Florida State acquired Oklahoma running back transfer Gavin Sawchuk from the portal on Sunday afternoon. This was something that the Seminole fan base was expecting after he visited campus recently.
Sawchuk had a phenomenal 2023 campaign, recording 744 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. However, in 2024, he dealt with hamstring issues plus the Oklahoma offensive line was absolutely horrific.
What else is new? The fan base can attest that the Seminoles' offensive line was one of the worst in the country in 2024. What will change for Sawchuk from moving to Florida State?
Well, for starters, the offensive line is not guided by former offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins anymore, as he took a position at LSU after being fired with the Seminoles. The position group had never taken that next step forward in what it took to be an above average, then there was always the factor that he never had an offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft during his tenure with Florida State.
Not to mention, the offensive line could create holes to help facilitate the ground game. New assistant coach Herb Hand has had several Power Five institutions that he can transform their unit into something capable, such as UCF, Texas, Auburn, Penn State, and Vanderbilt.
Plus, Florida State has added offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who focuses his offensive schemes around the inside running game. Sawchuk should be able to have success early and often in Tallahassee, especially when he has a dual-threat quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, to alleviate the pressure of stacked boxes.
I originally thought that the Seminoles would have a top-50 offense in the country in 2025. However, I believe the acquisition of Sawchuk elevates Florida State to a top-40 unit if Sawchuk regains his 2023 form.
I know that hamstring issues are always scary. Seminole fans saw the hamstring injury that lingered in all-time great Dalvin Cook's career (no, I am not comparing the two backs...). However, if the former Oklahoma back is physical within the inside run game, it should be able to open up the passing game of wide receivers such as Duce Robinson, Squirrel White, Jayvan Boggs, Lawayne McCoy, and Elijah Moore (among others).
All in all, Florida State got itself a game-changer that should help the offense tremendously in 2025.