Florida State tight end Landen Thomas is entering preseason camp with something he has not had in years: a completely healthy offseason.
After dealing with setbacks the previous two summers that limited his readiness for fall camp, the junior is stronger, quicker, and in better shape than ever. Tight ends coach Chris Thomsen is already noticing the difference after just two days of practice.
Florida State Tight End Landen Thomas Enters 2026 Camp Fully Healthy for First Time
“The thing that I want him to do is just stay healthy,” Thomsen said after day two of fall camp. “The last couple summers he’s had a couple things that, before camp, kind of held him back from being ready for camp… He’s made a bigger commitment than ever to his diet, to his sleep, to doing the different things that it takes… He went all the way through the offseason process healthy. Now he comes in, he’s stronger, he’s in better shape, he’s quicker.”
Thomsen added that Thomas’ routes look as sharp as they ever have, and his improved body control is showing up on the practice field. The former five-star recruit has always possessed excellent lower-body flexibility — now he can fully leverage it.
Landen Thomas Career Path and Production at Florida State
Thomas arrived in Tallahassee as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2024 recruiting class out of Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound athlete was ranked as high as the No. 1 tight end nationally by some services.
- 2024 (Freshman): Appeared in all 12 games and started the final seven. Finished with 14 receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown. Earned the Devaughn Darling Award as Florida State’s Freshman of the Year. Scored on his first career catch (20-yard TD at SMU).
- 2025 (Sophomore): Played in all 12 games but saw a reduced role amid injuries and competition, finishing with limited production (sources cite roughly 13 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns in some accounts).
Injuries and consistency issues prevented him from fully unlocking the traits that made him a blue-chip recruit. He briefly considered the transfer portal after the 2025 season before deciding to stay in Tallahassee.
Why Landen Thomas Could Become a Top Weapon in Mike Norvell’s Offense in 2026
Florida State has historically featured the tight end under head coach Mike Norvell. With Thomas healthy and more mature in his approach to recovery, nutrition, and recovery habits, the coaching staff sees him as a candidate for a significantly larger role.
Thomsen has grouped Thomas with transfer Desirrio Riles as the two more experienced options in the room who possess the size, length, and physicality needed to contribute against ACC competition. Improved strength and quickness should help Thomas in both the passing game and as a blocker.
Head coach Mike Norvell has also expressed excitement about the growth Thomas showed this offseason.
What a Healthy Landen Thomas Means for Florida State Football in 2026
If Thomas stays healthy and builds on the momentum from his first full offseason, he has the tools to become a reliable target for quarterback Ashton Daniels and a mismatch problem for opposing defenses. Sharper routes, better body control, and added strength position him to finally deliver on the high expectations that accompanied his recruitment.
Florida State fans have waited for the former top tight end prospect to put it all together. With fall camp underway and a clean bill of health, 2026 could be the year Landen Thomas takes the next step and emerges as one of the Seminoles’ top offensive weapons.
Keep an eye on No. 18 (or whichever number he wears this fall). A healthy Landen Thomas has the potential to make a real impact in Tallahassee this season.
Discover more from Allsportsreports
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
