Florida State Football Receives Boost with Key Player Returns and New Personnel Hire
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Florida State Seminoles football received critically important positive news as wide receiver Keon Coleman and cornerback ja’Bril Rawls have announced their returns for the 2026 season,bolstering the team’s roster. Additionally, the university announced the hiring of John Garrett as Deputy Athletic Director and General manager of Player Personnel. These developments come as the team prepares for an active period in the transfer portal.
Keon Coleman Announces Return
Keon Coleman, a first-team All-ACC selection, announced on Thursday, January 2, 2026 that he will forgo the NFL draft and return to FSU for his senior season. The 6-foot-6, 223-pound receiver was second in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 1,081 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2025, averaging 19.3 yards per reception.
“This]has truly been one of the best years of my life,” Coleman said in a[videopostedonX[videopostedonX. “I’m really excited to be able to be a Seminole again in 2026.”
Coleman’s return marks the first time Florida State has had a 1,000-yard receiver since Tamorrion Terry achieved the feat in 2019, and he is the 14th in school history to reach that milestone. Coach Mike Norvell has also praised Coleman’s contributions as a perimeter blocker.
Ja’Bril Rawls to Return for 2026 Season
Cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls initially announced his intention to enter the transfer portal but reversed his decision on Wednesday, confirming he will return to the Seminoles in 2026. rawls recorded 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one interception in seven games during the 2025 season. Despite a season-ending injury sustained in the November game against Clemson, Rawls was a reliable run stopper for the team.
New Leadership in Player Personnel
Florida State has appointed John Garrett as Deputy Athletic Director and General Manager of Player Personnel. This restructured position will oversee all aspects of football roster construction, including player evaluation, recruiting operations, and Name, image, and Likeness (NIL) integration. This strategic hire signals the university’s commitment to a extensive approach to team building.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Portal Activity
With the transfer portal opening on Friday, Florida State is expected to be actively seeking to add talent to its roster.Coleman’s return is expected to be a significant draw for potential transfer quarterbacks looking for a proven receiving target. The Seminoles saw roughly 30 players enter the transfer portal in December,and these recent commitments will help offset those departures.
Key Takeaways:
* Keon Coleman’s return: Provides a significant boost to the Seminoles’ receiving corps and offensive firepower.
* Ja’Bril Rawls’ return: Strengthens the defensive secondary and adds experience to the cornerback position.
* John Garrett’s hire: Indicates a focused strategy on roster management and player advancement.
* Transfer Portal: Florida State will be active in seeking to fill roster needs through the transfer portal.