The Florida State football team has suffered many heartbreaking losses during the 2026 season and there seems to be little indication of that changing in the near future due to a multitude of reasons. This team lacks a killer instinct and falls short when facing adversity.
On the other hand, injuries to key FSU players are starting to pile up.
After losing talented sophomore running back Ousmane Kromah during the Miami game to injury, the Seminoles returned home on Halloween to play long-time ACC rival Clemson. The injury bug bit FSU again during Saturday night's 36-24 loss to players they could not afford to lose at this point if the Seminoles have any hopes of making a bowl game.
“Had some guys who got banged up tonight,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “Some challenges were created and some issues that probably magnified in certain areas but our guys battled throughout, just didn’t play clean enough or good enough to win a college football game.”
Senior receiver Duce Robinson did not play during the second half against the Tigers but was spotted on the sidelines with his shoulder pads on but no helmet and no gloves.
To make matters worse, the running back room took another hit when senior running back Quintrevion Wisner also appeared to get injured towards the back end of the first half, which left the Seminoles with freshman Amari Thomas and reserve Zay Parks at running back. Add on running back Sam Singleton’s injury during the early part of the year and you have the makings of a team that not only has trouble executing plays, but a depleted running back room with no signs of improving.
The specifics of Robinson's injury are to be determined going forward.
“There’s guys that played tonight that haven’t played all year,” Norvell said. “They were thrust into action due to some injuries and they’re still responsible.”
Defensive lineman Deante McCray was also lost in the second quarter with what appeared to be an ankle
FSU went into the game without defensive backs Quindarrius Jones and K.J. Kirkland, while linebacker Blake Nichelson has been out most of 2026. At this point in the year with the injuries piling up and depth a major concern, can Florida State give one last push to make a bowl game?
Judging by the way the Seminoles played on Saturday night against the Tigers, it is going to be an uphill battle as the next two games are on the road against Boston College and Pittsburgh. Winning on the road has proven to be quite difficult for FSU as they have not won a road game since 2023, but the Seminoles have an opportunity against an inconsistent Boston College in Chestnut Hill on Saturday at noon.
“Guys just have to be ready,” Norvell said. “That’s the game of college football, injuries happen and obviously it happened across the board tonight with us.”
With four games left and the Seminoles clinging to a 3-5 record, any injuries that happen to any more key players puts the team at risk of missing out on a bowl game for the third straight year, which could be the end of Norvell’s coaching tenure in Tallahassee.
Injuries happen every year across college football, but the Seminoles are limping towards the finish line.
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