James Williams commits to Big 12 school after disappointing stay with Florida State

Florida State football thought that it could overhaul talent in the transfer portal in the 2024 offseason after it accumulated a 2-10 record, which was unacceptable for a program that is used to competing for championships.

The first line of business was getting defensive line transfers in the portal to replace the likes of Patrick Payton (LSU) and Marvin Jones Jr. (Oklahoma). The Seminoles welcomed in defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton.

When they came to Tallahassee, they wanted to implement a 3-3-5 scheme. It was obvious even in the preseason that the Seminoles were not used to the adjustment of the new defense.

James Williams was disappointing at Florida State

When the defensive coaches were brought to Tallahassee, they needed a spark on the defense that had familiarity to the scheme. As a result, they acquired former Nebraska defensive end James Williams from the transfer portal.

Williams was a high-volume pass rusher for the Cornhuskers, who recorded 14 tackles and five sacks as a situational edge player for them (according to ESPN Stats and Information). The coaching staff thought that if they could get the defensive end more opportunities, then he could thrive as a player who could get eight or more sacks.

However, it became apparent that Williams could not handle the pressure of being a full-time starter, as he couldn't get off blocks and struggled to keep contain in the run game. As a result, the defensive end announced that he would enter the transfer portal.

Williams announced that he signed with the Oklahoma State Cowboys under the new head football coach Eric Morris.

This seems to be a good fit for him with a new coaching staff. This could be an ideal situation for someone who might need a change of scenery. It stinks that the pass rusher didn't pan out with familiar coaches in Tallahassee during the 2025 season, but we at ChopChat wish him nothing but the best!