Florida State’s secondary just took a hit.
Redshirt freshman cornerback Cai Bates has officially entered the transfer portal, per reports. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound defensive back, once a prized four-star recruit in the 2024 class, appeared in seven games this season for the Seminoles. Now, with three years of eligibility remaining, he’ll look for a fresh start elsewhere.
This is a notable loss for Florida State-not just because of Bates’ talent, but because of what he represented. Coming out of Orlando, Bates was seen as one of the key building blocks in a defensive backfield that had high expectations.
He was part of a standout 2024 recruiting haul that included fellow blue-chip prospects Charles Lester III, Jamari Howard, and Ricky Knight III. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. played a major role in bringing that group to Tallahassee.
But with Surtain Sr. recently dismissed from the program, the foundation he helped lay is starting to show cracks.
Bates was expected to be a rotational contributor this season, and while he didn’t lock down a starting role, his presence was felt. He brought size, athleticism, and upside to the position-traits that made him one of the more intriguing young corners on the roster. His departure raises questions not just about depth, but about the ripple effect it could have on the rest of that talented 2024 DB class.
And that’s where things get tricky for Florida State. While Lester III, Howard, and Knight III are still in the fold for now, their futures could hinge on who the Seminoles hire to replace Surtain Sr.
Coaching continuity matters, especially for young players who came to a program based on relationships and development plans. If the new hire doesn’t resonate, more exits could follow.
The Seminoles did have their sights set on Brandon Harris as a potential replacement. That would’ve made sense-his brother, Tim Harris Jr., is already on staff as the wide receivers coach. But instead of heading to Tallahassee, Harris was swayed by the rival Florida Gators, leaving Florida State to reassess its options.
Now, all eyes turn to who will join safeties coach Evan Cooper in leading the secondary. Florida State has a strong track record of sending defensive backs to the NFL, even in down years.
But that pipeline doesn’t build itself. Recruiting, development, and retention are all critical-and right now, the Seminoles are taking hits in all three areas.
With Bates’ exit, Florida State has now lost nine of its 23 signees from the 2024 class. That’s a staggering number for a group that was supposed to be part of the program’s next wave.
The transfer portal era moves fast, and the Seminoles are learning that hard lesson in real time. The challenge now is to stabilize the roster, lock in a new DB coach, and convince the remaining talent that there’s still a path forward in garnet and gold.