FSU Football's Defense Forcing More Turnovers in Spring Practice

Defensive coordinator Tony White sees progress but room for improvement ahead of 2026 season

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Florida State football defensive play, with sharp, overlapping planes of garnet, gold, and navy blue representing the action on the field.Florida State's defense aims to build on its progress in creating turnovers during spring practice as it prepares for the 2026 season.Tallahassee Today

Florida State football's defense has forced more turnovers during spring practice compared to last year, according to defensive coordinator Tony White. While the defense had 12 interceptions and forced 7 fumbles in 2025, only 2 were recovered. This spring, the defense has generated multiple interceptions and forced fumbles in scrimmages. White credits the secondary players maturing and the addition of new transfers for the improved turnover production. However, the defense is still a work in progress, and the coaching staff will refine the game plan over the summer to be better prepared for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Forcing turnovers was a point of emphasis for the FSU defense last season, but inconsistency in converting those opportunities into takeaways was an issue. Improving the defense's ability to create and capitalize on turnovers will be crucial for the Seminoles to bounce back from a 5-7 record in 2025.

The details

In his first season as FSU's defensive coordinator, Tony White consistently emphasized the need for more turnovers. The 2025 defense recorded 12 interceptions and forced 7 fumbles, but only recovered 2. This spring, the defense has generated multiple interceptions and forced fumbles in the three scrimmages so far, a significant improvement from last year's spring practices. White credits the secondary players maturing and the addition of new transfer players like Duke's Ma'Khi Jones and Southern Miss' Chris Jones for the defense's increased ability to create takeaways. The defensive line, led by returners like Deamontae Diggs and Darryll and Mandrell Desier, along with transfer edge rusher Rylan Kennedy, have also provided more pressure to disrupt opposing offenses.

  • The Seminoles' defense finished the 2025 season with 12 interceptions and 7 forced fumbles.
  • During spring practice in 2026, the defense has forced multiple interceptions and forced fumbles in the three scrimmages so far.
  • FSU's spring practice concludes on April 15, 2026.

The players

Tony White

The defensive coordinator for the Florida State Seminoles football team, who is focused on improving the defense's ability to force turnovers.

Ma'Khi Jones

A defensive back transfer from Duke University who has joined the FSU defense this offseason.

Chris Jones

A linebacker transfer from Southern Miss who has joined the FSU defense this offseason.

Deamontae Diggs

A returning defensive lineman for the Florida State Seminoles.

Darryll and Mandrell Desier

Returning defensive linemen for the Florida State Seminoles.

Rylan Kennedy

A transfer edge rusher who has joined the Florida State Seminoles defense.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely way more takeaways so far this spring than there was last spring. A lot of that is the secondary guys. The guys who were here last year are maturing and putting themselves in a better position to make plays. The new guys coming over with the attitude like 'Hey, we are coming to play.'”

— Tony White, Defensive Coordinator

“I think we got a little bit more edgey, twitchiness up there for pass rush... then the secondary, when they execute at a high level and playing off each other... instinctively they are getting themselves in spots that allow them to break on balls and get interceptions.”

— Tony White, Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

The FSU coaching staff will refine their defensive game plan over the summer and in the early days of fall camp to be best prepared for the 2026 season opener in August.

The takeaway

Improving the defense's ability to create and capitalize on turnovers will be a key focus for Florida State this offseason after inconsistency in that area was a problem in 2025. The progress made so far in spring practice is encouraging, but the Seminoles still have work to do to solidify their defensive identity under coordinator Tony White.