Florida State Seminoles Revamp Special Teams with Signing of Kicker Gabe Panikowski for 2026 Season
Florida State Seminoles faced challenges with their special teams in 2025, particularly due to the inconsistent performance of redshirt freshman kicker Jake Weinberg. Weinberg's struggles led to his transfer to Miami, leaving the Seminoles without a kicker. However, the team has now secured a new kicker for the 2026 season with the signing of former Oklahoma State senior kicker Gabe Panikowski, who brings a strong track record and experience to the team.
Panikowski, who previously played for Idaho State and Oklahoma State, has a successful history of accurate field goal attempts and extra points. His addition to the Seminoles' roster is expected to bolster the team's special teams unit. With Panikowski's signing, Florida State has made significant changes to its specialist room, including bringing in former New Mexico punter Daniel Hughes and former North Dakota State long snapper Clay Bowers, enhancing the team's overall depth and talent in key positions.
The Seminoles' recruitment efforts have been active, with a series of announcements regarding new additions to the team across various positions. The influx of new talent, including Panikowski, reflects the team's commitment to strengthening its roster and improving performance in the upcoming season. With a revamped specialist room and a diverse group of new recruits, Florida State is poised to make a competitive impact in the 2026 season.