Florida State football is benefitting from the opportunity to fish from the transfer portal during this window after it stumbled to the finish line of a 5-7 season in 2025.
However, life isn't over for the Seminoles. The biggest needs that were discussed were quarterback, offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker. The Seminoles grabbed their signal-caller and five offensive linemen so far. The linebacker and defensive line were problems earlier in the week.
Fans saw the front seven of the defense struggle against the likes of Florida running back Jadan Baugh, where he recorded 200 rushing yards in the season finale. It was disappointing to see from a squad that had bowl eligibility on the line.
Florida State got more help at the linebacker position in the portal with Chris Jones
Florida State landed former Nebraska and North Carolina linebacker transfer Mikai Gbayor earlier in the day. This was an encouraging sign because Gbayor had played under defensive coordinator Tony White with the Cornhuskers.
While I know that it didn't help for a player like defensive end James Williams, Gbayor has played a ton of snaps at the collegiate level. The Seminoles were not done at the linebacker position, as they secured the signing of former Southern Miss transfer Chris Jones.
Jones is a productive linebacker who is a tackling machine throughout his college career. He originally committed to Ole Miss and had to get through the paperwork process to withdraw it. However, this was a need that Florida State desperately needed.
The Rebels have to be upset because the Seminoles (for once) got good news from someone that they thought they had acquired. However, that is the nature of college football nowadays, where it is unpredictable. However, it would be a nice trio of linebackers to have Chris Jones, Mikai Gbayor (if he gets the waiver), and Omar Graham Jr.
This is exactly what Florida State needed for this defense. They now have to finish the deal and bring home the Desir Twins.