Florida State's defensive line underperformed during the 2024 season, where ESPN's Pete Thamel and legendary head football coach Nick Saban considered the Seminoles to have one of the best defensive lines in the country, even with the losses of Jared Verse and Braden Fiske to the NFL.
The Seminoles added defensive coaches from Nebraska, such as defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton. Most fans thought that the Seminoles would be able to easily get the Cornhuskers transfers.
However, that has not been the case, as the only Nebraska transfer that they landed was linebacker Stefon Thompson. Thompson could be a good depth piece for Florida State as they needed talented players at the position, with assistant coach John Papuchis stepping in the role of linebackers coach.
The Seminoles did not land two Nebraska transfers, such as defensive end Jimari Butler (LSU) and outside linebacker Princewill Umanmielen (Ole Miss).
Butler recorded 22 tackles (seven for loss), two sacks, and one fumble recovery during the 2024 season for the Cornhuskers, while Umanmielen had 13 tackles (2.5 for loss) and 0.5 sacks. I know that a ton of individuals are saying that Florida State struck out on these prospects, but let's put into perspective that both players combined for fewer sacks (2.5) than Florida State's sack leaders (4).
I realize that sack totals aren't everything, but Florida State fans want people who can produce at a high rate rather than potential (see Florida State's 2024 transfer portal class).
The Seminoles are expected to have Nebraska defensive end transfer James Williams on campus Monday. This is massive since Williams has a great relationship with defensive line coach Terrance Knighton.
The pass rusher has recorded 18 tackles (eight for loss) and seven sacks through 16 career games with Nebraska. The Seminoles are looking for new talent to put on the defensive line, with Joshua Farmer and Darrell Jackson Jr. going to the NFL, as well as Marvin Jones Jr. entering the transfer portal (not to mention the uncertainty of Patrick Payton).
I would be frustrated if Williams did not commit to Florida State. I understand why the Seminoles went in a different direction for Butler and Umanmielen.