A Different Kind of Grit
Most folks expect a coach to hype speed or highlight big plays after the first scrimmage. They want the long runs. They want the flashy catches. That’s not what went down in Tallahassee this week.
Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White didn’t talk about speed. He talked about something much harder to find. He likes the “edge” he saw from his defense. It’s a surprising shift in focus for a group that needs to dominate.
The first look at the 2026 Seminoles happened inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Tuesday. It was the first preseason scrimmage for the team, giving coaches their first real chance to see how the players move together. The defense didn’t just show up; they showed a bite that White says he needs. White felt encouraged by his defense’s performance during the session, per On3 Seminoles.
That’s the kind of reaction you don’t see every day.
Offensive Stars Shine Bright
While the defense caught the eye of the coordinator, the offense had its own moments of glory. The wide receiver room delivered big plays that fans will want to remember. Jasen Lopez, Micahi Danzy, and Teriq Mallory were the names on the field. They made the most of the chances they got.
Per On3 Seminoles, these three receivers delivered highlights in the scrimmage. They showed they can stretch the field and make tough catches. This is good news for the quarterback room. Ashton Daniels, Kevin Sperry, and Malachi Marshall are still in the mix. The competition to lead the team continues to heat up as the season gets closer.
Can the QBs protect those weapons?
What ‘Edge’ Really Means
So what does it mean when a coach says he likes the “edge”? It isn’t a stat you can see on a box score. It is a feeling in the way players hit the ball. It’s the difference between playing soft and playing with a mean streak. A team needs that mean streak to win games in the tough ACC.
Tony White has a long list of things to fix before the season starts. But finding that grit early is a huge step forward. The coaches have a full year to build on this. The first scrimmage was just the start. The team has to keep that same fire in every practice.
Does the ACC care about nice plays? No. They care about grit.
Next Steps for the Squad
The coaching staff has a lot of work to do before the first real game. They have to turn this early spark into a full-blown fire. The players need to show they can keep this up week after week. The season is still a long way off, but the foundation is being laid.
On3 Seminoles reported that the scrimmage gives FSU coaches their first look at the 2026 roster. That look was full of promise. The defense has the right attitude. The offense has the right playmakers. Now the whole team has to put it all together. The fans are watching closely. They want to see that “edge” on Saturday.
