Florida State’s offseason is already making headlines - and not for the reasons fans might’ve hoped. Since the season wrapped a month ago, 18 Seminoles have announced plans to enter the transfer portal when it officially opens on January 2nd.
It’s a significant number, but not entirely unexpected. After all, we saw a similar wave of departures following the 2024 campaign.
And just like last time, the bulk of these exits come from players who, for one reason or another, never made a consistent impact on the field. Some were highly touted recruits who didn’t quite pan out.
Others were depth pieces who couldn’t crack the rotation. That’s the nature of college football in the transfer portal era - constant roster turnover, with coaching staffs recalibrating on the fly.
Here’s a look at the players who’ve declared their intention to enter the portal:
- Jayden Parrish (three-star signee)
- L A Jesse Harold (four-star signee)
- Mario Nash Jr. (four-star signee)
- Tyeland Coleman (JUCO signee)
- Jamorie Flagg (three-star signee)
- Jaylin Lucas (transfer)
- Edwin Joseph (four-star signee)
- Willy Suarez (walk-on)
- Camdon Frier (three-star signee)
- Cai Bates (four-star signee)
- Ja’Bril Rawls (three-star signee)
- Kam Davis (four-star signee)
- Jaden Jones (JUCO transfer)
- Omar Graham Jr. (three-star signee)
- Randy Pittman Jr. (transfer)
- Jayson Jenkins (transfer)
- Jaylen King (walk-on)
- Landen Thomas (four-star signee)
Now, let’s put this in perspective. At least 10 of these players saw little to no meaningful action during their time in Tallahassee.
That doesn’t mean they lacked talent - many came in with strong recruiting pedigrees - but for one reason or another, they didn’t find a role in Mike Norvell’s system. Whether it was a matter of development, fit, or simply being passed on the depth chart by younger, more dynamic players, the production just wasn’t there.
Two names that stand out as potential losses: Ja’Bril Rawls and Randy Pittman Jr. Both showed flashes and could’ve contributed with more time or opportunity. But even their departures, while notable, don’t necessarily signal a major setback.
The name drawing the most buzz is Landen Thomas, a former four-star tight end prospect who came in with plenty of hype. But like Kam Davis, another high-profile recruit now on his way out, Thomas never quite lived up to the billing.
Davis battled injuries and found himself behind Ousmane Kromah and Sam Singleton on the depth chart. As for Thomas, the limited playing time suggests the coaching staff didn’t see enough in his game - whether it was route-running, blocking, or consistency - to put him on the field ahead of others.
Florida State has made it clear: they’ll play the best players, regardless of age or recruiting stars. That’s been a hallmark of Norvell’s approach - if you can help the team win, you’ll see the field. If not, the portal is an option, and for many of these players, it’s the right move to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
So where does this leave FSU? With a lot of open roster spots - and a big opportunity.
The real question now becomes: can the Seminoles capitalize in the portal themselves? Can they bring in proven contributors who can fill gaps and elevate the roster heading into 2026?
We’ll find out soon enough. The portal opens January 2nd, and with it comes a new wave of possibilities.