Florida State’s offseason continues to be shaped by significant roster movement, and the latest departure is a notable one on the defensive side. Safety Ashlynd Barker is reportedly set to enter the transfer portal in January, becoming the fourth member of the Seminoles’ secondary to move on following the end of a turbulent 5-7 season and the exit of former secondary coach Patrick Surtain Sr.
Barker’s journey at Florida State is one of steady progression and perseverance. After transferring to Tallahassee in 2023 from the junior college ranks, he spent two seasons working his way up the depth chart before earning a starting role in 2025. And once he got his shot, he made it count.
This past season, Barker emerged as one of the Seminoles’ most productive defenders. He finished second on the team with 48 total tackles and added 5.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and two pass breakups.
That sack total is especially eye-catching-it’s the most by a Florida State defensive back since Derwin James notched 4.5 back in 2015. Barker wasn’t just filling a spot in the lineup-he was making plays all over the field.
His performance in 2025 included standout games against Virginia, where he recorded 2.0 sacks, and Clemson, where he tallied a career-high seven tackles and another sack. Week in and week out, Barker brought physicality and versatility to the back end of the defense, showing an ability to both support the run and create disruption in the backfield.
Looking back at his path, it’s clear Barker’s rise wasn’t overnight. In 2024, he played in 11 games as a reserve, making 19 tackles and flashing his potential with a 57-yard interception return against Charleston Southern-the longest by a Seminole since 2021. He also showed up in big games, recording four tackles apiece against Notre Dame and Florida.
Even in 2023, as a redshirt freshman, Barker contributed in all 14 games, including a five-tackle performance in the Orange Bowl against Georgia and a sack in a road win at Pitt. His early impact on special teams and situational defense laid the foundation for what would become a breakout junior campaign.
Barker originally came to FSU from Iowa Western, where he redshirted during a national championship season. Before that, he was a multi-sport athlete at Northside High School in Georgia, excelling in both football and basketball.
On the gridiron, he showed flashes of the ball-hawking, aggressive style that would define his college career. On the hardwood, he averaged nearly 17 points and 7 rebounds per game his senior year, helping lead the Patriots to the state playoffs.
With Barker’s departure, Florida State’s safety room takes a significant hit-not just in terms of experience, but in playmaking ability. The Seminoles will likely need to be aggressive in the transfer portal to restock the position, especially after multiple losses across the secondary.
Barker leaves Tallahassee as a player who maximized his opportunity, climbed the depth chart, and delivered when it mattered. His next stop remains to be seen, but wherever he lands, he brings with him a track record of production, toughness, and a nose for the football.