Florida State football had a 5-7 record this past season, with beating Alabama in the opener by a score of 31-17. Then, the Seminoles lost seven of their last nine games.
Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn joined Florida State in the previous offseason, hoping that the offense would be one of the better units in college football. Coach Malzahn brought back players that he coached, such as quarterback Thomas Castellanos and tight end Randy Pittman Jr.
Castellanos struggled during the stretch, while Pittman Jr. couldn't stay healthy. The signal-caller didn't have any years of eligibility remaining, but the tight end announced that he would be entering the transfer portal.
This has been the struggle for a Florida State squad that has been wildly inconsistent during head football coach Mike Norvell's tenure.
Tight end Randy Pittman commits to the SMU Mustangs
This was shocking to the fan base, who all thought that it was rock bottom for the Seminoles and Mike Norvell's program. There have been many players who announced their intentions to go to the portal, but fans didn't think that Pittman Jr. (who has been around Malzahn his whole collegiate career) would do that.
Individuals are probably sick of Florida State always going after tight ends, but Pittman Jr. was a solid talent who was seen putting Crimson Tide defenders on their backs in the opener. He recorded 23 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns during the 2025 season (according to ESPN Stats and Information).
Pittman Jr. announced on Sunday that he was transferring to the SMU Mustangs.
Florida State TE transfer Randy Pittman is transferring to SMU, sources tell @mzenitz and I for @CBSSports.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 11, 2026
He ranks as the No. 13 overall TE in the @247SportsPortal rankings. https://t.co/N5GLfZ25Fe pic.twitter.com/okMDr72max
This was an interesting choice because head football coach Rhett Lashlee's offenses are usually dynamic. Plus, the Mustangs play Florida State during the 2026 season in Doak Campbell Stadium, so the tight end will be able to prove his worth without Gus Malzahn.
We already saw former wide receiver Lawayne McCoy commit to Louisville (who also play Florida State in 2026) earlier, so it looks like everyone wants revenge on the Seminoles in 2026.