The news of starting cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls deciding to come back for the 2026 season was the best news FSU fans have heard in quite some time. That decision alone was a big win for the coaching staff, because it was like getting the best cornerback in the portal before the portal opened.
Some may view the situation like Rawls was holding FSU hostage, trying to get more money like some players in past years, but I don’t believe that to be the case. He could have easily found a new home and gotten money.
He’s one of the few high school recruits they signed and developed into a bona fide starter, and his decision to enter the portal likely had more to do with Pat Surtain not getting retained for 2026.
The guy is a worker, always has been, and the type of guy needed in a program trying to find an identity. FSU has some nice young pieces. The Desir twins, Shamar Arnoux, Micahi Danzy, Lawayne McCoy, Amaree Williams, Ousmane Kromah, Chase Loftin, Kevin Wynn, Zae Thomas, Tylon Lee, Kevin Sperry, and some others to build around. All of those guys have at least two years or more of eligibility remaining.
If they can keep this core together, while adding pieces to plug some holes from the transfer portal, and continue developing the younger players. We could finally see this program’s identity and stop the recycling of players through the transfer portal every year.
The portal will likely always be used to supplement talent at critical needs, but this decision by Rawls feels like it could be a turning point. His decision is one spot the coaching staff won’t have to worry about anymore. He should be a leader in that defensive secondary, which is needed with so many young players.
Some of the young guys I mentioned already have it, but here’s to hoping he can get these incoming freshmen and guys from the portal to adopt his mentality. Come to FSU, work hard, stop running from competition, get developed, win games and championships, and go to the NFL.