CHARLOTTE — Last season was filled with challenges for Florida State.

After being tabbed as not only a favorite to win the ACC, but also one of the teams expected to possibly compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff, the Seminoles finished just 2-10, its worst record since 1974.

Veteran defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. fully believes that the struggles the team experienced last season will only make them stronger in 2025.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Jackson told The Clemson Insider during the ACC Kickoff. “We are in this position because of how we approached things. How we went about our business.”

Jackson insists that everyone inside of the facility, coaches and players alike, are fully bought in to getting things turned around, and quickly.

“We didn’t live up to the standard that we set out for us last year,” Jackson added. “This year, we are willing to do it. We are willing to take that step. We are willing to do it. So right now, I feel like we are in a great position. We got all we need. So it’s really us right now just playing against each other. Just us. It’s not about no other teams. It’s about us.”

The Seminoles will be tested right off the bat, with Alabama visiting Doak Campbell Stadium on August 30 to kick off the season. Florida State also hosts Miami in early October.

Then comes a November 8 road trip to Clemson, a game that has decided which of the two teams plays for ACC Championship far more often than not in the past. However, no matter what is on the line, that is a game Jackson wants.

Two seasons ago, when Florida State went into Clemson and won 31-24 in overtime, Jackson wasn’t on the field. He was sitting out the season due to transfer rules. He did play in the contest last season when the Tigers won 29-13 in Tallahassee.

“I want to beat Clemson. I want to beat Clemson,” Jackson said. “They are a great team. I mean, we beat Clemson, but with me playing, we have not beaten them yet, and I want to beat them.”