As the Florida State Seminoles prepare to face the Pittsburgh Panthers, both programs are wrestling with more than just scouting reports and film study — they’re managing injuries that could shape the outcome of this ACC matchup. The final availability reports released by both teams paint a picture of two rosters missing key starters and juggling depth across multiple positions.
For Florida State, the absences pile up at receiver, offensive line, and the secondary. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has been hit hard along the trenches and in the linebacker corps. In a game where every possession will matter, the health of each roster might be the biggest storyline before kickoff.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s in, who’s out, and how each team might adjust heading into Saturday’s contest.
Florida State Seminoles: Navigating a Pile of Injuries
The Seminoles’ injury list heading into the Pitt game is long — and not just filled with rotational players. Florida State will be without several contributors who’ve been integral to both their offensive rhythm and defensive structure.
Confirmed Out
According to the team’s final ACC injury report, the Seminoles will be missing a handful of key names, including:
Micah Pettus (OT) – One of the most impactful losses. Pettus’ absence at right tackle means FSU will shuffle its offensive line, possibly sliding players like Darius Washington or Jeremiah Byers into different spots.
Squirrel White (WR) – A quick, explosive receiver who helps stretch the field. His absence will hurt FSU’s vertical passing game.
Jayvan Boggs (WR) – Reliable in the slot, Boggs being out limits FSU’s short passing options.
Kam Davis (RB) – The freshman back will miss another week, forcing the Seminoles to lean more on veteran runners.
Gavin Blackwell (WR) – Another receiver down; depth at this position is thin.
Chase Loftin (TE) – Out with a hamstring issue.
Deamontae Diggs (DL) – Rotational defensive lineman, absence affects FSU’s pass rush depth
Quindarrius Jones (CB) – Season-ending injury; he’s undergone surgery and will be missed in the secondary.
Ethan Pritchard (LB) – Still sidelined following an off-field incident earlier in the year.
In total, that’s at least ten players unavailable — several of whom play significant snaps.
Game-Time Decisions
A few players’ statuses will come down to warmups:
Randy Pittman Jr. (TE) – A versatile weapon, Pittman’s return would provide a boost in both blocking and receiving.
Ashlynd Barker (S) – Missed last week but could suit up depending on pregame evaluations.
Caleb LaVallee (LB) – Hoping to make his season debut.
If even one or two of those players can go, it could provide much-needed depth across FSU’s defensive rotations.
Adjustments and Depth Chart Impact
With so many offensive weapons out, head coach Mike Norvell will likely simplify the passing scheme and lean more heavily on the run game. Expect FSU to use more two-tight end formations, rely on short passes to running backs, and prioritize time of possession.
At wide receiver, Lawayne McCoy and Kentron Poitier are expected to take on larger roles. Tight end Landen Thomas could also see increased targets, especially if Pittman is ruled out.
Defensively, Cai Bates and Ricky Knight III are set to step into cornerback roles to fill in for the injured Jones. The safety rotation could feature freshman Shamar Arnoux, who’s shown flashes of maturity in limited action.
In short, FSU’s offense will need to be creative — protecting its quarterback and finding ways to move the ball without some of its top playmakers.
Pittsburgh Panthers: Battered in the Trenches
If Florida State’s receiving corps is banged up, Pittsburgh’s issues lie in the trenches. The Panthers will be without several offensive linemen and defensive linemen, which could drastically affect both sides of the ball.
Confirmed Out
Here’s the full list of Pitt players who won’t be available:
Jeff Persi (LT) – Perhaps the biggest blow. Losing a starting left tackle right before facing FSU’s defensive front is never ideal.
Keith Gouveia (OL) and Jackson Brown (OL) – Both out, leaving Pitt with a patchwork offensive line.
Zach Crothers, Blaine Spires, Jaeden Moore, Joey Zelinsky, Denim Cook (DLs) – That’s five defensive linemen unavailable. Depth on the edge and interior is severely depleted.
Synkwan Smith, Derrick Davis Jr., Jaylin Brown (RBs) – Three running backs out; Pitt’s backfield is thin.
Adam Howanitz (TE) – Another weapon lost in the passing game.
Nigel Maynard (DB) and Rashan Murray (DB) – Two contributors in the secondary sidelined.
Jayden Bonsu (LB) and Jeremiah Marcelin (LB) – Both linebackers ruled out, adding to defensive concerns.
Nilay Upadhyayula (LS) – Long snapper out, which could affect special teams precision.
That’s 17 total absences for the Panthers — an enormous number that will force head coach Pat Narduzzi to get creative with personnel.
Game-Time Decisions
A few players could return, but their statuses remain uncertain:
Desmond Reid (RB) – Pitt’s leading rusher is a true game-time decision. If he’s unable to go, the offense loses its balance.
Tamon Lynum (DB) and Javon McIntyre (S) – Both being evaluated pregame.
Cruce Brookins (DB) – Questionable but could play limited snaps.
How Pitt Might Adjust
The offensive line shuffle will be critical. Expect the Panthers to use quick passes and screen plays to protect their quarterback from FSU’s pass rush. If Reid can’t play, they’ll likely use a running-back-by-committee approach, mixing short passes to replace the traditional run game.
Defensively, losing multiple linemen could push Pitt to play more nickel formations, using extra defensive backs and linebackers to cover space rather than relying on brute strength up front. The pass rush will almost certainly take a hit, which could give Florida State’s quarterback more time to operate.
Unit-by-Unit Breakdown
Quarterbacks
FSU: Tommy Castellanos is expected to start. His dual-threat ability to extend plays will be critical, especially with multiple receivers sidelined. Expect Norvell to use designed quarterback runs and bootlegs to keep Pitt’s defense honest.
Pitt: The Panthers’ quarterback situation remains stable, but protection will be the big question. Without key linemen, Pitt must prioritize quick reads and avoiding sacks.
Running Backs
FSU: With Kam Davis out, the workload shifts to Roydell Williams and Jaylin Lucas. Expect a heavier emphasis on zone runs and swing passes out of the backfield.
Pitt: If Desmond Reid can’t go, Pitt may struggle to sustain drives on the ground. Backup runners will need to find creative ways to move the chains.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
FSU: Missing White, Boggs, and Blackwell hurts. The Seminoles may depend on Lawayne McCoy and Destyn Hill to make plays on the perimeter. Tight ends like Landen Thomas and possibly Randy Pittman Jr. (if cleared) will have to shoulder part of the passing load.
Pitt: Despite losing a tight end, the wide receiver group remains relatively intact. Expect Pitt to test FSU’s young secondary early and often.
Offensive Line
Both teams are struggling here — which means whoever protects their quarterback better might win the game.
FSU will need backups to step up in place of Pettus.
Pitt’s patchwork line, without Persi, could be vulnerable to FSU’s edge rushers.
Defensive Fronts
FSU: Missing Deamontae Diggs affects their interior depth, but the Seminoles still have one of the ACC’s more disruptive lines.
Pitt: With four defensive ends out, their pass rush could evaporate. Expect Narduzzi to use more blitzes from linebackers and safeties to compensate.
Secondary
Both teams are short-handed.
FSU’s loss of Quindarrius Jones means true freshmen and backups will see more snaps.
Pitt’s missing multiple corners and safeties, leaving them equally vulnerable against the pass.
If either team finds rhythm through the air, it could quickly swing momentum.
Coaching Adjustments and Strategy
FSU: Mike Norvell’s Approach
Norvell has built a reputation for adaptability. Expect him to emphasize ball control, limit risky downfield throws, and use tempo selectively. With multiple skill players out, he’ll want to sustain drives and wear down a thin Pitt defense.
Defensively, look for FSU to blitz off the edges and attack Pitt’s weakened offensive line. The Seminoles will likely rotate defensive linemen aggressively to keep them fresh.
Pitt: Pat Narduzzi’s Plan
Narduzzi’s defensive background will be tested. His challenge is finding pressure despite an undermanned front seven. Offensively, he’ll likely lean on short routes, misdirection, and screens to neutralize FSU’s speed.
The Panthers may also focus on time management — long drives that keep Florida State’s offense off the field would be the ideal strategy, especially if depth becomes an issue late.
Key Matchuhs to Watch
FSU’s Edge Rushers vs. Pitt’s Backup Tackles
If FSU can collapse the pocket early, it could be a long night for Pitt’s offense.
FSU’s Receivers vs. Pitt’s Secondary Depth
Both units are missing starters — whoever wins these matchups might control the scoreboard.
Quarterback Mobility
Castellanos’ ability to escape pressure could be the difference between stalled drives and touchdowns.
Stamina in the Second Half
With so many backups starting, conditioning will matter. Expect fatigue to play a major role in the fourth quarter.
Potential X-Factors
Special Teams: Pitt’s missing long snapper could cause problems on punts or field goals.
Turnovers: Backup players under pressure tend to make more mistakes.
Coaching Discipline: Penalties and blown assignments could be the difference in a one-score game.
What to Expect Before Kickoff
Pregame warmups will tell a lot. If Randy Pittman Jr. and Ashlynd Barker are dressed and moving freely, FSU’s confidence will rise. On the other sideline, if Desmond Reid takes part in full-speed drills, Pitt’s offense gains a huge boost.
FSU will try to start fast, set the tone, and force Pitt to play from behind — something that could expose Pitt’s limited offensive line. The Panthers, on the other hand, will hope to control the tempo, keep the score close, and take advantage of FSU’s depleted secondary with timely deep shots.
