Florida State reaching out to Nebraska linebacker transfer Mikai Gbayor

Florida State reaches out to a veteran linebacker in the portal.

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Quinten Joyner (0) runs the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Mikai Gbayor (42) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Quinten Joyner (0) runs the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Mikai Gbayor (42) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Florida State's football season is over, as the Seminoles finished with a 2-10 record and will not make a bowl game (we found that out after eight games). The Seminoles have focused their attention on the offseason.

The program hired Gus Malzahn as its offensive coordinator and Tony Williams as the defensive coordinator. In my opinion, those were two home-run hires with proven production for multiple seasons. I honestly thought that head football coach Mike Norvell would hire up-and-coming Group of Five coordinators with potential.

After the moves for Malzahn and Williams were official, I already started my journey of highlighting three of UCF and Nebraska's committed prospects that could navigate to Florida State. However, I focus on those articles on recruits rather than transfers.

According to a report from Rivals' Richie O'Leary, Florida State has reached out to Nebraska junior linebacker transfer Mikai Gbayor. The linebacker finished with 49 tackles (six for loss) and one sack during the 2024 season with the Cornhuskers.

This is a smart communication from the Seminoles to speak with Gbayor. While I think Florida State has linebackers that are talented on the roster, such as Blake Nichelson, Justin Cryer, and Omar Graham Jr., they need more pieces that could fit Williams's 3-3-5 defensive scheme.

The Nebraska transfer could be a great fit because he understands the philosophy of what Williams wants his defenders to do. The Cornhuskers rank 20th in scoring defense, 19th in the FBS in total defense, 14th in rush defense, 52nd in passing yards allowed, 50th in sacks, and 32nd in third down conversion rate.

We will see if Florida State could be able to acquire the veteran linebacker from the transfer portal.

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