FSU got some much-needed pass rushing help in the portal this afternoon with the commitment of Rylan Kennedy, a three-year contributor at Texas A&M. Kennedy visited Tallahassee over the weekend and was expected to transfer to the Seminoles.
Kennedy's pledge continues a busy day for FSU, which has seen the commitments of two offensive linemen and a tight end while two more players from the 2025 roster, safety Earl Little Jr., and offensive lineman Ja'Elyne Matthews have entered the transfer portal.
BREAKING: Texas A&M transfer EDGE Rylan Kennedy has Committed to Florida State, his agent tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 6, 2026
He totaled 40 tackles, 4 PD, and 3.5 sacks in his time with the Aggies
Repped by Andrew Ace Thomas & Brian Levy from @GoalineFootball https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/MgeHtib8nn
The Seminoles are still searching for the right personnel to get more out of Tony White's 3-3-5 scheme and Kennedy seems like the perfect fit as a situational rusher from the JACK linebacker position. Kennedy has appeared in 35 games for the Aggies and has 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks over the three seasons in College Station.
Kennedy will join a crowded room of young players. FSU used James Williams and Jayson Jenkins in that role last season, but neither player produced and both entered the transfer portal. Jenkins has since committed to Mississippi State while Williams has yet to find a new home.
FSU will have several incoming edge rushers as part of the 2026 recruiting class in hopes of having several capable options to help with the pass rush. While Kennedy hasn't produced big numbers, he has played a lot of snaps and brings some experience to the room.
What's left for FSU in the transfer portal?
The big issue right now is figuring out how to retain Mandrell and Darryl Desir, who announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal on Monday. They are not officially in the portal yet, so FSU has time in the negotiations before other offers on the market start coming in.
Otherwise FSU still needs a couple more offensive linemen and some linebacker help. The quarterback situation remains fluid even with the commitment of Ashton Daniels.
The transfer portal window opened on January 2 and will stay open through January 16th.