Florida State has its difference maker back for 2026: Duce Robinson is returning to school.
Robinson announced on Thursday that he was passing up the NFL Draft to return to FSU for his senior season. The 6-foot-6, 223-pound Robinson was second in the ACC in receiving yards (1,081) and had six touchdowns in 2025. Robinson averaged 19.3 yards per reception.
“This has truly been one of the best years of my life,” Robinson said in a video announcing his return on Twitter/X. “I’m really excited to be able to be a Seminole again in 2026.”
He was Florida State’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Tamorrion Terry in 2019. Robinson was the 14th 1,000-yard receiver in school history.
A first-team All-ACC selection in the fall, Robinson had five 100-yard receiving games. He was also praised by coach Mike Norvell for his perimeter blocking.
Robinson grew up an FSU fan and is the son of Dominic Robinson. While Duce Robinson’s high school career was as a tight end and took him first to Southern Cal where he was a home run threat at receiver, Robinson flourished in his junior season at FSU. It was his dream school, and now it will be his home for the next year, too.
“As long as I can remember I dreamed about being a Florida State Seminole,” Robinson said. “I dreamed about the Warchant in Doak Campbell Stadium. I dreamed about Osceola and Renegade putting that spear in the ground. I dreamed about wearing that Seminole head on my jersey week in and week out. I grew up bleeding garnet and gold. Now to be a part of that legacy it's something that I will absolutely forever cherish. I will forever be a Seminole.
“This is one of the best years of my life. ... I appreciate every single person, every single fan who has supported me and every single person who has lifted me up throughout this journey. Through the good days and the hard days.”
While Florida State had roughly 30 players announce their intentions to enter the transfer portal in December, the Seminoles have received good news in the last few days.
The team’s top cornerback, Ja’Bril Rawls, announced he would enter the portal on Dec. 16 only to reverse course and state he would return to Florida State in 2026 on Wednesday. Rawls had 40 tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception in seven games. He was often viewed as a reliable run stopper, although Rawls suffered a season-ending injury in the Clemson game.
On Thursday, in addition to Robinson’s return, Florida State also announced John Garrett has been hired as Deputy Athletics Director and General Manager of Player Personnel. The restructured position “will oversee all football roster construction, player evaluation, recruiting operations, and NIL integration.”
Florida State is also expected to be active in the transfer portal, which opens on Friday. Robinson’s return could also help FSU attract a transfer quarterback. And Robinson’s decision could have a positive impact on other transfers who may change their minds and join him on the 2026 team.
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