Florida State has been trying to acquire talent via the transfer portal this offseason, since the Seminoles need help with only securing seven wins in the past two years. Head football coach Mike Norvell and the front office should know the needs of the roster.
However, there have been a few head-scratchers among the fan base in the portal so far, such as picking up a running back and defensive back when the quarterback, offensive line, and defensive line remain needs.
Florida State picked up former Auburn quarterback transfer Ashton Daniels from the portal on Tuesday. However, the fan base wants more. The program followed that up with the transfers of offensive linemen Bradyn Joiner and Nate Pabst.
That is what individuals want to see with movement in the trenches. The defensive line has not been addressed yet in the transfer portal. Even though the Seminoles added nine defensive linemen in their 2026 recruiting cycle, Florida State has to get ready-made veterans who will contribute now.
This is a bummer for Florida State with the talented defender
The only news that has been circulating about defensive linemen has been horrible for the program. Star true freshmen defensive linemen Mandrell and Darryll Desir have entered the transfer portal. Then, it got worse on Tuesday afternoon, as former UCF defensive tackle John Walker decided to transfer to Ohio State.
BREAKING: UCF transfer DL John Walker has Committed to Ohio State, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 6, 2026
He’s totaled 59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF, and 2 PD in 2 seasons with the Knights
Was named a 2023 Freshman All-American by On3https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/CHbVl5WAva
Walker would have been a solid run stopper for the defense, especially with veteran Darrell Jackson Jr. exceeding his eligibility. The Seminoles hosted him on a visit a few days, and the coaching staff was informed by Walker that he would be taking a visit to Ohio State.
This had to give the fan base feelings that they were not going to close the deal on him. Once a prospect leaves a visit and goes to another one, it becomes immediately more difficult to get him back. I remember writing about Walker coming to Tallahassee and how the coaching staff couldn't afford to see him leave campus without committing.
It turns out that I was right.