Florida State has had a productive day in the transfer portal on Tuesday, as it has acquired five commitments. The Seminoles need to continue their streak of good news into the rest of the week, with Florida State struggling on the gridiron over the past two seasons.
The Seminoles come into the day saying that quarterback, offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker were pressing needs. As a result, a signal-caller, two offensive linemen, and a defensive end were secured by the program, so it is hard to get frustrated over getting what needs to be done.
However, this is Florida State, and the program's fan base always wants the best of the best, regardless of position group. We mentioned earlier in the week, after former South Florida defensive back Jarvis Lee Jr. visited Florida State, that he was someone that the coaching staff needed to pursue heavily and get in the class.
With that said, the Seminoles allowed Lee Jr. to go visit other schools, such as Oregon and SMU, and didn't finish off his commitment before he left campus.
As I mentioned, with the former UCF defensive tackle transfer John Walker, it's never an amazing thing to see transfers leave after visits and go visit other schools because it always seems to end badly. It turns out that Walker committed to Ohio State.
Florida State let the talented defensive back walk away
It was announced on Tuesday night that defensive back target Jarvis Lee Jr. has committed to SMU after visiting there.
BREAKING: USF transfer DB Jarvis Lee has signed with SMU, @SMUMustangsOn3 has learned.
— Billy Embody (@BillyEmbody) January 7, 2026
Auburn, FSU, Oregon and others were after the do-it-all DB.https://t.co/3j9SQ5dBu1 pic.twitter.com/2H5wgK3PmB
Understandably, defensive back isn't a strong position of need with retaining players such as Ja'Bril Rawls and Ashlynd Barker, but the Seminoles aren't in a place to say no to talented transfers that want to play for them.
Jarvis Lee Jr. was a physical specimen who could have fit perfectly in defensive coordinator Tony White's scheme alongside former South Alabama cornerback transfer Nehemiah Chandler.
The Seminoles have to play SMU during the 2026 season (date is not set at this time) in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium, so Florida State will be seeing plenty of Jarvis Lee Jr. this year if he stays healthy.