Updated way-too-early look at Florida State’s 2026-27 starting lineup

PF — Sebastian Rancik (Transfer, Colorado)

The most significant portal addition of the cycle slots in at the four and immediately elevates the front court to a level that can compete in the ACC. Rancik, a 6-foot-11 sophomore, started 26 of 29 appearances for Colorado this past season and averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 28.1 minutes per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from three.

His ability to stretch the defense from the power forward spot, pass out of the high post, and protect the rim gives Loucks a positionally versatile front-court piece capable of thriving in the modern ACC.

C — Marcis Ponder (Freshman, Gillion Basketball Academy)

The crown jewel of FSU's nationally ranked recruiting class anchors the paint. Ponder is ranked among the top-100 national recruits in the 2026 class and arrives as a 6-foot-11, 260-pound interior force whose combination of size, rebounding instincts, and shot-blocking ability gives the Seminoles a true defensive anchor down low.

Ponder and Rancik together give FSU one of the most physically imposing front-court combinations in the entire ACC — a pairing that could define the program for years to come.

KEY BENCH PLAYERS

Shon Abaev (Transfer, Cincinnati | Foward)

The former McDonald's All-American brings elite pedigree and enormous upside to a frontcourt that is suddenly overflowing with talent. FSU already has more transfers from major conference schools this cycle than they did all of last year, and Abaev headlined that group when he committed earlier this month.

A healthy Abaev pushing Rancik and Ponder for minutes is a problem every program in the ACC would love to have.

Martay Barnes (Freshman, G — Academy of Central Florida)

The reclassified early enrollee and one of FSU's most electric perimeter prospects brings pace and defensive instincts to the backcourt rotation. His upside as a contributor from the jump is among the highest on the entire roster.

JD Jones (Freshman, G — Phoenix Country Day School)

The son of NBA executive James Jones brings high-character toughness and scoring versatility to the backcourt depth chart. Jones compiled 1,762 career points, the second-highest total in Phoenix Country Day School history, and was named region Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year as a senior while leading his team to a 25-2 record and a state semifinal appearance.

Amare Robinson (Transfer, Tallahassee State College | G)

The younger Robinson brother adds depth and defensive toughness to the backcourt. Both Robinson brothers were coached by now-Florida A&M head coach Charlie Ward during their prep years at Florida State University School — a Tallahassee connection that runs as deep as any in the program's history.

Follow us@FSUWireon X and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage ofFlorida Statenews, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Florida State basketball 2026-27 lineup projection: depth breakdown