Florida State football had a 5-7 record this past season, with beating Alabama in the opener by a score of 31-17. Then, the Seminoles lost seven of their last nine games.
Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn joined Florida State in the previous offseason, hoping that the offense would be one of the better units in college football. Coach Malzahn brought back players that he coached, such as quarterback Thomas Castellanos and tight end Randy Pittman Jr.
Castellanos struggled during the stretch, while Pittman Jr. couldn't stay healthy. The signal-caller didn't have any years of eligibility remaining, but the tight end announced that he would be entering the transfer portal.