Florida State has a 1-1 record on the year with a 27-24 loss against SMU this past Monday, and everyone is ready to throw this season in the garbage. I feel your disappointment and frustration for having two winning seasons in eight years at a place like Florida State. The defense has been a topic of concern thus far in 2026, but one position unit that has balled out this year has been the linebacker room with Chris Jones, Mikai Gbayor, and Caleb LaVallee. What a difference a year can make because the linebackers were viewed as a “weak point” at times in 2025, but assistant coach Ernie Sims has put his stamp on the group as they display aggression and violence at times. Are they perfect? No. However, they play with a sense of urgency, and it should be something to build on during the bye week and into Alabama game week next Saturday. 🍢 #fsufootball #floridastate #noles #mikaigbayor #chrisjones