How Otto Is Setting the Standard for FSU's New-Look O-Line
· Yahoo Sports
André Otto’s impact on Florida State’s offensive line won’t be measured solely by the number of snaps he plays this season.
Visit sportbet.rodeo for more information.
Instead, the redshirt junior has become one of the unit’s emotional leaders, helping integrate a wave of newcomers while reinforcing the standard expected in Tallahassee.
After appearing in all 12 games in 2025 on special teams and as a reserve offensive lineman, Otto enters the 2026 season with a larger responsibility.
Last year, he logged 79 offensive snaps as part of an offense that engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in the country. Florida State finished ninth nationally in total offense at 472.1 yards per game, 13th in rushing offense with 218.7 yards per contest, the program’s highest average since 1995, and 26th in scoring at 33.0 points per game.
The Seminoles also led the ACC in both total and rushing offense while setting multiple school records along the way.
Those accomplishments have become the foundation Otto wants the current group to build upon.
“I think we’ve responded really, really well,” Otto said. “We’re trying to become a more explosive offense, and we’re using our tempo to our advantage to create explosive plays as quickly as possible.”
The challenge is different this fall.
Florida State replaced much of its offensive line through graduation and the transfer portal, leaving Otto as one of the veterans responsible for creating chemistry among a group that has only been together for a matter of months.
“The guys who came in have meshed really, really well,” Otto said. “They understand the standard, they know what’s expected of them, and they’ve done an awesome job.”
That leadership role wasn’t accidental.
According to Otto, the coaching staff made it clear they expected him to help unify the room.
“They wanted me to stand out as a leader and help bring the offensive line together,” Otto said. “We don’t have a lot of returning players, so it’s been important to get everyone on the same page.”
His own experience has helped prepare him for that responsibility.
Early playing time gave Otto confidence that he belonged, while the veteran linemen around him continued to provide valuable examples of how to prepare and communicate.
“My previous playing experience showed me that I’m capable and that I can do this,” Otto said. “The guys who came in are experienced veterans. They know what to do when the moment comes.”
Competition has also elevated the group.
With several linemen limited throughout camp, multiple players have rotated through first-team reps. Otto believes the depth across the offensive line has been one of camp’s biggest strengths, specifically pointing to Sean Poret’s versatility.
“I think the offensive line as a whole has really stepped up,” Otto said. “We have multiple possibilities for starters all across the board.”
Daily battles against Florida State’s defensive front have accelerated that development.
Otto described edge rusher Mandrell Desir as one of the most relentless defenders he has ever faced, praising the defensive line’s combination of explosiveness and variety.
“Usually when you put your hands on someone, you kind of know the play’s over,” Otto said. “With him, it’s just starting. He’s going to give you 12 different moves.”
Otto also credited quarterback Ashton Daniels for providing steady leadership behind center.
“I see great leadership,” Otto said. “He’s very vocal, and he’s a speedy guy. He can get us out of situations if we need it. He’s a true dual-threat quarterback and a perfect fit for our offense.”
If Florida State is going to replicate last season’s offensive success, it will require more than talent. It will require cohesion up front. Based on Otto’s comments, building that chemistry has become his most important assignment and one he has embraced throughout camp.