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Happy Monday, Seminole! The transfer portal is officially open - it’s time for Mike Norvell to take back his Transfer Portal King crown! Here’s the docket for you today:

🔄 FSU Players Enter Transfer Portal 🔄
Several key players have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, including defensive back Omarion "Duke" Cooper and defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye, as FSU looks to rebuild its roster for 2025. Check out the full list of Seminoles entering the portal and what this means for the team's future.

🛡️ FSU’s Defensive Transfer Portal Targets 🛡️
Florida State is targeting key defensive players in the portal to help bolster its defensive front and secondary under Tony White’s new system. Potential targets include Keeshawn Silver, Jimari Butler, and Chasen Johnson as FSU seeks to add immediate impact players.

🗣️ Tae’shaun Gelsey Discusses His Signing Day Flip to FSU 🗣️
Wide receiver Tae’shaun Gelsey shares the reasons behind his surprise flip from Florida to FSU, citing the opportunity to play receiver and the appeal of FSU’s offensive system, especially under new coordinator Gus Malzahn.

⚽ FSU Women’s Soccer Trio Earns All-American Honors ⚽
Taylor Huff, Jordynn Dudley, and Heather Gilchrist have been named United Soccer Coaches All-Americans, recognizing their outstanding performances and continuing FSU’s dominance in women’s soccer.

🛬 UCF DB Transfer Chasen Johnson Set to Visit 🛬
UCF cornerback Chasen Johnson, who spent his freshman season with the Knights, is set to visit FSU as the Seminoles look to add talent to their secondary through the Transfer Portal.

🔄 FSU Players Enter Transfer Portal 🔄

Florida State’s roster continues to see changes as several key players have announced their decisions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. These departures come as FSU looks to rebuild and strengthen its roster for the 2025 season. Here's a breakdown of the latest transfers:

Omarion "Duke" Cooper
Defensive back Omarion Cooper is once again in the transfer portal after a brief return to FSU for the 2024 season. Originally a member of the Seminoles’ 2021 recruiting class, Cooper spent 2023 at Colorado before returning to Tallahassee. Despite his return, he only saw action in three games this season, recording 2 tackles in 31 snaps. With one year of eligibility left, Cooper will look for a new opportunity at his next stop.

Tomiwa Durojaiye
Defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye is also entering the portal after a brief one-season stint with FSU. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman played in just four games this season, registering three tackles, including one sack. Durojaiye previously spent time at Kentucky and West Virginia, where he had a standout 2023 campaign with 23 tackles, 6 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks. He was a four-star prospect in the transfer portal and is expected to garner interest from programs looking to add depth to their defensive line.

Omar Graham

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Omar Graham Jr. is the latest Seminole to enter the portal. Graham, who started eight games this season, was productive with 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hurry, and three pass breakups. He ranked third among linebackers in tackles. Over his three seasons at FSU, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound linebacker played in 17 games, including one start in the 2023 Orange Bowl. Graham’s decision follows recent changes to FSU’s defensive staff and anticipated shifts in the defensive scheme. His departure marks the first linebacker from the current roster to declare for the portal

⚡ Players Expected to Enter the Transfer Portal

• LB Omar Graham

• S Omarion "Duke" Cooper

• DL Tomiwa Durojaiye

• DE Byron Turner

• TE Jackson West

• DE Dante Anderson

• WR Deuce Spann

Read more here, here, and here.

🛡️ FSU’s Potential Defensive Transfer Portal Targets 🛡️

As Florida State looks to overhaul its defensive roster following a tough 2024 season, the Seminoles are expected to target key players through the Transfer Portal to bolster their defensive front and secondary under new coordinator Tony White. Here’s a look at some targets that make sense for the Noles:

Defensive Line & Edge Targets

💥 Keeshawn Silver – Kentucky (Jr.)
Silver is a space-eating nose tackle who excels at clogging the middle. Although his stats aren’t overwhelming, he plays a crucial role in disrupting offensive flow.

💥 Jimari Butler – Nebraska (Jr.)
Butler offers solid production with 22 tackles, 7 TFL, and 2 sacks. A reliable edge defender with regional ties, Butler is a strong candidate to fit White's defensive system.

💥 Lee Hunter – UCF (RS Jr.)
Hunter would be an immediate starter if he doesn’t go pro. His connection to FSU’s coaching staff through Gus Malzahn makes him a likely target for the Seminoles.

💥 Princewill Umanmielen – Nebraska (Soph.)
A high-upside pass rusher with 1.5 sacks and 40 QB pressures over two seasons, Umanmielen brings the length and athleticism White craves for his defense.

💥 James Williams – Nebraska (Soph.)
Williams has strong length and burst, totaling 26 QB pressures in 2024. He fits well in White’s defensive scheme as a pass rusher.

💥 Nyjalik Kelly – UCF (Jr.)
A former FSU commit, Kelly had 5.5 sacks and 22 QB pressures in 2024. His connection to FSU and strong pass-rush abilities make him an intriguing target.

💥 Ckelby Givens – Southern (Jr.)
Givens is a productive FCS player with 61 TFL and 25.5 sacks. His motor and quick step would translate well to the Power 4 level.

💥 Nate Johnson – App State (Soph.)
Johnson’s pass-rush production dropped in his sophomore year, but he showed significant improvement in run defense, with 37 QB pressures as a true freshman.

Linebacker Targets

💥 Mikai Gbayor – Nebraska (Jr.)
A full-time starter for Nebraska, Gbayor recorded 49 tackles and 6 TFL. He would provide much-needed depth and talent to FSU’s linebacker corps.

💥 Jake Golday – Cincinnati (RS Jr.)
Golday is a versatile linebacker who posted 58 tackles and 7 TFL this season. His size and ability to play in space make him a good fit for White’s defensive system.

💥 Vincent Shavers – Nebraska (Fr.)
Shavers has strong ties to FSU’s staff and a solid freshman season, making him an intriguing prospect for the Seminoles.

💥 Andrew Jones – Grambling State (RS Jr.)
Jones is a versatile linebacker with an 80.1 PFF grade. His athleticism and efficiency make him a high-caliber P4 player.

💥 Jalen Smith – Tennessee (Jr.)
A solid rotational player for Tennessee, Smith showed strong run-stopping ability, making him a good fit for White’s inside linebacker role.

Defensive Back Targets

💥 Chasen Johnson – UCF (Fr.)
Johnson played a key role for UCF as a true freshman cornerback. With good size and speed, he’s a promising prospect who is set to visit FSU this week. He’ll need to improve his tackling and penalty issues but has potential for immediate impact.

💥 Ceyair Wright – Nebraska (Jr.)
Wright was a steady starter for Nebraska, recording 35 tackles, 2 INTs, and 5 PBUs. If he enters the portal, he would be a solid fit for FSU’s defensive backfield.

💥 Dontae Balfour – Charlotte (RS Jr.)
Balfour has had strong production with 2 INTs and 7 PBU this season. With good length and movement skills, he would bring much-needed depth to FSU’s secondary.

💥 David Fisher – Sam Houston (RS Jr.)
Fisher has been productive over the past two seasons with a 70+ PFF grade and would add depth and experience to FSU’s secondary.

💥 Devin Turner – Northwestern (Jr.)
Turner brings good size and solid production (96 tackles) over three seasons. He could be an excellent fit for FSU’s Rover position, where he would excel in run support and coverage.

💥 Dillon Thieneman – Purdue (Soph.)
Thieneman has been a standout for Purdue, recording 210 tackles and 14 PBU in two seasons. His playmaking ability would be a great addition to FSU’s secondary.

💥 Cole Wisniewski – North Dakota State (Sr.)
Wisniewski is a highly productive safety, with 88 tackles and 8 INTs in 2023. Despite missing the 2024 season due to injury, he could be a valuable addition for FSU if healthy.

💥 Caleb Wooden – Auburn (Jr.)
Wooden had a solid 2024 campaign with 17 tackles. He’s a solid rotational piece who could potentially be a contributor for FSU in a sub-package role.

💥 Malcolm Hartzog – Nebraska (Jr.)
Hartzog is a versatile defender who can line up in multiple spots in the secondary. He’s not currently in the portal but would be a solid fit for FSU’s defense if he tests the waters.

FSU’s new defensive system under Tony White demands versatile players who can impact the game at multiple levels. As the portal opens, the Seminoles are looking to add immediate contributors who can help transform their defense.

Read more here and here.

🗣️ FSU Staff Changes: Key Updates and Rumors 🗣️

As Florida State continues to make moves this offseason, here are the latest updates on coaching changes and rumors around the program:

🏈 Offensive Line Coach Search
FSU is expected to announce its new offensive line coach soon, but sources suggest that the hire has been challenging given the state of the offensive line and limited time for change. While Oregon’s A’lique Terry has been rumored as a top candidate, it seems unlikely FSU will land him. UCF’s Herb Hand and UNC’s Randy Clements are also in the mix, but a leading name for FSU’s search remains hard to pin down.

⚡ Defensive Staff Updates
On the defensive side, the staff appears to be mostly set with Tony White as the defensive coordinator, Terrance Knighton at defensive line coach, and Evan Cooper as safeties coach. There’s speculation that White might also take on coaching the inside linebackers. The hybrid JACK position (a mix between DE and OLB) is still up for grabs, with current DE coach John Papuchis and former Nebraska GA Jack Potenza both considered candidates.

🛡️ Surtain’s Status
Despite offseason speculation, cornerbacks coach Patrick Surtain is expected to stay with FSU. After a whirlwind of rumors regarding head coaching opportunities, it seems Surtain is committed to developing the Seminoles' corners alongside Tony White’s defensive scheme.

Read more here.

🎙️ Tae’shaun Gelsey Discusses His Signing Day Flip to FSU 🎙️ 

In one of the biggest signing day surprises for Florida State, four-star wide receiver Tae’shaun ‘Tae’ Gelsey made the decision to flip from the Florida Gators to the Seminoles. The Jacksonville standout, who had been committed to Florida for most of the cycle, found his fit at FSU and explained what led to his change of heart.

🌟 FSU’s Vision Sealed the Deal 🌟
Despite a difficult season for the Seminoles in 2024, Gelsey felt Florida State offered the best path for him to thrive as a wide receiver. “The Seminoles believe I can star at receiver, which is what I’ve been playing my whole life,” Gelsey explained. Florida had planned to move him to tight end, but Gelsey wanted to continue his career as a wideout, and FSU gave him that opportunity.

💥 FSU’s Track Record with Big Receivers 💥
A major factor in Gelsey’s decision was FSU’s success with large, physical receivers. The Seminoles’ top two wideouts in 2023—6-7 Johnny Wilson, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, and 6-4 Keon Coleman, now with the Buffalo Bills—helped show Gelsey what could be possible in Tallahassee. “They’ve had some good history with the receivers, and that played a part in my decision as well,” he said.

⚡ Malzahn’s Addition Played a Key Role ⚡
Another key factor in Gelsey’s flip was the hire of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator. Gelsey, who was already familiar with Malzahn’s offensive style from his time at UCF and Auburn, praised the addition. “I think he is a great addition to the squad. A lot of offensive knowledge, along with Coach Norvell,” Gelsey said, excited about what the new staff could accomplish together.

💥 Why Gelsey Chose FSU Despite UF’s Strong Finish 💥
Even though Florida finished its season strong with three straight wins, Gelsey’s decision remained focused on what was best for his future. “Coach Norvell has a lot of energy and he always treats every player the right way,” Gelsey said, emphasizing his respect for Norvell and his commitment to FSU’s long-term success.

⚡ What Gelsey Brings to the FSU Offense ⚡
Gelsey, who finished his senior season with 61 receptions for 875 yards and 14 touchdowns, believes his speed and route-running ability will make him a valuable asset to FSU’s offense. “For my size, I have good speed to create separation,” Gelsey said. “Defensive backs underestimate my speed, and I use it to my advantage.”

Read more on his interview here.

⚽ FSU Women's Soccer Trio Earns All-American Honors ⚽

Three members of the Florida State women's soccer team have earned United Soccer Coaches All-American honors for their exceptional performances this season.

🌟 Taylor Huff: First-Team Honor 🌟
Taylor Huff capped her collegiate career with a standout season, scoring 12 goals, 10 assists, and 34 points. She was named to the All-ACC First Team, ACC Tournament MVP, and a 2024 Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Huff earned All-Conference honors all four seasons and cemented her legacy as one of the top midfielders in the nation.

💥 Jordynn Dudley: Second-Team All-American 💥
Jordynn Dudley continued to shine with 29 points from 9 goals and 11 assists. She earned a spot on the All-ACC First Team, the ACC All-Tournament Team, and was a two-time Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Dudley also helped the U.S. secure a bronze at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

⚡ Heather Gilchrist: Fourth-Team Honor ⚡
Heather Gilchrist earned her first All-American nod for her defensive excellence, contributing to FSU’s fourth consecutive season with double-digit shutouts. She was also named to the All-ACC Third Team and helped the U.S. win a bronze medal at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

These players’ achievements solidify their place among the nation’s best and continue FSU’s strong presence in women’s soccer.

Read more here

🛬 UCF DB Transfer Chasen Johnson Set to Visit 🛬 

With the portal officially opening today, Florida State is looking to strengthen its defense through the NCAA Transfer Portal. One player on the Seminoles' radar is UCF defensive back Chasen Johnson, who is set to take an official visit to Tallahassee starting today.

🌟 Freshman Cornerback with Upside 🌟
Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback, spent his true freshman year at UCF under new FSU offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. In his inaugural season, Johnson played 452 snaps, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 60.2 overall. He registered 14 tackles, two passes defended, and allowed 16 catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns across 28 targets. While his first season was a mix of highs and lows, he showed potential as a contributor in coverage and run defense.

💥 Talent with Strong Florida Roots 💥
A three-star recruit from Sanford (Fla.) Seminole High School, Johnson was ranked as the No. 88 cornerback in the nation and No. 124 in Florida in the 2024 class. His familiarity with Malzahn's system could make him a natural fit for FSU’s defensive scheme, which aims to be more aggressive and dynamic under Tony White.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As FSU navigates the offseason, the Transfer Portal will be a crucial avenue for rebuilding the team, with key players departing and new recruits eyeing a chance to make an impact. Stay tuned for more updates as FSU strengthens its roster and prepares for a fresh start in 2025. We’ll be back with more updates, rumors, and insights soon!

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Thanks for reading and Go Noles! 🍢 🏹