The Florida State Seminoles welcomed 32 new signees from the high school and JUCO ranks during the 2026 Early Signing Period. With that now in the rearview, attention shifts to the transfer portal, which will look different this year after newly implemented changes from the NCAA.
When does the transfer portal open?
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The transfer portal will be open for a two-week period only — January 2 through January 16. Exceptions exist for coaching changes (a 15-day window that starts five days after the new coach is hired) and College Football Playoff participants who play on or after January 12 (five days after final game to enter the portal).
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Is there any action prior to January 2?
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Oh yeah. In addition to the avalanche of social media posts announcing that Player X will enter the transfer portal, conversations are already happening between agents and coaching staffs (let’s be real, tampering never takes a break in this era of college football). As exit interviews with players have begun and decisions on coordinators and assistant coaches loom, we’ll see a significant uptick in transfer portal declarations over the next couple of weeks.
How many FSU players will enter the portal?
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While there’s no way of knowing even in the best of seasons, there are some predictors we can look to. Uncertainty around coaches and staffers, a likely lame duck head coach, a disappointing 2025 final record following a horrific 2024 season, negativity hovering over the program, and a 32-member signing class would lead us to believe that FSU is expecting major attrition to the roster.
How many players will FSU take from the transfer portal?
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This is usually directly proportional to the number of defections. Remember that players who enter the portal can still return to their prior programs in most cases, so a portal entry doesn’t automatically mean a roster defection. Some enter as a negotiation tactic, some enter with zero intention to return, and others enter to test the waters and gauge interest, somewhat similar to NFL Draft early entrants.
FSU players who intend to enter the transfer portal
Expected transfers with confirmed interest from FSU
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Quarterback Colton Joseph (Old Dominion)
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Running back CJ Baxter (Texas Longhorns)
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Offensive lineman Tellek Lockette (Texas State)
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Offensive lineman Tolu Olajide (New Hampshire)
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Offensive lineman Brandon Best (Kennesaw State)
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Offensive lineman David Anchondo (Saginaw Valley State)
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Offensive lineman Jac’Qawn McRoy (Arkansas Razorbacks)
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Offensive lineman Travis Burke (Memphis Tigers)
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Defensive lineman John Walker (UCF Knights)
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Defensive back Michael Richard (Louisiana Tech)
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Defensive back Bradlee Jones (The Citadel)
