Florida State leads the nation in returning production for 2023, per ESPN analysis

Florida State is set to return 87% of its production from last season, which ranks No. 1 in the country according to ESPN’s SP+.

FSU returns key players at several positions in 2023. Quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson, receiver Jonny Wilson, defensive l

ineman Jared Verse and safety Akeem Dent are amongst the player who chose to return to FSU for another season.

Returning production, via ESPN’s definition, does include contributions from transfers at other FBS universities. That means Florida State benefits in this metric from the numbers that were put up by Braden Fiske, Fentrell Cypress, Jaheim Bell, Jeremiah Byers and other highly-impactful transfers.

ESPN’s formula for returning production is also weighted by position. The percentage of a team’s passing yards, OL snaps and total tackles hold the most weight in t

he formula.

The Noles beat out Kansas, FAU and Wyoming for the spot spot. Michigan rounded out the top 5. Other power conference contenders such as Texas A&M, USC, Utah and Texas are also ranked in the top 25.

Florida State is one of the early favorites to win the ACC next season. Of the other ACC programs, only Boston College (No. 8) ranks in the top 10 of returning production. Clemson, who is widely considered to be FSU’s top competition for the ACC crown next season, ranks No. 36 nationally.