FSU Football Specialist Reinstated After Arrest

Kicker Conor McAneney rejoins Seminoles roster after charges reduced

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a football kicker, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic action of the game.The reinstatement of kicker Conor McAneney adds depth and competition to Florida State's special teams unit as it looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.Gainesville Today

The Florida State Seminoles have reinstated kicker Conor McAneney to the football team after his arrest and charges were reduced earlier this year. McAneney, a recent FSU signee, was accused of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence during an incident in South Florida over spring break. He has now pleaded not guilty to lesser charges of resisting without violence and disorderly intoxication.

Why it matters

McAneney's return is a boost for the Seminoles' special teams unit, which struggled in 2025. He was expected to compete for the starting kicker role alongside transfer Gabe Panikowski, who earned All-American honors in 2024. McAneney's legal issues had threatened to derail his debut season at FSU, but the reduced charges allow him to rejoin the team.

The details

McAneney was arrested in March 2026 following an altercation with police in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was originally charged with a third-degree felony for battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence, as well as a lesser trespassing charge. However, the charges were later reduced to misdemeanors of resisting without violence and disorderly intoxication. McAneney has pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial.

  • McAneney was arrested on March 19, 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • He entered a not guilty plea on March 20, 2026 and requested a jury trial.
  • The charges against McAneney were reduced earlier this week to misdemeanors.

The players

Conor McAneney

A sophomore kicker who was recently signed by the Florida State Seminoles football team.

Gabe Panikowski

A redshirt senior kicker for the Florida State Seminoles who earned first-team All-American honors in 2024 and won the Fred Mitchell Award as the best non-FBS kicker.

Mike Norvell

The head coach of the Florida State Seminoles football team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

An arraignment date for McAneney's misdemeanor charges has not yet been set, and it remains to be seen in what capacity he will be able to participate with the team during summer workouts and fall camp.

The takeaway

McAneney's reinstatement provides a boost to Florida State's special teams unit, which struggled in 2025. His return, along with the continued presence of standout kicker Gabe Panikowski, gives the Seminoles more options and competition at the position as they look to improve their kicking game in the upcoming season.