The Florida State Seminoles football program has built a rich history of success in college football, particularly known for their dominance in the 1980s and 1990s under legendary head coach Bobby Bowden. As of late, under current head coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles have been on an upward trajectory, building a competitive and talented team that continues to grow and develop. One key area where Florida State has seen significant change and development is their linebacker room.
Heading into the highly anticipated season opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide on August 30, the linebacker room at Florida State will look different than it has in previous years. A mix of new talent, emerging stars, and returning veterans is expected to create an exciting dynamic in what has been one of the most important positions on the field. The linebacker position is often considered the backbone of the defense—covering the middle of the field, stopping the run, defending against the pass, and being key playmakers in the overall defensive scheme.
This article will delve into the changes, the new faces, and what fans can expect from the Florida State linebackers in 2025, specifically leading into their season opener against Alabama. From returning players to newcomers, the linebacker room’s evolution will play a pivotal role in determining Florida State’s ability to compete against top-tier competition like Alabama.
Florida State’s Linebacker Tradition: Setting the Stage
Before we dive into the specific changes in the linebacker room, it’s essential to understand the significance of the linebacker position at Florida State. The Seminoles have historically produced elite linebackers who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. Players like Derrick Brooks, Ray Lewis, Lawrence Timmons, and Reggie Herring helped solidify FSU’s reputation as a breeding ground for top-notch defensive talent.
The linebackers at Florida State have always been expected to perform at a high level. They are tasked with controlling the middle of the field, setting the tone for the defense, and being versatile enough to cover a variety of roles—whether it’s stopping the run, rushing the passer, or defending against the pass. The linebacker position is critical to Mike Norvell’s defensive system, and the 2025 season will present a new chapter for this unit.
Key Departures: What Florida State Will Miss
As the Seminoles prepare for the 2025 season, they will need to contend with the departures of some key players from the linebacker room. One of the most notable losses is Kalen DeLoach, a key contributor to the Seminoles’ defense over the past few years. DeLoach brought leadership, speed, and a high football IQ to the position, becoming a staple in the Seminoles’ defense. He had a knack for making crucial plays, including interceptions, tackles for loss, and coverage against tight ends and running backs in passing situations.
With the departure of DeLoach, the Seminoles will miss his leadership and playmaking ability. His presence on the field helped anchor Florida State’s defensive game plans, and his experience is something the team will have to account for. Additionally, the departure of Tatum Bethune, another experienced linebacker, leaves the team without a reliable veteran presence in the middle. This means younger players will need to step up and fill those leadership roles while adjusting to the heightened level of competition.
While these losses are significant, they also present an opportunity for the next generation of linebackers to emerge, and Florida State has been active in recruiting and developing new talent to fill these spots.
The New Look: Players Who Will Make an Impact in 2025
The 2025 linebacker room is going to look a lot different compared to previous seasons. Several new players have joined the program, and some familiar faces are set to take on more prominent roles. Florida State will need to find the right mix of youth, athleticism, and experience as they prepare to take on powerhouse programs like Alabama. Let’s break down some of the key players who are expected to make an impact this season:
1. DJ Lundy: The Veteran Presence
One of the returning players in the linebacker room who will be crucial for the Seminoles’ defense is DJ Lundy. Lundy, a junior linebacker, is one of the most experienced players in the room, having contributed significantly in previous seasons. Standing at 6’0” and 230 pounds, Lundy brings a combination of size, strength, and experience to the position.
Lundy’s role on the team will likely involve leading the linebacker unit in terms of experience and leadership. He has consistently shown the ability to be an effective run defender, as well as someone who can blitz and pressure the quarterback when needed. His versatility will be crucial as the Seminoles look to replace the leadership of DeLoach and Bethune. Lundy’s ability to get his teammates in the right position and communicate effectively will be paramount as Florida State adjusts to the loss of key veterans.
2. Tatum Bethune’s Replacement: A New Face to Fill the Role
With Tatum Bethune moving on, one of the most important questions heading into the 2025 season is: who will step up and take on the responsibility of commanding the middle linebacker position? The Seminoles have a few players who will likely compete for this spot.
One of the most promising candidates is Shyheim Brown, a sophomore linebacker who had a strong showing in limited time last season. Brown brings speed, athleticism, and a high motor, which are qualities that could make him an ideal fit for the middle linebacker spot. He has been working hard in the offseason to refine his technique and increase his football IQ. As a former four-star recruit, Brown was highly regarded for his ability to cover ground quickly, and this year, he’s expected to take a leap as one of the defensive leaders.
Another player who could fill this role is Blake Nicholson, a true freshman who has generated a lot of buzz in practice. Nicholson’s size and athleticism make him a promising prospect for the future, and his ability to learn quickly could allow him to contribute in a significant way this season. While it may take some time for him to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football, Florida State has high expectations for the young linebacker.
3. K.J. Williams: An Incoming Transfer with Immediate Impact Potential
One of the most exciting additions to the linebacker room is K.J. Williams, a transfer from Georgia Southern who has the potential to make an immediate impact. Williams brings a wealth of experience with him and will likely play a pivotal role in Florida State’s defensive schemes in 2025.
At 6’2” and 240 pounds, Williams possesses the size and strength to be a physical presence on the field. His previous experience in a starting role for Georgia Southern will help him adapt quickly to the Seminoles’ system. Williams is a strong tackler who isn’t afraid to get in the backfield and disrupt plays. With his ability to rush the passer and defend against the run, Williams will add much-needed depth and playmaking ability to a linebacker unit that will be adjusting to a few new faces.
How the Linebackers Will Fit Into Mike Norvell’s Defensive Scheme
Mike Norvell’s defensive coordinator, Adam Fuller, has implemented a system that emphasizes speed, versatility, and attacking the ball. Florida State’s linebackers are expected to be versatile players who can do it all: cover receivers, rush the passer, and stop the run. Norvell’s defense relies heavily on linebackers being in the right place at the right time, and with the group of players in the room for 2025, the expectation is that they will be fast, aggressive, and opportunistic.
The linebackers will be expected to thrive in pass coverage, often tasked with guarding running backs or tight ends in the passing game. They will also need to be effective in run support, filling gaps and tackling in space. Florida State’s linebacker unit will also be required to be a physical presence in the middle of the defense, and their ability to dictate the flow of the game will be critical.
With the season opener against Alabama looming, Florida State’s linebacker room will need to be at its best, as the Crimson Tide are known for their high-powered offense and physicality. The Seminoles’ linebackers will need to neutralize Alabama’s rushing attack and contain their dynamic receiving corps.
Looking Ahead: The Linebacker Room’s Potential in 2025
While Florida State is going through some changes in its linebacker room, the group has a great deal of potential for 2025. With a mix of talented returners, promising newcomers, and a well-rounded defensive scheme, the linebacker room could become one of the Seminoles’ strongest units. How they perform against Alabama will set the tone for the rest of the season, and the leadership and playmaking ability of the linebackers will be crucial in keeping Florida State competitive against top-tier programs.
As the Seminoles prepare for one of the most important games of the year against the Crimson Tide, all eyes will be on the linebacker unit to see how they adjust to their new roles and rise to the occasion. With the depth, talent, and determination of the players in this unit, the linebacker room at Florida State could emerge as one of the team’s biggest strengths in 2025.