Florida State had the best specialists in the nation the last few years, with coaches and fans knowing they could count on reliable kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and consistent punter Alex Mastromanno. Fitzgerald and Mastromanno were finalists for national awards and are among the best statistically in program history.

The term “shoes to fill” is overused and unfair. But in this case, Jake Weinberg’s and Mac Chiumento’s right feet could make all the difference for the Seminoles in close games this fall — whether it’s kicking, punting or hidden yardage like field position to help the defense.

FSU’s coaching staff knew they would need to develop the next group of specialists, a process that began years earlier in recruiting Weinberg and Chiumento.

“Fortunately, we were able to build a roster with enough forethought in terms of what would happen when those guys were gone,” special teams coordinator John Papuchis said.

Both specialists have some game experience. Weinberg connected on a 23-yard field-goal attempt, an extra-point attempt and had a pair of touchbacks on kickoffs. Chiumento is a redshirt junior, and he has held on Weinberg’s kicks while also handling kickoffs early in his FSU career.

They have plenty of practice experience, not to mention time working with Fitzgerald and Mastromanno in practices.

FSU coach Mike Norvell had been critical of Weinberg early in camp. But Papuchis noted Weinberg’s last 10 days have been very good, including going 6 of 6 with a 63-yarder and 58-yarder on Saturday.

“I think it was huge for him just to be able to come in and to see, when you're behind a guy like Ryan Fitzgerald, who is one of the best in the country, you get to see the process and preparation, Jake is extremely competitive,” Norvell said. “I love his mentality. He wants the game to be on his back.

“Today, we finished with a long field goal, game-winning field goal situation. He hit it as true as it can be. He's got a confidence about himself, but he's humbled to put in the work. He's got to go do it in front of 70,000 plus (fans). But I’ve got a lot of confidence in the overall work I've seen over the last year plus.”

Rizy in mix in the interior

After missing significant time in the spring and preseason camp, Jacob Rizy has been praised by Norvell the last few weeks. An offensive tackle earlier in his career at Harvard, Rizy played in 11 games for FSU with five starts (split among the guard spots) in 2024. Norvell said Rizy has settled in at guard but can also add depth at center.

“He's really done a little bit of everything,” Norvell said. “He's put himself right in the mix within the competition here this next week and a half.”

Counting down to FSU – Alabama

Norvell was asked Tuesday how much preparation went into the FSU – Alabama game this offseason. He said “countless” and also refused to give it the “just another game” cliché.

“I’ll say this: A game like this, as a coach, this is a huge game. It is a huge game,” Norvell said. “I’m not going to say, ‘Well, it was just like any other game.’ Hell, no. You get Florida State-Alabama. It’s awesome, kicking off the season with that. Top 10 team is coming in here. But it’s the approach that you bring. The first game of the season, there’s so much that goes into trying to establish who you are, what you do well, what you might face, the unknowns of what you might see.

“There’s countless hours in all phases of what it can be. But it still starts with us. You can go out there and try to do what you think is going to work against this look or this team. But if it doesn’t fit you, it doesn’t matter.”

Two more preseason honors

Quarterback Tommy Castellanos was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list. Castellanos is 297-for-507 passing for 3,689 yards and 33 touchdowns, while adding 1,427 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Also on Tuesday, Jaylin Lucas was named to the comeback player of the year watch list. Lucas played in two games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury.

Preseason Award Watch Lists

Maxwell Award – Tommy Castellanos

Wuerffel Trophy – Richie Leonard IV

Mannelly Award – Mason Arnold

Doak Walker Award – Gavin Sawchuk

Rimington Trophy – Luke Petitbon

Mackey Award – Randy Pittman Jr. and Landen Thomas

Bednarik Award – Darrell Jackson Jr.

Unitas Award – Tommy Castellanos

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