Florida State has a huge need at pass rusher on its roster and will likely need to take at least one from the transfer portal over the next week or so. However, we learned that sophomore defensive end Amaree Williams will enter the transfer portal.
The move may look like a big loss for FSU fans, but it’s not really. Williams reclassified out of high school to join the 2024 recruiting class and split time between tight end and defensive end as a freshman before moving to mostly defensive end in 2025.
BREAKING: @FSUFootball DE/TE Amaree Williams plans to enter transfer portal.
— Warchant.com (@Warchant) January 5, 2026
He announced his intentions on social media pic.twitter.com/MhiIohNk4h
He appeared in all 12 games last year, and had 10 tackles, two TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and ONE QB hurry. He didn’t seem to have much juice off the edge and was too small to be effective against the run. His overall PFF grade wasn't impressive(not that it's a fool proof assessment tool). It’s weird that he would enter the transfer portal when he’d likely have plenty of opportunities to play in 2026. Why didn’t he enter when the portal first opened?
It’s not a big loss. Could he take a giant step in his junior year? It’s possible, since he’s likely still maturing physically since he reclassified. However, he’s not likely to be a difference maker in 2026. I never watched a game last year and thought Amaree Williams has potential to be a DUDE. FSU might be able to find someone from the portal who could be more of an impact player than what he’d bring to the table.
FSU had a pass rusher on campus over the weekend, Texas A&M’s Rylan Kennedy. He’s about the same size, with the same production as Williams. It’ll be interesting to see how it all unfolds and where Williams ends up, and who FSU adds to the fold.