Imagine a college football program losing 35 players in a single offseason—it’s a staggering number that raises eyebrows and sparks questions. That’s exactly what happened at Florida State University (FSU) this year, as a record-breaking 35 athletes departed via the NCAA Transfer Portal. But where did they all go? And what does this mass exodus mean for the future of FSU’s program? Let’s dive into the details and explore the landing spots of these players, because this is the part most people miss—the ripple effects of such a significant shift in talent.
Florida State’s offseason has been nothing short of dramatic, with 35 players opting to leave the program (source: 247Sports). This ranks among the highest number of departures nationwide, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about the implications. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a sign of deeper issues within the program, or simply a reflection of the modern transfer portal era? Let’s break it down.
Below is a comprehensive list of where these players landed, along with a few notable observations:
Quarterback Brock Glenn
Landing Spot: Western Kentucky
Glenn’s move to Western Kentucky could signal a fresh start for the quarterback, who may be looking for more playing time in a competitive conference.
Running Back Gavin Sawchuk
Landing Spot: N/A (Visited Tennessee)
Sawchuk remains uncommitted, though his visit to Tennessee suggests he’s exploring Power Five options. Will he stay in the SEC, or will he surprise us all?
Wide Receiver Lawayne McCoy
Landing Spot: Louisville
McCoy’s transfer to Louisville adds another weapon to an already potent offense. Could this be a game-changer for the Cardinals?
Wide Receiver Elijah Moore
Landing Spot: Syracuse
Moore’s move to Syracuse brings ACC experience to the Orange. How will he fit into their offensive scheme?
Tight End Randy Pittman Jr.
Landing Spot: SMU
Pittman Jr. heads to SMU, where he’ll join a program on the rise. Will he become a key target for the Mustangs?
Offensive Lineman Lucas Simmons
Landing Spot: Wisconsin
Simmons joins Wisconsin, a program known for its dominant offensive line. This could be a perfect fit for his skill set.
Offensive Lineman Manasse Itete
Landing Spot: Arkansas State
Itete’s move to Arkansas State may provide him with immediate playing time in the Sun Belt Conference.
Edge Rusher Amaree Williams
Landing Spot: Mississippi State
Williams joins Mississippi State, bolstering their defensive line. Will he make an immediate impact in the SEC?
Edge Rusher James Williams
Landing Spot: Oklahoma State
Another Williams heads to Oklahoma State, where he’ll add depth to their defensive front.
Edge Rusher Jayson Jenkins
Landing Spot: Mississippi State
Jenkins also lands at Mississippi State, making it a popular destination for FSU’s departing edge rushers.
Edge Rusher Jaden Jones
Landing Spot: Missouri
Jones joins Missouri, where he’ll look to make his mark in the SEC.
Defensive Lineman KJ Sampson
Landing Spot: Boston College
Sampson heads to Boston College, adding experience to their defensive line.
Linebacker Justin Cryer
Landing Spot: Texas
Cryer’s move to Texas is a significant pickup for the Longhorns, who are rebuilding under new leadership.
Cornerback Cai Bates
Landing Spot: Wisconsin
Bates joins Wisconsin, where he’ll compete in a defense known for its toughness.
Safety Earl Little Jr.
Landing Spot: Ohio State
Little Jr.’s transfer to Ohio State is a major addition to the Buckeyes’ secondary. Will he become a starter?
Safety Edwin Joseph
Landing Spot: Ole Miss
Joseph heads to Ole Miss, where he’ll join a dynamic defense in the SEC.
Kicker Jake Weinberg
Landing Spot: Miami
Weinberg’s move to Miami keeps him in Florida, where he’ll compete for a starting role.
Kicker Brunno Reus
Landing Spot: Missouri
Reus joins Missouri, adding depth to their special teams unit.
Punter Mac Chumiento
Landing Spot: Texas
Chumiento heads to Texas, where he’ll look to make an impact in the Big 12.
Others
Several other players have yet to announce their landing spots, leaving room for speculation. Where do you think they’ll end up?
The Bigger Question: Is this mass exodus a red flag for FSU, or a natural consequence of the transfer portal era? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion about the future of college football and the impact of player movement.
