Florida State just added some serious size and experience to its defensive front, landing a commitment from Texas State transfer Jordan Sanders. The 6-foot-4, 306-pound defensive tackle announced his decision to join the Seminoles, giving FSU another veteran presence in a room that’s seen plenty of change this offseason.
Sanders brings a unique journey to Tallahassee. Originally from Hawthorne, California, he started his college career at Cal Poly, where he played three seasons before transferring to Texas State for the 2025 campaign. Now, with one year of eligibility left, he’s set to suit up for a Power Five program looking to reload in the trenches.
Last season, Sanders logged 365 snaps over 13 games for the Bobcats, tallying 16 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, and forcing a fumble. While those raw numbers don’t leap off the page, his Pro Football Focus grades tell a more complete story.
He earned a solid 77.0 overall defensive grade, highlighted by a 73.3 mark against the run and a 71.7 in pass rush situations. That shows a player who can contribute on all three downs - something FSU clearly values.
That said, there’s one area that stands out as a red flag: his tackling. Sanders posted a 34.9 grade in that department, which suggests some inconsistency when it comes to finishing plays. It’s a concern, no doubt, but one the Seminoles are likely betting they can clean up with coaching and scheme fit.
What FSU really seems to like is Sanders’ versatility. He’s not just a plug-and-play nose tackle - he’s someone they believe can shift across multiple spots along the defensive line.
That kind of flexibility is crucial, especially for a unit that’s undergone major turnover since the end of the season. With departures and NFL declarations reshaping the depth chart, Sanders steps in as a much-needed piece of the puzzle.
And make no mistake, Florida State wasn’t the only program chasing him. Mississippi State, Cal, and Oklahoma State were all in the mix. But in the end, the Seminoles won out, adding another experienced body to a defensive front that’s being rebuilt on the fly.
For a team with big aspirations and a defense that needs to reestablish its identity up front, Sanders could be more than just a depth piece - he might be a key rotational cog, or even a starter, depending on how quickly he adapts. Either way, it’s a smart, strategic pickup for a program that knows just how important the battle in the trenches will be in the months ahead.