Florida State’s offensive line overhaul for 2026 wasn’t just aggressive-it was necessary. After a 2025 campaign that exposed depth issues and inconsistency up front, the Seminoles hit the Transfer Portal hard, reeling in five offensive linemen who bring a mix of experience, versatility, and upside. With 104 of 105 roster spots filled, and 23 total transfers added, the O-line group stands out as one of the most strategically targeted areas of improvement.
Let’s break down what FSU added in the trenches and how each piece fits into the bigger picture.
Xavier Chaplin (Auburn) - Redshirt Senior
Transfer Grade: 92 | PFF Grade: 55.5 (2025)
Career Starts: 37 (all consecutive)
Grade: 90
Chaplin is the headliner of this group-and for good reason. He’s a big-bodied tackle with SEC starting experience and a physical profile that screams NFL potential.
Now, the 2025 season wasn’t his best. He played through what looked like a leg issue (often seen wearing a wrap), and his conditioning was a question mark.
But even in a down year, he showed flashes of being a high-level run blocker, especially in gap schemes.
FSU’s run-heavy approach should fit Chaplin’s strengths nicely. He’s got the frame, the anchor, and enough athleticism to hold up on the edge.
If he can return to his 2024 form, we’re talking about a potential All-ACC performer. The Seminoles are betting on a bounce-back-and the upside makes that a gamble worth taking.
Chimdia Nwaiwu (Stephen F. Austin) - Redshirt Junior
Transfer Grade: 87 | PFF Grade: 68.9 (2025)
Started 13 games in 2025
Grade: 89
Nwaiwu is a developmental swing with a high ceiling. He’s still raw, but the tools are there: length, movement skills, and a frame that projects well to tackle at the Power Four level.
What’s encouraging is the growth he showed between 2024 and 2025. That kind of year-over-year improvement is a good indicator that he’s trending in the right direction.
He may not be ready to start right away, but he could factor in as a rotational tackle or emergency starter. With the right development under offensive line coach Herb Hand, Nwaiwu could become a future starter-and maybe even more down the line.
Nate Pabst (Bowling Green) - Redshirt Senior
Transfer Grade: 85 | PFF Grade: 70.8 (2025)
Career Games: 42 | Career Starts: 38 (consecutive)
Grade: 87
Pabst is the kind of player you don’t fully appreciate until you watch him over multiple games. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady.
Smart, durable, and technically sound, Pabst brings a veteran presence to the interior. He’s a plug-and-play option who likely slots in as a guard, though he’s played tackle as well.
The biggest question is how he holds up against Power Four edge rushers. His foot speed is solid but not elite, and he’ll be tested by quicker defenders.
That said, FSU’s scheme doesn’t ask its tackles to be on an island too often, which should help mask some of those concerns. He’s a stabilizer-an anchor in the middle of the line who can be counted on to do his job every snap.
Bradyn Joiner (Purdue) - Redshirt Junior
Transfer Grade: 86 | PFF Grade: 62.3 (2025)
Career Games: 22 | Career Starts: 17
Grade: 89
Joiner is one of the more intriguing additions. He started at center last year at Purdue and previously saw time at guard with Auburn.
That versatility is valuable, especially given FSU’s recent injury history on the interior. As a run blocker, Joiner shines.
He moves well laterally, climbs to the second level with purpose, and shows strong coordination in combo blocks.
The concern is in pass protection. He surrendered 26 pressures last season-an alarming number for an interior lineman.
But he looked more comfortable at guard the year before, and it’s possible that’s where he ends up in Tallahassee. If FSU gets the Auburn version of Joiner, they may have a future all-conference guy on their hands.
Paul Bowling (Troy) - Sophomore
Transfer Grade: 86 | PFF Grade: 64.5 (2025)
Started 12 games as a true freshman
Grade: 84
Bowling is the youngest of the group, but he’s already logged over 750 snaps at the FBS level. That’s impressive for a true freshman.
At 6'4", 320 pounds, he’s built like a Power Four guard and plays with natural strength. He anchors well against power rushers and shows good pop on contact.
But the issues are clear: balance and mobility. He tends to get stuck on double teams and struggles to climb to the second level, limiting his impact in space.
The good news? These are coachable traits.
With a full offseason in FSU’s strength and conditioning program, Bowling could make a leap. For now, he’s a depth piece with starting upside down the road.
The Bigger Picture
This wasn’t just about filling holes-it was about building a foundation. FSU didn’t just grab five warm bodies; they brought in experienced starters, three of whom have eligibility beyond 2026.
That’s a shift in strategy. Instead of relying solely on one-year rentals, the Seminoles are mixing in long-term pieces like Bowling and Nwaiwu who could be multi-year contributors.
Yes, some of these additions come with question marks. Chaplin is coming off a down year.
Joiner struggled in pass pro. Pabst is making the jump from the MAC to the Power Four.
But these are calculated risks. FSU is betting on traits, experience, and fit within their scheme.
They didn’t land every top target-players like Luke Petibon and Micah Pettus were reportedly on the radar-but the Seminoles still managed to upgrade the unit across the board. And in today’s portal-driven era, sometimes the best move is to cast a wide net and develop the talent you bring in.
Bottom line: FSU needed to fix the offensive line, and they did-both for now and for the future.