Florida State’s Tight End Room Is Running Thin - And Mike Norvell Has Work to Do
What was once projected as a position of strength for Florida State has quickly become one of the Seminoles’ biggest offseason question marks. In less than two weeks, FSU has seen four tight ends exit the program - including Randy Pittman and Landen Thomas, two players with real upside. That kind of attrition at a single position, especially one as pivotal to the offense as tight end, is hard to ignore.
Now, with the transfer portal officially opening from Jan. 2-16, head coach Mike Norvell is staring down a critical personnel challenge. The Seminoles need reinforcements - and fast.
A Position in Flux
Let’s start with what’s left. Amaree Williams and Chase Loftin now headline the returning group, but neither has logged significant experience at the college level.
Williams, a sophomore, was initially recruited as a two-way player - tight end and edge rusher - but found himself needed on offense when injuries thinned the depth chart this past season. He finished with just two catches, though one of them went for a touchdown. It’s a small sample size, but it at least shows he can be a red zone threat.
Loftin, a freshman, was expected to contribute early but was sidelined for much of the year due to injury. Like Williams, the talent is there, but the reps aren’t - and that’s the issue. With Pittman and Thomas gone, both players are being thrust into a much bigger spotlight than anticipated.
FSU will also welcome freshman Xavier Tiller to the mix, along with returning depth pieces in Greyson Labiad and Gavin Markey. But make no mistake: this is a room in need of a proven playmaker.
Who's Gone - And Why It Matters
The losses at tight end are more than just numbers. Randy Pittman was a legitimate contributor and an All-ACC performer in his lone season in Tallahassee.
Landen Thomas, a highly touted recruit, was expected to grow into a major role. Markeston Douglas graduated, and Luke Douglas hit the portal as well.
That’s four tight ends out the door - two with high ceilings, one veteran, and one developmental piece. It’s not just the quantity that hurts, it’s the quality.
Transfer Portal Options
So where does Norvell go from here? The answer likely lies in the portal, where FSU will be looking for either a one-year rental with experience or a younger player with long-term upside.
One name that jumps off the page is Brody Foley out of Tulsa. At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Foley brings size, production, and versatility.
He led Tulsa in receiving this past season with 37 catches for 528 yards and a touchdown - good enough for All-AAC honors. He began his career at Indiana before transferring, and now he’s back on the market.
Foley’s price tag could be steep, but FSU might have an ace up its sleeve in new running backs coach Kam Martin, who was recently hired from Tulsa. That connection could be pivotal in swaying Foley toward Tallahassee.
Another intriguing option is Jayvontay Conner from East Carolina. At 6-4, 231, he’s more of a move tight end and had a solid season with 23 catches for 333 yards and three scores. FSU recruited him out of high school before he chose Ole Miss, so there’s some familiarity there.
Then there’s Hollis Davidson III, a 6-5, 238-pound freshman who FSU once hosted on an official visit. He ultimately signed with Auburn, but with him back in the portal, a reunion isn’t out of the question.
The Bigger Picture
Norvell’s challenge isn’t just about finding bodies - it’s about finding the right fit. FSU needs someone who can step in immediately, contribute in both the run and pass game, and bring some leadership to a room that’s suddenly young and unproven.
That’s easier said than done, especially coming off a 5-7 season with uncertainty at quarterback. Selling a transfer on immediate impact and a bounce-back year is part of the job now, and Norvell will need to make a compelling pitch.
Current Tight End Room
- Amaree Williams, Sophomore
- Chase Loftin, Freshman
- Greyson Labiad, Junior
- Gavin Markey, Freshman
- Xavier Tiller, Incoming Freshman
Departed Tight Ends
- Randy Pittman, Transfer Portal
- Landen Thomas, Transfer Portal
- Markeston Douglas, Graduated
- Luke Douglas, Transfer Portal
Portal Watch: Who Else Has Left?
The tight end departures are part of a broader wave of roster turnover. FSU has seen key contributors and depth players alike hit the portal in recent weeks. Among them:
- WR Elijah Moore
- QB Jaylen King
- LB Omar Graham
- DL Jaden Jones
- RB Kam Davis
- DB Ja’Bril Rawls
- DB Cai Bates
- WR Camdon Frier
- DB Smoke White
- DB Edwin Joseph
- WR Willy Suarez
- RB Jaylin Lucas
- DT Jamorie Flagg
- **OT Mario Nash Jr.
**
- **DT L.A.
Jessie Harrold**
- DT Tyland Coleman
- LB Jayden Parrish
It’s a long list - and a reminder that this offseason will be one of the most important of Norvell’s tenure. From retooling the roster to solidifying the quarterback position, there’s a lot on the table.
But right now, tight end is front and center. And FSU needs answers. Fast.