FSU injury creates early chance for Lee County’s Kromah

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State’s season-opening upset of No. 8 Alabama came with a significant cost in the backfield, but it opens the door for Ousmane Kromah.

Head coach Mike Norvell confirmed Monday that veteran running back Roydell Williams will miss “a period of time” with an injury suffered in Saturday’s 31-17 victory over the Crimson Tide. Williams carried six times for 14 yards before exiting, including a key fourth-and-1 conversion in the fourth quarter.

With Williams sidelined, the Seminoles turned to their depth — and that means an early opportunity for true freshman Ousmane Kromah of Lee County. Kromah, the Trojans’ all-time leading rusher with nearly 6,000 yards and 85 touchdowns, made his Florida State debut against Alabama with seven carries for 31 yards. This week, he was listed as a co-starter for Saturday’s home game against East Texas A&M.

Kromah was one of the nation’s top recruits in the 2025 class and is already on the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watch List. He’ll now share the workload in a rushing attack that piled up 230 yards and four touchdowns against Alabama, Florida State’s most against a top-10 opponent since 2021.

Norvell expressed disappointment for Williams but confidence in the group moving forward. “I absolutely hate it for the young man … He was definitely a great contributor in that win,” Norvell said.

For FSU fans, it’s a reminder of the team’s depth. For Leesburg, it’s the start of what could be a big freshman season for one of its own.