On Saturday afternoon, I decided to release my defensive/special teams starting lineup prediction for Florida State’s 2024 season opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. The game will be played on Saturday, August 24th at 12:00 PM EST in Dublin, Ireland.

The Seminoles will be welcoming several new additions this season, so predicting this was a bit tricky. Let’s get started and break down my picks.

Defensive ends

1. Patrick Payton

2. Byron Turner Jr.

3. Aaron Hester

Defensive ends

1. Marvin Jones Jr.

2. Sione Lolohea

analysis: The Florida State football team needs to replace players like Jared Verse, who recorded nine sacks in the 2023 season. Verse was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Although the former Albany transfer moved on to the pro league, rising superstar Patrick Payton is returning for another season. The redshirt junior has now increased his weight to 254 pounds.

The Seminoles signed two defensive ends this season: Marvin Jones Jr. from Georgia and Sione Lolohea from Oregon State. The coaching staff was excited about Jones Jr., who came out of high school as a former five-star talent, and defensive ends coach John Papuchis is excited about Lolohea’s ability to be a run stopper.

Additionally, Florida State has reserves Byron Turner Jr. and Aaron Hester back for another season. They will be useful when the trio of Payton, Jones Jr. and Lolohea need a breather.