As FSU continues to navigate the transfer portal and search for options to build out the roster for next season, many Seminole fans will continue to track where former players have landed. Many players that have chosen to depart Tallahassee are currently going through the process and this morning one former Seminole has found his new home.
Cornerback Cai Bates, who spent two years at FSU in a reserve role, has committed to Wisconsin. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound defensive back out of Orlando was part of the Seminoles' 2024 recruiting class.
BREAKING: Florida State transfer CB Cai Bates has Committed to Wisconsin, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 5, 2026
The 6’2 195 CB will have 3 years of eligibility left
Was ranked as a 4-Star Recruit in the 2024 Class (per On3)https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/7rRa0RX2Oi
Bates was a top recruit in the 2024 class, a four-star prospect from a solid high school program (Edgewater) and he was probably in line for an increased role in 2026. But the departure of cornerbacks coach Patrick Surtain Sr., has led to some turnover in the secondary. At the end of the day, Bates decided that he needed a different environment and possibly a more friendly depth chart. He seems to have left FSU on good terms and, hopefully, things work out for him with the Badgers.
The FSU secondary looked like it was going to be a complete overhaul from last year, But the new front office leadership has been able to retain cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls and safety Ashlynd Barker. Word is that safety Earl Little Jr. is also leaning toward returning, which would give FSU three of their five projected starters.
When does the transfer portal window close?
The transfer portal window opened on January 2 and will last until January 16. Unlike past seasons, there is only one transfer window, so FSU has to be very sure of the decisions it makes because there won't be an opportunity to correct any missteps in the spring.
There are several players at nearly every position either visiting FSU or scheduled to visit over the next few days. The Seminoles already have a commitment from cornerback Nehemiah Chandler, who started his college career at Georgia Tech and spent the past season earning All-Sun-Belt Conference first-team honors at South Alabama.