Florida State football is unfortunately having to dip back into the transfer portal once again after they suffered a disastrous 2024 campaign with a 2-10 record. It isn't something that head football coach Mike Norvell was hoping for after the squad had an undefeated regular season and a conference championship in 2023.
However, the Seminoles brought in over forty newcomers and six new coaches on the staff. That is a huge turnover for a program that used to emphasize continuity.
There are highly publicized transfers that we have discussed in previous articles, such as quarterback Thomas Castellanos, wide receivers Duce Robinson and Squirrel White, tight end Randy Pittman Jr., defensive end James Williams, and linebacker Elijah Herring.
When it comes to the defensive line, we are on record with how confident we are with former Nebraska defensive end James Williams. This is partly because of his relationship with defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton.
There has not been much hype surrounding another defensive end transfer pickup with Western Kentucky's Deante McCray. He started all fourteen games for the Hilltoppers last season. The Jacksonville, Florida native had 104 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery during his career with the program.
McCray will be called on to be an every-down pass rusher for the Seminoles. With him being listed at 283 pounds, fans should expect a similar role as former defensive end Keir Thomas. The defense under defensive coordinator Tony White will be physical to get after the opposing quarterback.
The biggest challenge for the Western Kentucky transfer is consistency. Florida State added two defensive end transfers last offseason in Georgia's Marvin Jones Jr. and Oregon State's Sione Lolohea. Lolohea graduated while Jones Jr. transferred to the Oklahoma Sooners.
I hope that the strategy pans out better this time around, as 2025 will be a pivotal time for Florida State and head football coach Mike Norvell.