TALLAHASSEE — Florida State has often preferred a three-man rotation at running back since Mike Norvell arrived in 2020. Arguably the Seminoles’ deepest position, the group has had an early injury setback.
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Samuel Singleton Jr. will miss an “extended period of time” due to an injury suffered in the Alabama game, Norvell said. He was seen on FSU’s sideline in the second half on crutches.
Singleton had 20 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown in three games. But he was more impactful as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, grabbing eight receptions for 162 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His 65-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter set up Ashton Daniels’ 2-yard touchdown pass to Landen Thomas.
“We’re hopeful for a return within the season, but it will be an extended period of time that he’ll be out,” Norvell said. “He’s had an outstanding start of the season.”
Similar to linebacker Blake Nichelson, Norvell thinks Singleton Jr. is not out for the season but could be expected back later in 2026.
Ousmane Kromah and Singleton have shouldered much of the rushing load in the first three games for FSU (1-2). Kromah had back-to-back 100-yard rushing games, the first Seminole to do so since Trey Benson in 2022, and he had 80 yards on 17 carries in the 50-36 loss at Alabama on Saturday.
FSU needs to keep the ground game clicking to take pressure off quarterback Ashton Daniels, who is mobile but has battled accuracy issues (58.2 percent) and interceptions (four) in his first three games. The Seminoles are 63rd in the FBS in rush offense, averaging 170 yards per game.
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Daniels has 37 carries for 108 yards, counting sacks, and is technically FSU’s No. 2 rusher statistically. But that will change as the Seminoles turn to Texas transfer Tre Wisner and freshman Amari Thomas beginning with Saturday’s game against Central Arkansas (3 p.m. on ACC Network).
Wisner missed a chunk of preseason camp due to injury and hasn’t been used very much, picking up 34 yards on five carries and adding three catches for four yards. But the 1,000-yard rusher at Texas in 2024 will now have his opportunities. Wisner has five career 100-yard games, including a 155-yard effort in a win over No. 3 Texas A&M in November 2025. He’s also shown to be a reliable pass-catcher, grabbing 44 receptions in 2024 and 22 in 2025 at Texas.
“Tre’s very detailed in what he does,” quarterbacks coach Austin Tucker said. “Another guy that’s very experienced. You see his versatility in practice. You always want a guy that can go and extend plays in the passing game.”
Thomas rushed for 1,799 yards and 21 touchdowns on 117 carries at Blountstown (Fla.) High in 2025.
“Amari Thomas is somebody I’m really excited about,” Norvell said.
FSU also has a few more options that could earn playing time on Saturday. The Seminoles added Florida Atlantic transfer Gemari Sands, who ran for 582 yards and a pair of touchdowns with FAU in 2025. Zay Parks also had 15 carries for 95 yards in a pair of FSU’s 2025 games (East Texas A&M and Kent State).
Honoring Seminoles
FSU will recognize its Athletics Hall of Fame class during Saturday’s game. Among those will be Bjoern Werner (2010-12), Nick O’Leary (2011-15), left-handed pitcher Sean Gilmartin (2019-11) and longtime athletics director Dave Hart (1994-2007).
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