Florida State kept working the portal and added another name to its rebuilt offense, landing former Florida Atlantic running back Gemari Sands. The Seminoles signed Sands with two years of eligibility left, and he arrives as part of a major roster reset under Mike Norvell.
The move gives Florida State another option in a backfield that has already changed shape for 2026. Sands is the second running back the Seminoles have brought in during this transfer cycle, joining former Texas Longhorn and All-SEC back Quintrevion Wisner. With Florida State losing its top two rushers from the 2025 season, Sands has a real chance to push for snaps right away.
Sands spent the 2025 season as FAU’s starting running back to open the year. He appeared in 12 games and made four starts, finishing with 465 rushing yards on 105 carries.
He also caught 40 passes for 217 yards. He did not score a touchdown in 2025, and his best outing came at FIU, where he ran 14 times for 105 yards and added three catches for 13 yards.
Before that, Sands got his first college touchdown as a freshman in 2024 against Wagner, when he went for 22 yards on five carries. He played in seven games that season and ended the year with 31 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
A Fort Lauderdale native, Sands played at St Thomas Aquinas, where he was listed by On3 as the No. 76 running back in the country. As a senior, he averaged 14.3 yards per carry and helped St Thomas Aquinas win a 7A state title. He had considered Colorado and Jackson St before signing with FAU.
There is also an off-field wrinkle tied to his departure. FAU filed a lawsuit against Sands, saying he violated the prior agreement between the two sides involving his NIL payment. The school says Sands failed to enroll and instead entered the transfer portal, and it is seeking to recover the nine thousand dollars it paid him under that agreement.
Florida State is set to open training camp July 30, and Sands is expected to compete with Osumane Kromah, Sam Singleton, and Amari Thomas for playing time in an offense that will feature Norvell as its new playcaller in 2026. Florida State has added 24 players this year as it continues overhauling the roster after winning seven games over the last two seasons combined.
In Other News...
FSUs $400 Million Investment Sends A Clear Championship Message
Florida State has put a new football-only facility into service as part of a more than $400 million push that also includes Doak Campbell Stadium renovations, a clear sign the program is treating infrastructure as part of its competitive edge. The 140,000-square-foot building is designed to bring training, education and recovery under one roof, giving the Seminoles a more streamlined setup for player development while also doubling as a showcase for recruits.
Inside, the message is as important as the amenities. The building is filled with reminders of the programs history and championship standards, from Heisman Trophy displays to national title hardware and tributes to the players and coaches who helped build the brand. For Florida State, it is more than a new home base - it is a statement about where the program believes it belongs. [Read more 🡒]
Mike Norvell Just Added More Muscle To Florida States Biggest Weakness
Florida State has spent the offseason trying to harden the middle of its defense, and Mike Norvells latest move fits that mission. The Seminoles added Sanders, a transfer from Texas State who brings another body and some needed experience to a defensive front that has been a clear point of emphasis for the staff.
Sanders arrives with a reputation for helping against the run, which is exactly the kind of profile Florida State has been chasing as it looks to stabilize the interior before ACC play. The Seminoles have also kept Mandrell Desir, Darrlly Desir and Kevin Wynn in the fold while bringing in Rylan Kennedy from Texas A&M, but the bigger question is whether this collection of pieces is enough to turn a weakness into a strength. [Read more 🡒]