Florida State football is looking to turn the narrative around with a program who has a combined 7-17 record over the past two seasons. This is not the expectation for the Seminoles, who wants to compete for conference and national championships.
There have been several departures to the transfer portal for the Seminoles' roster. Even though they had 32 signees in the 2026 recruiting class, there will have to be transfers picked up in the portal. The transfer portal window will open on January 2nd, so it will be a quick process.
The Seminoles are preparing itself to make some waves in the portal with front-office moves, such as General Manager John Garrett and Executive Director of Player Acquisitions Taylor Edwards. While it is early, here are some names to monitor for Florida State football.
QB COLTON JOSEPH (OLD DOMINION)
Florida State has already seen what happened the last two years with picking up transfer quarterbacks, but the Seminoles only have two scholarship signal-callers in Kevin Sperry and Jaden O'Neal. Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph had over 1,000 rushing yards during the 2025 season (according to stats-reference.com) for the Monarchs and fits what offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn wants to do in his scheme.
QB ANTHONY COLANDREA (UNLV)
The Seminoles won't pick up both Joseph and Colandrea, but the Old Dominion standout is starting to pick up traction with the arch-rival Florida Gators. If comparing both signal-callers, Colandrea is a more polished passer, but only has 650 rushing yards last year (according to ESPN Stats and Information). However, the veteran didn't do too much during his first two seasons with the Virginia Cavaliers.
RB PEYTON LEWIS (TENNESSEE)
On3's Pete Nakos reported that Florida State was an early school to watch for with Tennessee running back transfer Peyton Lewis. He doesn't have a ton of production with the Volunteers. However, the Seminoles are expected to hire position coach Kam Martin (not officially announced), so maybe he doesn't have a ton of confidence with returning backs such as Ousmane Kromah, Gavin Sawchuk, and Samuel Singleton Jr.
TE KYLAN FOX (UCF)
The Seminole fan base knows how much this current regime love the tight end position. However, individuals saw how Randy Pittman Jr. entered the transfer portal this offseason, then youngster Landen Thomas went as well. The program was involved with former four-star prospect Kylan Fox, but he ended up committing to the UCF Knights. This could be someone to monitor.
LB TRISTAN EXLINE (TEXAS PERMIAN BASIN)
Florida State has one transfer that has already scheduled an official visit on January 2nd in Division II linebacker Tristan Exline, who has 272 tackles (39 for loss), 12 sacks, three interceptions, eight pass deflections, and four forced fumbles during his career (according to Texas Permian Basin website). The linebacker position has been something that needed to improve in Tallahassee, and Exline could be a solid piece to build the room around.
DB JAQUEZ WHITE (TROY)
Florida State didn't expect to have departures in the secondary, but with the dismissal of Patrick Surtain Sr., the Seminoles have seen the productive Ja'Bril Rawls enter the transfer portal. The trenches were thought to be a focal point in the portal window, but now the secondary has been something to monitor. Troy defensive back Jaquez White had a phenomenal 2025 campaign with 67 tackles, three interceptions, and eleven pass deflections (per ESPN Stats and Information).
DB JEROME CARTER (OLD DOMINION)
Florida State still doesn't know what will happen with Earl Little Jr., as he has not made his intentions known with his future. However, it could be smart for the program to look into adding Old Dominion safety Jerome Carter. His father used to play for the Seminoles, and he is from Lake City. Unlike many of the legacies that the Seminoles have added in the portal, the younger Carter had six interceptions last season for the Monarchs (according to odusports.com).