FSU has grabbed its first commitment during the transfer portal season, earning a pledge from former South Alabama defensive back Nehemiah Chandler. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound cornerback is just going into his redshirt sophomore year and should be able to compete for playing time immediately.
Chandler is a local prospect. He played high school football at Wakulla in Crawfordville, Florida, the same school where former Seminole linebacker Nigel Bradham played. He started his college career at Georgia Tech in 2024 and transferred to South Alabama last season.
BREAKING: South Alabama CB Nehemiah Chandler has Committed to Florida State, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 3, 2026
The 6’1 180 CB totaled 32 Tackles, 13 PBU, 2 INT, & 2.5 TFL this season
Led the Sun-Belt in passes defended https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/erXVPdhypX
As the numbers show, Chandler was very productive last season with the Jaguars and was a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference performer. He is likely going to be the top competitor to line up on the opposite side of Ja'Bril Rawls, and he gives FSU another big, lengthy cornerback in the fold.
FSU needed some reinforcements in the secondary even with the return of Rawls and the expected returns of safeties Ashlynd Barker and Earl Little Jr.
We're early in the process of transfer portal acquisitions, but it's pretty clear that the secondary is likely going to be the strength of the FSU defense in 2025. If the Seminoles can find a pass rush next season, it's the first step toward a pretty good defense.
Expect a busy weekend of visitors
FSU has a ton of visitors coming in this weekend at nearly every position. The quarterback continues to be the position that is drawing the most focus and Pete Thamel is reporting that former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colendrea will be in Tallahassee on Sunday.
Sources: Former UNLV/Virginia QB Anthony Colandrea is set to visit Florida State tomorrow for his first visit. He’s also planning visits to multiple others, including an SEC, Big 12 and additional ACC school. https://t.co/YcrqSwXo6L
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 3, 2026
Reports also have the Seminoles considering former Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels coming in on Monday and former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is expected to visit next week.
The Seminoles are also looking at nearly every other position on the roster. FSU needs to rebuild the offensive line. Bryant Williams, a big tackle from Louisiana, is visiting this weekend and could be the first domino to fall there.