Florida State grabbed two linebackers from the transfer portal recently in Mikai Gbayor and Chris Jones. Those were two experienced options at a position with a ton of collegiate experience. It is never a bad thing for a defense looking to take the next step in 2026.
The Seminole fan base is feeling more optimistic about what Florida State will look like next year. At one point, individuals thought that head football coach Mike Norvell could be a dead man walking.
However, the administration's point could be somewhat true, with them giving him more resources to be successful next season. With the acquisitions of Gbayor and Jones, this allows the youngsters in the linebacker room to develop more, and the second level of the defense is no longer a question mark.
Ole Miss defensive end Princewill Umanmielen plans to enter the transfer portal
Florida State's defense is looking clearer for the 2026 season, but that doesn't mean that it is a complete product yet. The Seminoles still want to see what happens with the Desir Twins and their situation.
Negotiations are happening across the country with a variety of players. Teams are scrambling because individuals are entering the transfer portal left and right. The Seminoles don't want to see the talented true freshmen duo go, but money talks in college football right now.
With the uncertainty surrounding the Desir Twins, the Seminoles could use that money elsewhere on a productive pass rusher. I am a fan of Florida State adding Texas A&M defensive end Rylan Kennedy, but the staff needed to acquire more than one pass rusher for this defense.
One name that just announced that he is planning to enter the portal is Ole Miss star defensive end Princewill Umanmielen.
BREAKING: Ole Miss star EDGE Princewill Umanmielen plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 15, 2026
He totaled 45 tackles, 9 sacks, and 1 INT in 2025
Immediately becomes one of the top players in the portalhttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS https://t.co/6QHiPbOdEK
Umanmielen recorded 45 tackles and 9 sacks last season for the Rebels in a defense that was part of a College Football Playoff run. The Seminoles need to do everything in their power to get him on campus.
I understand that this is a long shot because he will likely just end up at LSU with his old head football coach, Lane Kiffin. However, this is where the boys separate from the men in terms of college football hierarchy. If Florida State lands him, this defense would have top ten potential in 2026.