Five young FSU players ready to seize expanded opportunities vs. BC

With injuries continuing to mount and Florida State football searching for answers amid a three-game losing streak, the Seminoles' youth movement is about to take center stage. Saturday's matchup against Boston College presents a prime opportunity for several young players to take on expanded roles and offer a glimpse into the program's future as FSU navigates the final month of the 2026 season. FSU (3-5, 1-4) has been hit hard by injuries on both sides of the ball. The offense recently lost senior wide receiver Duce Robinson for the season, while the running back room has grown thinner with Tre Wisner battling an injury. Although the setbacks have created challenges, they have also opened the door for younger players to gain valuable experience and prove they can be key contributors moving forward. Here are five young Seminoles to watch against Boston College (4-4, 2-3). More: Rick Stockstill expects FSU football to be in a street fight vs. BC Amari Thomas, running back FSU's running back depth has taken another hit with Wisner continuing to deal with an injury suffered after the Clemson game, creating an opportunity for freshman Amari Thomas. The former four-star prospect from Blountstown has been primarily a reserve behin d Ousmane Kromah , Wisner and Samuel Singleton. With all three unavailable, Thomas is expected to take on a significant role Saturday. Though his opportunities have been limited, Thomas has earned praise from teammates and coaches throughout the season for his explosiveness and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Now, he will have a chance to showcase those traits in an expanded role. Jasen Lopez , wide receiver With Robinson sidelined for the remainder of the season, freshman Jasen Lopez is poised to take on more responsibility in the receiving corps alongside Micahi Danzy and Jayvan Boggs. Lopez has shown flashes over the past several weeks and delivered his biggest performance against Clemson. He caught a 41-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter, finishing with season highs of four receptions, 52 receiving yards and a touchdown. As FSU adjusts to life without Robinson, Lopez is expected to see an increase in targets and opportunities. More: Brian Kelly, Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz weigh in on FSU football job Devin Carter, wide receiver Freshman wide receiver Devin Carter made his season debut against Clemson, marking an important step in his return from multiple injuries. Although he was not targeted, Carter's appearance signaled progress after injuries sidelined him throughout fall camp and much of the season. Carter generated considerable buzz during spring practice before his setbacks. Coaches remain optimistic about his potential, and Saturday could provide an opportunity for him to record his first collegiate reception. If he can build momentum late in the season, he could become an important piece of the Seminoles' future at receiver. JuJu Wynn, defensive tackle Kevin JuJu Wynn is still searching for his breakout performance, but the sophomore defensive tackle could be in line for increased responsibility this week. Wynn has recorded 15 tackles and one sack this season while working his way back after injuries hampered the start of his collegiate career. FSU has long viewed the former four-star prospect as a key piece of its defensive front. With Deante McCray unavailable against Boston College and the defensive line struggling to find consistency throughout the season, Wynn's development remains critical. He and the Desir twins will be counted on to provide stability up front. Charles Lester, cornerback Charles Lester has steadily earned more playing time as injuries have depleted FSU's secondary. The junior cornerback has recorded 12 tackles this season, including a season-high four tackles in a recent outing. After spending much of his career waiting for an opportunity, Lester is beginning to make the most of increased snaps. With four games remaining, he has a chance to strengthen his case for a permanent role in the cornerback rotation and continue building momentum heading into next season. How to watch FSU vs. Boston College Date: Saturday, Nov. 7 Time:  Noon EST Where:  Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts TV/Stream:  ACC Network Radio : Seminoles.com  More: When is FSU football vs BC? See ticket prices, prediction for Week 10 game Florida State 2026 schedule Aug. 29: vs. New Mexico State , W 34-17 Sept. 7: vs. SMU , L, 27-24 Sept. 13: Bye Sept. 19: at Alabama , L 50-36 Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas, W 34-7 Oct. 3: vs. Virginia , W 38-7 Oct. 9: at Louisville , L 44-20 Oct. 17: at Miami , L 43-35 2 OT Oct. 24: Bye Oct. 31: vs. Clemson , L 36-24   Nov. 7: at Boston College, Noon Nov. 13: at Pittsburgh , 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday) Nov. 21: vs. NC State , TBD Nov. 27: vs. Florida , 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday) More: How QB was the defining position of Mike Norvell's FSU football tenure Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you'd like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.