Should FSU pursue Kentucky transfer WR Barion Brown?

Florida State's offense was the worst in college football during the 2024 season. The fan base thought that head football coach Mike Norvell was one of the best offensive playcallers in the country.

However, that thought process was quickly dismissed by the fan base. I still think Norvell is capable of calling plays, but he decided to fire offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins and hire UCF head football coach Gus Malzahn to be the new offensive coordinator at Florida State.

Malzahn is someone that Norvell trusts as he has worked with him in the past and has possessed dynamic offenses. Not to mention, he has beaten the Alabama Crimson Tide (who Florida State plays in the 2025 season opener) three times.

The wide receiver position is something that needs to improve in 2025. The Seminoles' top three receivers during the 2024 season, JaKhi Douglas (519 yards), Malik Benson (311 yards), and Lawrance Toafili (215 yards), have graduated and will not return next season.

Florida State is looking to add playmakers to the offense. They added high school wide receiver prospects such as four-star Jayvan Boggs, four-star Tae'Shaun Gesley, three-star JUCO Jordan Scott, and three-star Teriq Mallory.

However, they need to add proven pass catchers in the portal. Benson had 162 receivers in the previous season with Alabama and wasn't necessarily a WR1, but he had to be relied on as one.

One name that has surfaced for the Seminoles is Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown. According to a report from On3's Pete Nakos, Florida State is a team to watch for Brown.

For reference, the wide receiver had 29 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns during the 2024 season. He also had 18 kickoff returns for 449 yards and one touchdown on special teams.

Overall, during his three seasons with the Wildcats, he totaled 122 catches for 1,528 yards and 11 touchdowns while also having 50 kickoff returns for 1,465 yards and five touchdowns. He is listed at 6'1".

I don't think Brown is a WR1 type of wide receiver, but I know that Norvell likes the fact that Brown is a dynamic weapon on special teams. If the Seminoles can get him to be a WR2 or WR3 and still look for an elite playmaker to be a WR1, then I would be completely content with the grab.

If Florida State wanted to get his teammate, 6'3" Dane Key, then I would have to listen. He had 715 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2024 for the Wildcats.