FSU offensive line coach Herb Hand is trying to kill two birds with one stone. He’s trying to build a competent offensive line for 2026 and beyond, and his first signee from the transfer portal helps in both areas.
Purdue starting center Bradyn Joiner signed with FSU on Tuesday. He started his career at Auburn and was named an All-SEC Freshman in 2024. He only allowed three sacks on 281 blocking snaps. Hand has a good eye for talent, adding Luke Petitbon from Wake Forest last year, and Petitbon went on to earn All-ACC First Team honors this past year.
Florida State has signed Purdue center transfer Bradyn Joiner, @chris_hummer, @ZBlostein247 and I have learned.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 6, 2026
Was Purdue’s starting center. Before Purdue, was a starting guard at Auburn as a redshirt freshman in 2024 and was an SEC All-Freshman Team selection. pic.twitter.com/7QW5S08YIq
The great thing about Joiner is that he can start in 2026 AND potentially start in 2027 if he doesn’t leave for the NFL or enter the transfer portal. It’s an opportunity for FSU to build some continuity along the offensive line, while allowing the younger guys time to develop.
FSU has been in a constant state of relying on the transfer portal EVERY year for its offensive linemen. The ability to find starter-quality guys with multiple years of eligibility remaining will be the key to fixing that problem, while high school recruits work into the fold.
Joiner's ability to play center OR guard is a plus, too. FSU has 1-2 young offensive linemen who will likely get snaps in 2026, so that means they'll need another five or six transfer portal guys for that unit. A few of the targets only have one year of eligibility remaining, but if they can get more guys like Joiner? That would be a huge positive for FSU going forward.