Florida State has made two significant moves to strengthen its football infrastructure ahead of a crucial offseason. The Seminoles have hired John Garrett as General Manager and Taylor Edwards as Executive Director of Player Acquisitions - two experienced names who bring familiarity, recruiting savvy, and transfer portal expertise to a program looking to capitalize on recent momentum.
Garrett returns to Tallahassee after previous stints with FSU and Duke, stepping into the role vacated by Derrick Yray. Edwards, meanwhile, comes over from Miami, where he played a key role in the Hurricanes’ aggressive portal strategy. Together, they’re tasked with helping Florida State navigate what has become one of the most critical phases of the college football calendar: the transfer portal window.
There had been some outside noise suggesting FSU might not have these hires finalized before the portal officially opens on January 2nd. That’s no longer a concern.
The hires are done. The clock is ticking.
And now the focus shifts to whether Garrett and Edwards can move quickly enough to make an impact.
Yes, plenty of back-channel conversations and handshake agreements have already taken place - that’s the reality of the modern portal era. But this isn’t a cold start.
Garrett knows the FSU landscape, and Edwards comes from a program that’s been one of the most active in the portal over the last few years. These aren’t outsiders trying to get up to speed; they’re plugged-in operators who know how the game is played.
Also worth noting: not every top transfer has made a move yet. There are still players competing in bowl games and the College Football Playoff who are expected to enter the portal once their seasons officially wrap. That creates a second wave of potential additions - and a chance for FSU to strike.
The coaching staff likely already has a clear sense of where help is needed. Quarterback, offensive line, and edge rusher are top priorities, and those positions don’t come cheap in today’s market. Part of the challenge for Garrett and Edwards will be identifying targets who are still truly available - and figuring out how to allocate NIL resources to land them.
Let’s not forget: Florida State was able to bring in quality transfers even after a 2-10 season. With the team showing signs of progress this year, the pitch becomes even more compelling. The program has momentum, a clearer identity, and now - with Garrett and Edwards in place - a more organized approach to capitalizing on that momentum.
The window is short. Five to six days of high-stakes recruiting, relationship-building, and deal-making before the first wave of portal activity settles.
But FSU has positioned itself to be a player in the transfer market. The pieces are in place.
Now it’s about execution.