FSU and Mike Norvell scored one of their biggest recruiting wins out of the transfer portal a few years ago when they signed Jared Verse from Albany. Verse went on to become a two-time All-American at FSU. He was a two-time ACC member and an NFL First-Round Draft selection of the LA Rams in 2024.
Verse went on to become the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was one of the top defensive ends in 2025. Albany has another defensive end who recently entered the transfer portal with one year remaining:
Albany defensive end Balansama Kamara plans to enter the transfer portal, a source tells @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) November 25, 2025
The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder posted 67 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles this season. Has one year of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/nZS2VAanxe
Balansama Kamara has production similar to Jared Verse’s final year at Albany. Verse has 52 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and 13 QB hurries in 11 games. Kamara has 67 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and seven QB hurries in 12 games.
We’re not saying he’s the next Jared Verse, but the stats should get your attention. He’s not quite as tall/long as Verse, but the 260 pounds means he should have no problems playing big boy football in the ACC.
It’ll be interesting to see if FSU gets involved because they sorely need help in the pass rush department and against the run. Verse was one of the few defensive ends who could impact both aspects of an offensive game plan and command double teams, which freed up others to make plays. Maybe Verse can put a good word in for the Noles since Kamara seems to be following a similar path?
The transfer portal window will only open once instead of twice in the offseason due to new rules. We'll see if the Noles get involved here.