Florida State coaches are up against the clock to improve the roster before the transfer portal closes on Friday. They continue to have needs at linebacker and on the defensive front. They have a better shot at addressing the former and have one of the targets on campus on Thursday.
The good news is that target has multiple years of experience in Tony White’s defense and had solid production. Linebacker Mikai Gbayor is on the FSU campus on Thursday, touring after leaving North Carolina to enter the transfer portal for the second time in as many years. Gbayor played at Nebraska with Tony White in 2023 and 2024, opting to transfer to North Carolina instead of following White to FSU.
Gbayor had his most productive year in his second season in White’s defense. He had 49 tackles, six tackles for a loss, one sack, three passes broken up, and three QB hurries.
UPDATE: Transfers linebackers Mikai Gbayor (North Carolina and Nebraska) and Keith Williams Jr. (Cornell) have arrived for their visit at Florida State.
— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) January 15, 2026
Gbayor had 39 tackles, while Williams Jr. recorded 63 tackles, and three interceptions during the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/GFEGoKi5Gy
FSU needs to land at least one of these guys, and likely another productive linebacker from the transfer portal
Gbayor had 41 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, and one forced fumble at North Carolina last season. He has one year of eligibility remaining, but needs a waiver approval.
The NCAA hasn't been kind to players who need a waiver for another year, so we'll see how that plays out. I'd imagine they have some level of confidence he'd get it since he's on campus, but what do I know with this staff?
He's a player who could help the linebacker room for sure, and would probably fill a role similar to Stefon Thompson last year. Ironically, Thompson was one of the more productive linebackers when he was on the field for FSU.
We'll see how it plays out.