This is a defensive transfer that the Seminole fan base can get behind picking up

Florida State football can finally officially explore the transfer portal waters, as college football teams across the country can legally do so.

The Seminoles have won a whopping seven games in two seasons, so the talent on the roster will have to be improved drastically. While the front office has done a solid job in retaining current players from last season, they still have work to do.

The program's needs include quarterback, offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker. The linebackers were thought to be one of the better position groups under defensive coordinator Tony White, since they brought in transfer Elijah Herring, Stefon Thompson (who played in the scheme), and Caleb LaVallee.

However, the unit struggled as they could never come up effectively in run support, where you saw Florida running back Jadan Baugh often running free in the backfield to over 200 rushing yards in the season finale.

The Seminoles must ensure that the linebacker spot improves in 2026 to be successful. The program added four-star signee Izayia Williams, who looks to be a significant piece, but he will be a true freshman who is coming off a lower-body injury. That is a ton to ask from the youngster.

One transfer to monitor this cycle is Southern Miss linebacker transfer Chris Jones, who is visiting Florida State. Ole Miss is the other team involved, where he will be taking a trip there first.

Jones is a productive defender, where he finished with 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble during the 2025 season (according to ESPN Stats and Information). He is someone that the Seminoles need in their defense. He had eight games where he recorded double-digit tackles.

On an even brighter note, he will have two years of eligibility. This is someone that the coaching staff needs to get their hands on immediately because it will make their defense better.