Link Jarrett covered just about all of the bases in a nearly 40-minute press conference on Monday, the first day Florida State’s coaches were allowed to work with players ahead of the 2026 season.
Jarrett reflected on the versatility of FSU’s infielders, an athletic group of outfielders, the catchers and some freshmen who he thinks will contribute early.
Dick Howser Stadium will also have some improvements, including a new video board and speaker system, as well as closed-in batting cages down the right-field line.
Below are some highlights of what Jarrett said as the Seminoles prepare for opening weekend against James Madison on Feb. 13.
Howser improvements
FSU fans will have a better experience at Howser in 2026 as the scoreboard’s video panels will be replaced and the speaker system will be upgraded. Jarrett said he often heard from fans who wanted improved audio quality, and the speakers will now be on top of the left-field scoreboard. (Note that the size of the scoreboard isn’t changing, just the video panels and the new speakers.) Jarrett said the audio setup will be similar to what the softball team installed at JoAnne Graf Field.
There will also be 24 new / replaced recess lights around Howser to light the stairs for fans.
Remodeling the existing batting cages was a significant offseason goal. What was once an outdoor, covered facility is now an indoor space and temperature controlled. “That modification was the best upgrade to an existing footprint I have ever seen,” Jarrett said.
Coaches and hitters will now be able to receive real-time analytical data as four cameras record a swing.
“The Driveline motion capture aspect on top of the Trackman capability of grabbing the pitch metrics from the pitchers, the motion capture and the biomechanical reports, we can get in conjunction with a system that Driveline really invented and helped us install,” Jarrett said. “It's a game changer.”
Catcher
FSU has a wealth of experienced catching options, including Hunter Carns and Nathan Cmeyla. Jarrett didn’t go into specifics but said they were battling nagging injuries.
“The wear and tear behind the plate has gotten us in the last year or so, and it's still biting us a tick,” Jarrett said. “We need to get Carns and Cmeyla — we need to get those guys back full speed. They're still fighting through some issues, but we need them. That's a critical piece of the puzzle.”
FSU also brought in freshman catcher Mookie Rodriguez and Des Moines Area (Iowa) Community College catcher Kaden Frommelt.
Infield
FSU has options but Jarrett admitted to what we all saw in 2025 with shortstop Alex Lodise, who won the Dick Howser Trophy as the national player of the year, and second baseman Drew Faurot: “I think the middle infield last year was as good as any I've ever coached, and some might tell you as good as any in the country.”
The Seminoles can pencil in Cal Fisher at third base, but Jarrett said he “could really play anywhere.” He feels Fisher’s logical spot is third, and that he’s improved at the hot corner, too. Slugger and potential first-round pick Myles Bailey will be FSU’s first baseman.
FSU has a number of versatile options at second and shortstop. Davidson transfer Eli Putnam showed off his power in the fall and could be an option at second or third, Jarrett said. There’s also Gabe Fraser, who Jarrett said “is as talented an infield skill set as I’ve seen.” Noah Sheffield can play multiple spots or be a corner outfielder, Jarrett said.
John Stuetzer played the outfield in fall ball, but Jarrett said he would try the freshman out in the infield, too. Stuetzer was the most impressive freshman in FSU’s three fall ball games.
Kelvyn Paulino Jr. has a “far more advanced bat than most freshmen,” Jarrett said.
Outfield
Jarrett likes to play three athletic outfielders. Chase Williams, Brayden Dowd and John Stuetzer are three who can cover a lot of grass in the outfield.
“If your outfield is what you want it to be defensively, you have three capable outfielders that could probably go play center field,” Jarrett said. “And I think we're headed in that direction. No matter where you put them, I think there's a core group that is ready to go and would not miss a beat.”
Dowd is a potential leadoff hitter, and Jarrett praised his “bat to ball skills.” Williams, despite missing the fall as he recovered from an injury, is the likely option in center. And he could be an intriguing No. 9 hitter with his speed to turn the lineup over.
“Chase has a skill set like you rarely see — the energy, the way he wants to run the bases,” Jarrett said. “The combination of the speed and the desire to run and steal bases is very unique.”
Jarrett feels Sheffield is an option in right or left. Brody DeLamielleure could be in the mix in the outfield or as a designated hitter.
Final thoughts
Jarrett has valued position versatility and there no doubt are options. With an extended amount of time allowed by the NCAA in the preseason, Jarrett and the staff have time to evaluate.
“I need to see this week and really watch these guys perform, and then I'll have a better idea where I think we need to start plugging guys in,” Jarrett said.
The Osceola will have Jarrett’s thoughts on the pitching staff later this week.
