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Florida State ended the 2023 college football season on a disappointing note after being excluded from the College Football Playoff.
The Seminoles concluded the season unbeaten and won the Atlantic Coast Conference title. Nonetheless, they were not considered worthy by the CFP selection committee for a place in the postseason tournament, a decision that is still hotly debated among fans.
The team is now billed to play in the Orange Bowl against Georgia, who also missed out on the playoffs after the Southeastern Conference championship game loss to Alabama. In the wake of the disappointment, Florida State won't have a number of players suited for the bowl game.
Let's examine the Seminoles' top players who will miss the Orange Bowl game against Georgia.
Florida State players not playing the Orange Bowl
#1, Johnny Wilson, wide receiver
Johnny Wilson has declared for the upcoming 2024 NFL draft, marking the end of his time in college football. The wide receiver played his last game for the Seminoles after announcing he is skipping the Orange Bowl against Georgia.
However, Wilson made it known that he would be ready to participate in the Senior Bowl to boost his draft chances ahead of the event in April 2024.
Wilson had a breakout year in 2023, leading the team with 41 receptions for 617 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 15 yards per catch, showing his ability to stretch the field and make big plays.
#2, Jordan Travis, quarterback
Jordan Travis led Florida State to a successful season in 2023, orchestrating the team’s potent offense. It marked another brilliant season for the quarterback in the Seminoles’ backfield, as he threw for 2,756 yards and 20 touchdowns with only two interceptions. His QBR of 79.6 ranked 13th in the nation.
Travis suffered an injury late in the season, which significantly made the team’s offense struggle. His absence has been credited with the Seminoles’ exclusion from the playoffs. He will also be missing the Orange Bowl due to the injury he is currently nursing.
#3, Destyn Hill, wide receiver
Destyn Hill has had a noteworthy freshman season at Florida State and is one for the future. The wide receiver participated in nine games, recording six receptions for 87 yards.
However, Hill suffered an undisclosed injury later in the season, which is expected to rule him out of the Orange Bowl game against Georgia later this month.
#4, Tate Rodemaker, quarterback
Tate Rodemaker was named the backup to Jordan Travis at the beginning of the season. He got his chance to start for the Seminoles against Florida after Travis got injured, and he performed well in his limited action. He completed 510 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in seven games. His QBR of 43.9 was respectable for a freshman.
However, Rodemaker suffered a head injury against the Noles’ in-state rivals, which led him to miss the ACC championship game against Louisville. He is not expected to return to action in the Orange Bowl against Georgia.
#5, Trey Benson, running back
After spending two seasons at Florida State, Benson has made the decision to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Benson posted 1,917 yards and 24 touchdowns over his college career, earning All-ACC honors in consecutive years. Benson made the official announcement through his Instagram, and will not be available for the Orange Bowl against Georgia.
#6, Keon Coleman, wide receiver
Florida State's WR1, Keon Coleman recently joined a long list of players to opt out of the Orange Bowl. Coleman capped off a season filled with some ridiculous one-handed catches with 658 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns to his name. Coleman also became one of the five FSU players to be included in this year's All-ACC first team, but will end the season without a bowl game appearance.
#7, Jaheim Bell, tight end
Jaheim Bell became another one of FSU's best offensive players to opt out of the Orange Bowl, following in the footsteps on Keon Coleman. Bell put up 503 yards, and two touchdowns for the Seminoles this season, leading his fellow tight ends in receiving yards.
#8, DJ Lundy, linebacker
Star linebacker DJ Lundy entered the transfer portal, joining the long list of Florida State players looking to find a new home for next season. According to the latest reports, Lundy is close to joining the Colorado Buffaloes, as a part of Coach Prime's roster overhaul for the 2024 season. Lundy put up 17 tackles this season, along with two sacks and an interception.
#9, Jared Verse, EDGE
Another standout on defense, junior year edge rusher Jared Verse had himself another solid season, contributing majorly to the Seminoles' defensive success. Verse put up 41 total tackles, 12.5 TFL, nine sacks, and a forced fumble this year. Verse has since announced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft and will not play in the Orange Bowl.
Complete list of Florida State players not playing in the Orange Bowl
