For years, Samuel Singleton Jr. waited for his opportunity. On Florida State’s season-opening night, the veteran running back showed exactly why that patience may be paying off in a big way.
Singleton delivered the most complete performance of his Seminoles career in FSU’s 34-17 victory over New Mexico State, emerging as arguably the most impactful player on the field. The fourth-year running back piled up 164 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns while contributing as a runner, receiver and return specialist, providing a glimpse of a player who appears ready to take on a much larger role in Florida State’s offense.
After spending much of his career competing for opportunities behind established veterans and highly touted newcomers, Singleton has continued to carve out a place for himself. Whether it was battling transfers such as Tre Wisner or competing alongside former blue-chip recruits like Ousmane Kromah, Singleton never stopped pushing for more snaps.
Now, it appears the South Carolina native has evolved beyond being simply a complementary piece in the backfield.
“Sam’s a guy who’s a really talented football player,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said.
“He’s growing in all areas. I was proud of him to see his impact in all three phases of it. The return game had a big kickoff return. Obviously, you had some good runs, but then you’re also catching the ball out of the backfield. It was great to see his confidence growing in what we do.”
Samuel Singleton, a complete weaponSingleton’s stat line only tells part of the story.
He led the Seminoles with four receptions for 54 yards, added 42 rushing yards and consistently flipped field position, including a 65-yard kickoff return. His versatility created problems for New Mexico State throughout the night and showcased skills that extend well beyond carrying the football.
That development has been years in the making.
Late last season, Singleton began earning increased responsibility in Florida State’s offense, eventually starting two games. He finished the year with 360 rushing yards and four touchdowns before injuries slowed his momentum.
Rather than viewing his role through the lens of touches alone, Singleton focused on becoming a more complete player. The results were evident Saturday.
The payoff from an offseason of workSingleton credited his offseason development for the confidence he displayed against New Mexico State.
“I feel like I put a lot of work and extra work into the offseason and the summer,” Singleton said. “That pretty much led me to how I played tonight. I feel like that helped my confidence go through the game.”
His improvements were especially noticeable in areas that often determine whether a running back can stay on the field: pass protection, receiving ability and special teams value.
Those aspects of his game have elevated him from a situational contributor to a player Florida State can trust in virtually any circumstance. Whether the Seminoles needed a pass catcher, a ball carrier or a return man, Singleton answered the call.
That versatility could become increasingly important as Florida State navigates a long season.
Singleton’s breakthrough did not surprise those inside the program.
Quarterback Ashton Daniels said the running back’s emergence reflects the way he has approached his preparation since arriving on campus.
“The way that he’s attacked his work and prepared for this game, and just who he is as a person, has been phenomenal,” Daniels said.
“And obviously that’s going to start showing up on the field more and more. I’m super proud of him. Not a lot of people knew what Sam Singleton was about, and I think they found out tonight.”
That sentiment encapsulates why Singleton’s performance resonated beyond the stat sheet. His success was not the result of a sudden breakthrough. It was the culmination of years of development, patience and persistence.
Why Samuel Singleton decided to stay put at Florida StateIn today’s college football landscape, where the transfer portal offers immediate opportunities elsewhere, Singleton could have explored other options. Many players in his position would have.
Instead, he remained at Florida State.
Even as Norvell continued adding talent and depth to the running backs room, Singleton trusted his ability to earn a role.
“Honestly, it was some tough conversations, but I didn’t want it to stay that way at the end of the day,” Singleton said. “Whatever it came down to, I was looking to stay and keep building on what I had already built and just trusting the process.
“To be honest, I love Florida State, so I wasn’t trying to go nowhere.”
Florida State’s opener was expected to showcase several new faces and rising stars. Instead, one of the loudest statements came from a player who has quietly been building toward this moment for years.
Singleton’s performance against New Mexico State was more than a productive night. It was evidence that he has developed into one of the Seminoles’ most versatile offensive weapons. If Saturday was any indication, the conversation surrounding Florida State’s backfield may no longer center solely on potential.
It is time to start putting some respect on Singleton's name.
Florida State 2026 schedule- Aug. 29: vs. New Mexico State, W 34-17
- Sept. 7: vs. SMU, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Sept. 13: Bye
- Sept. 19: at Alabama, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
- Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas, TBD
- Oct. 3: vs. Virginia, TBD
- Oct. 9: at Louisville, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)
- Oct. 17: at Miami, TBD
- Oct. 24: Bye
- Oct. 31: vs. Clemson, TBD
- Nov. 7: at Boston College, TBD
- Nov. 13: at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)
- Nov. 21: vs. NC State, TBD
- Nov. 27: vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday)
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Why Samuel Singleton Is becoming Florida State football's do-it-all back
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