The Only Constant is Change
Florida State has already begun to experience significant departures to the portal so far. For example, Randy Pittman and Ja’Bril Rawls stand out as big losses. Hopefully, they are not gone, but just merely exploring options. For the upcoming season, I would like to see Kevin Sperry get his shot, but it is not lost on me that signal callers such as Sam Leavitt, Brendan Sorsby, Byrum Brown, and others have entered the portal. Anyone can focus on the quarterback as the key to unlock potential, but let’s look at some other players at different positions who could make a difference next season.
- Nick Marsh, Wide Receiver, Michigan State
- Carius Curne, Offensive Lineman, LSU
- Jaquez White, Cornerback, Troy University
Nick Marsh is a sophomore entering his junior year, who has accumulated 100 receptions and more than 1300 yards in two seasons at Michigan State, which, of course, is where Keon Coleman transferred from. Michigan State had potential with Marsh and quarterback Aiden Chiles, but turnovers plagued the Spartan offense. At 6’3”, 200 pounds, Marsh brings big-play elements and is a matchup nightmare looking across the ACC. He is a great route runner and can make contested catches, which can only help a team that struggled with making uncontested catches. Most notably, he broke Michigan State’s freshman receiving records for receptions and yards. When recalling past Spartan Receivers, Andre Rison, Plaxico Burress, and Charles Rogers come to mind.
If you are looking for upgrades, you must try for the homerun. Florida State may need 3-4 linemen, if I am telling the truth. Carius Curne is a freshman who started slow (as expected) in the SEC. Now, after this tumultuous season, I consider him as close to a grizzled vet as you can get. Going up against the Texas A & M defensive line, for example, carries weight in helping a young player grow up. The offensive line has been one of the weakest points during the Norvell era, excluding the 13-1 season, of course. It only makes sense to target the best. Even if Curne does not end up a Seminole, it shows the fanbase that FSU is not just trying to out-athlete everyone.
Jaquez White is a stud, for lack of better words. While I am not a scout by any means, I see Jaire Alexander written all over him. Just think ball instincts, shutdown, and physicality. Some may wonder, is a corner from the Sun Belt the way to go, considering the Noles’ schedule featuring the Miamis and Alabamas of the world? Great players are just great players. Going back to Jared Verse, for example, did people expect him to become what he became based on dominating against Towson, Rhode Island, or Stony Brook? Florida State has not had a corner as talented as White in quite some time. This season, White had 3 pass defenses and 11 interceptions, along with 67 combined tackles, and helped Troy reach the Sunbelt Championship Game.
The Final Spear
Florida State has a lot of work to do to prepare for the 2026 season. The good news is Mike Norvell has had success directly from the transfer portal. The bad news is Mike Norvell relies on the transfer portal. For consistently successful programs, it is a luxury. For Florida State, it has become a lifeline. For fans, this part of the year can be a roller coaster, but by targeting and acquiring the right players, September through December do not have to be. For all intents and purposes, the 2026 season is already underway. Its fate may be decided before the team hits the field.
Florida State has a lot of work to do to prepare for the 2026 season. The good news is Mike Norvell has had success directly from the transfer portal. The bad news is Mike Norvell relies on the transfer portal. For consistently successful programs, it is a luxury. For Florida State, it has become a lifeline. For fans, this part of the year can be a roller coaster, but by targeting and acquiring the right players, September through December do not have to be. For all intents and purposes, the 2026 season is already underway. Its fate may be decided before the team hits the field.