There is less than a week remaining until No. 5 Florida State matches up with No. 6 Georgia in the Orange Bowl. After winning the first 13 games on its schedule and coming away victorious in the ACC Championship for the first time in nine years, the Seminoles will have a much different roster when they kick off against the Bulldogs.
Following a historic snub, Florida State has seen over 16% of its roster decide not to play in the game for a variety of reasons. The decision from the College Football Playoff Selection Committee has essentially decimated the ‘Noles at a number of positions and younger players will be asked to step up on both sides of the ball.
At least 14 players across the roster won’t be suiting up and that number could bump up to over 20 depending on how the next few days unfold. Obviously, star quarterback Jordan Travis is out for the remainder of the season with a leg injury. Outside of him, running back Trey Benson, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, wide receiver Keon Coleman, tight end Jaheim Bell, defensive end Jared Verse, and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett all have opted out of the game to prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
All seven Seminoles earned ACC honors for their performances throughout the season. Benson (906 yards, 14 TDs) led the team in rushing, Coleman (658 yards, 11 TDs) led the ACC in receiving touchdowns, and Verse (41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks) led the team in sacks. Wilson (617 yards, 2 TDs), Bell (503 yards, 2 TDs), and Lovett (22 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack) were all crucial parts of the team’s success as well.
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