Why Byrum Brown Should Be FSU’s Top Priority in the Portal
Florida State doesn’t just need a quarterback - it needs the quarterback. And Byrum Brown, fresh off a record-setting run at South Florida, just hit the transfer portal with one year of eligibility left. If the Seminoles are serious about contending in 2026, they need to be all-in on Brown.
Let’s start with the numbers, because they speak loudly: over 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards this season alone. That’s not a dual-threat quarterback - that’s a one-man offense.
Add in 92 career touchdowns (61 through the air, 31 on the ground), and you’re looking at the most productive returning quarterback in college football next season. That’s not hyperbole - that’s a fact.
Brown’s decision to leave USF after four seasons instantly makes him one of the most coveted players in the portal. Programs like Auburn - where he has ties to head coach Alex Golesh - are expected to be in the mix.
LSU and Miami are also lurking, as they usually are when a top-tier quarterback becomes available. With Rosenhaus Sports handling his representation, Brown will have options.
But Florida State should be doing everything it can to be the most compelling one.
FSU’s Offense Needs a Spark - Brown Brings Fire
Yes, Florida State put up some solid numbers this past season - 448.9 yards per game, good for 17th nationally, and a top-15 rushing attack at 205.9 yards per game. But those stats are a bit misleading.
A lot of that production came early, against overmatched opponents. Down the stretch, the offense hit a wall.
In the final six games of the season, FSU averaged just 21.8 points per game. That includes three outings where the Seminoles couldn’t crack 13 points.
The red-zone offense? Ranked 92nd in the country.
That’s not just a stat - that’s a symptom of a unit that couldn’t finish drives.
Byrum Brown finishes drives. He accounted for 42 total touchdowns this past season.
That’s not a fluke - he had 37 the year before as a sophomore. Injuries limited him during his junior campaign, but when healthy, Brown is a problem for defenses.
He’s decisive, dynamic, and dangerous both in and out of the pocket.
The Supporting Cast Is Ready - They Just Need a Leader
Now imagine Brown in garnet and gold, operating behind an improving offensive line and surrounded by a talented skill group. He’d be throwing to young playmakers like Micahi Danzy, Lawayne McCoy, and Javian Boggs.
Duce Robinson could be a factor as well. In the backfield, Ousmane Kromah and Sam Singleton would benefit from the spacing that comes with a true dual-threat quarterback - linebackers can’t crash the run when the QB might pull it and take off for 20.
This isn’t about plugging a hole. This is about building an offense that can compete with the best in the country. Brown would instantly elevate the ceiling of this unit - and give FSU a legitimate shot at returning to the national conversation.
Enough With the Stopgaps - It’s Time to Go Big
Let’s be honest - in recent years, FSU has tried to get by at quarterback with low-risk, low-reward moves. DJ Uiagalelei, Tommy Castellanos, even a banged-up McKenzie Milton - all talented in their own ways, but none the kind of player who could carry a program. That approach might keep you afloat, but it won’t take you where you want to go.
If Florida State wants to stop hoping and start competing, it starts under center. Byrum Brown is not a project.
He’s not a placeholder. He’s a proven playmaker who’s ready to lead right now.
The window is open. The talent is there. The quarterback just entered the portal.
FSU needs to make the call.