Florida State football received some excellent news over the past 36 hours. FSU fans learned that starters Ja’Bril Rawls and Ashlynd Barker would return for 2026 after first announcing intentions to enter the transfer portal.
FSU reserve tight end Landen Thomas will do the same, and now FSU defensive coordinator Tony White is on social media, hinting that another starter on the defense could return.
The most likely candidate is starting safety Earl Little Jr. He led the team in tackles and interceptions and declared for the 2026 NFL Draft a few days ago. However, it looks like he might have had a change of heart:
— Tony White (@FSUCoachTW) January 3, 2026
Little Jr. deleted his Instagram post when he announced his intentions to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. He also posted this on social media:
No question it would be a good move for the Noles. That should bring back three starters in its secondary and provide great continuity in Tony White’s second year in Tallahassee. That is a stark contrast from a couple of days ago, when they nearly had no experience returning.
Little Jr. led the team in tackles, but probably left tons on the field by trying to knock guys' heads off instead of wrapping up and missing the tackle. If he can clean up that aspect of his game, he’d be one of the top safeties in the country. If he comes back, he’ll be 23 years old in March, making him a very old college defensive back. That could hurt him in the long run, but he could make more money in college than he could as a late-round draft pick. He already has his degree, so that’s a plus.
It’s crazy how players getting paid changed so many dynamics in college football. Now, we wait until an official announcement drops or not.