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Florida State’s Running Back Room Is Running Out of Options
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- Florida State’s Running Back Room Is Running Out of Options
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Florida State Seminoles have spent much of the 2026 season searching for answers.
Now, they face another significant challenge, and this one leaves little room for error.
With running back Ousmane Kromah ruled out for the remainder of the season and Samuel Singleton Jr. sidelined for the foreseeable future, Florida State's backfield is suddenly down to one experienced option in Quintrevion Wisner.Meanwhile, freshman Amari Thomas has three carries for 11 yards in 2026 - truly a very small sample size.
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The Seminoles have two weeks to prepare their remaining backs before Clemson visits Doak Campbell Stadium for another primetime showdown.
For head coach Mike Norvell, losing Kromah represents more than another setback for an offense already facing considerable challenges.
"Unfortunate. The injury with Ous, it's heartbreaking for me," Norvell said this week. "He'll miss the remainder of this season. He was here last night in good spirits for his teammates, but everybody's hurting for him."
Norvell added that Kromah's absence creates opportunities for other players.
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Those opportunities now belong primarily to Wisner and Thomas, two players entering considerably different situations.
Wisner Must Become Florida State's Workhorse
Wisner, a senior transfer from Texas, suddenly becomes Florida State's most important running back.
Through seven games, Kromah led Florida State's traditional running backs with 609 yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt.
Wisner has been productive in a complementary role, rushing for 204 yards on 38 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
His efficiency suggests he can contribute, but becoming the Seminoles' featured back presents an entirely different challenge.
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According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Wisner has generated 125 yards after contact while forcing six missed tackles. Seven of his 38 carries have gained at least 10 yards.
His directional rushing numbers provide additional insight into where Florida State has found success.
Wisner has been particularly effective running toward the left edge, accumulating 66 yards on 10 attempts, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.
He has also produced 43 yards on eight attempts between the middle and right guard, averaging 5.4 yards per rush.
The challenge will be maintaining that efficiency when opposing defenses know Florida State has fewer alternatives.
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Wisner's 38 carries represent a relatively small workload compared with Kromah's 114. Whether he can handle substantially more touches without sacrificing production will be critical against Clemson.
Thomas Faces an Unexpected Opportunity
For Thomas, the circumstances are considerably different.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound freshman from Blountstown, Florida, has received limited opportunities during his first collegiate season.
Thomas' PFF rushing grade of 71.1 offers some encouragement, although the sample size remains extremely small.
He has also forced two missed tackles on those three attempts, suggesting an ability to create yards independently.
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Still, Florida State cannot reasonably expect a freshman with three collegiate carries to immediately replace Kromah's production.
The additional preparation time becomes particularly valuable as Norvell and his offensive staff determine how much responsibility Thomas can handle.
Florida State's roster also includes junior Zay Parks and sophomore Gavin Markey, although neither has recorded a carry this season.
Their presence provides additional depth, but neither has established himself as a contributor in the Seminoles' rushing attack.
Florida State Must Adapt Its Offense
Florida State has averaged 5.5 yards per carry, quarterback Ashton Daniels accounts for 448 rushing yard, nearly one-third of FSU's rushing attack, and 11 touchdowns, nearly two-thirds of the Seminoles rushing touchdown production.
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With Kromah unavailable, Daniels' mobility could become even more important as the Seminoles will rely heavily on his dual threat ability .
But Florida State cannot simply ask its quarterback to compensate for every missing rushing yard.
Wisner has demonstrated he can produce efficiently. Thomas has shown flashes in limited opportunities.
Against Clemson, the question isn't whether either player can replace Kromah individually.
It's whether Florida State can collectively replace what it has lost.
