Florida State will be shorthanded at linebacker in 2026, with a rotational player in Blake Nichelson missing extensive time and two freshmen being out for the fall.

Coach Mike Norvell announced the injury updates as part of his weekly press conference on Monday morning as the Seminoles prepare for a game at No. 10 Alabama on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (ABC).

Nichelson had three tackles in FSU’s opener against New Mexico State. The senior did not play in FSU’s loss to SMU and is out an indefinite amount of time.

“We are expecting him back this year,” Norvell said.

Freshmen linebackers Izayia Williams and Daylen Green will miss the season. Norvell said Green was injured against SMU and that Williams “had been dealing” with an injury. Williams had season-ending knee surgery as a senior in high school.

FSU’s linebacker room has been a positive in the first two games, taking a step forward from past years where the group has struggled. Southern Miss transfer Chris Jones is tied for the team lead with 15 tackles. Omar Graham Jr. (11 tackles), Mikai Gbayor (seven tackles), Caleb LaVallee (four tackles) and AJ Cottrill (one tackle). The Seminoles also have two freshmen in Karon Maycock and Noah LaVallee.

The lack of linebacker depth could be a key storyline as FSU (1-1) faces Alabama (2-0), which has featured an improved ground attack in 2026.

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