In a thrilling season opener for the Florida State Seminoles, running back Samuel Singleton Jr. demonstrated his growth and versatility on the field. The junior running back, who has dedicated his collegiate career to Florida State, made a significant impact during the Seminoles' 17-7 halftime lead against the New Mexico State Aggies on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Singleton's performance was nothing short of impressive, as he scored two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving. He caught four passes for a total of 54 yards, including a standout 35-yard touchdown reception. On the ground, he added 42 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. His all-around contribution earned him the title of ACC Receiver of the Week, highlighting his effectiveness in multiple roles. Additionally, Singleton returned two kickoffs for 68 yards, further showcasing his dynamic playmaking abilities.
After the game, Singleton expressed his confidence heading into the season, attributing his success to the hard work he put in during the offseason. "I felt pretty confident coming in," he said. "I feel like I put a lot of work and extra work into the offseason in the summer." His dedication is evident, as he has spent the last two years honing his skills within the Seminoles’ offense.
Head coach Mike Norvell praised Singleton's performance, noting that the explosiveness he displayed was something the coaching staff had anticipated. "Sam’s a guy that’s a really talented football player," Norvell stated in his postgame press conference. "He’s growing, just in all areas. I was proud of him to see his impact in all three phases of it… It was a great start for him this season, and we’re expecting big things as we continue to move forward."
Singleton's success in the opener builds on the progress he made last season, where he earned the title of FSU’s Most Improved Player on offense. He finished the previous season with 360 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 51 carries, along with a reception for 16 yards and two kickoff returns for 33 yards. His journey has been marked by patience and perseverance, as he remained committed to the program even when a larger role was not guaranteed.
Reflecting on his development, Singleton remarked, "Honestly, it was just keep putting work in. I believed in myself, and I believed what I could do. So honestly, it was some tough conversations, but I wanted to stay at the end of the day. I was looking to stay and just keep building on what I had already built on, and just trust the process. To be honest, I love Florida State."
Running backs coach Kam Martin noted Singleton's relentless work ethic, emphasizing that he is always seeking ways to improve. Martin compared Singleton to a former player he coached at UCF, highlighting his dedication and hard work. "Man, a guy like Sam, he’s fun to coach, man. He put in the work, and he continues to make plays. Sam time is here," Martin said.
Quarterback Ashton Daniels also recognized Singleton's commitment, observing his development throughout the offseason. "Not a lot of people, you know, knew what Sam Singleton was about, and I think they found out tonight," Daniels remarked after the game.
Looking ahead, Florida State will face its first ACC opponent of the season on Monday night when they host SMU at Doak Campbell Stadium. Singleton's impressive opener has set the stage for what could be a breakout season, as he continues to trust the process and build on his recent success.
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