Report: FSU's Hykeem Williams out vs. Georgia Tech with 'Minor' Injury

Florida State will open the 2024 regular season without sophomore wide receiver Hykeem Williams.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Williams won't play on Saturday against Georgia Tech due to a "minor" injury, but he is expected back "soon."

The nature of Williams' injury is unclear, nor has there been any indication at this point how it occurred.

Williams had the potential to move into a starting role this season after playing sparingly as a freshman. He was listed as a backup to Malik Benson in the No. 1 receiver spot on the Seminoles' depth chart released on Aug. 18. Kentron Poitier is listed as the other backup behind Benson.

Florida State is replacing its three leading receivers from 2023. Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson and Jaheim Bell are all in the NFL. They combined for 130 catches, 1,778 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

The other pass-catchers on the team combined for 10 touchdown receptions. Tight end Kyle Morlock is the top returning receiver with 255 yards on 19 catches.

Benson figures to provide a boost after transferring from Alabama. The 21-year-old was a 4-star prospect and No. 78 overall player in the transfer portal by 247Sports after catching 13 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown in 14 games for the Crimson Tide.

Williams was a 5-star prospect and No. 31 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. He appeared in eight games as a freshman, catching five passes for 80 yards.

Florida State is ranked No. 10 in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 poll. This marks the second consecutive year the program has started the season in the top 10.

The Seminoles missed the College Football Playoff last season despite starting 13-0 and winning the ACC Championship. They lost to Georgia, 63-3, in the Orange Bowl.