfinished business” crush their spirit? That’s the tightrope walk. I hope they can capture that sentiment of just playing, just enjoying the grind and the brotherhood. Because when this team is having fun, they’re terrifyingly good. My prediction? There will be a stumble somewhere—maybe an early loss we don’t see coming. But this roster is too talented, and the culture too strong, to not be in the mix come November. I see a 10-2 regular season, a hard-fought battle in the ACC Championship, and yes, a spot in the new 12-team playoff. The journey back to the very top is rarely a straight line, but for the 2024 Seminoles, every step forward is about proving last year was no fluke, and doing it with a passion that reminds us all why we love this game in the first place. Just go out there and enjoy it, boys. The rest will follow.
