Duce Robinson earns preseason second-team All-America nod as Florida State looks to lean on its top receiver in 2026

Florida State’s Duce Robinson has been named to The Athletic’s preseason second-team All-America list, positioning the wide receiver as one of the more prominent return pieces in college football heading into the 2026 season.

The honor matters because it comes with expectations attached, especially for a receiver who already demonstrated an ability to make big plays on a consistent basis. According to Yahoo Sports, Robinson’s 2025 production helped set up the national recognition, with his 1,081 receiving yards ranking as the 11th-most in the country.

Robinson’s efficiency also drew attention. Yahoo Sports reported that his 19.3 yards per catch were the 9th-best mark in the nation, a detail that helps explain why the preseason selection carries weight beyond raw yardage totals. A higher yards-per-catch rate generally indicates that a receiver is not only being targeted, but also turning those opportunities into longer gains.

For Florida State, the preseason All-America mention creates a clear focus point for the passing game. While teams build overall game plans around multiple skill players, having a receiver singled out in national projections tends to influence how quarterbacks and offensive coordinators prioritize route concepts and downfield opportunities.

The second-team designation also sets a baseline for how Robinson will be evaluated as the year develops. Preseason lists are not the final word on awards, but they often reflect the level of national attention a player can command, which can affect coverage patterns and how defenses decide to defend the passing game.

Still, the preseason award does not guarantee the same statistical output will follow. A repeat season typically depends on continuity at quarterback and offensive scheme fit, as well as the surrounding receiving group’s ability to create separation so that one target can stay productive.

What to watch next is whether Robinson’s role expands as defenses react. If he continues to sustain high yardage per catch and remains a frequent downfield option, it would reinforce why national writers placed him among the sport’s most impactful receivers before 2026.

If Florida State finds that its offense can repeatedly generate opportunities for Robinson, the preseason recognition could become a storyline throughout the season, from in-game game planning to end-of-year award conversations.