The transfer portal is set to open on Friday, Jan. 2, giving the FSU Seminoles a chance to improve their roster ahead of the 2026 season. They are in desperate need of an influx of talent after going 5-7 and failing to make a bowl game for the season straight year.
The Seminoles have had mixed results in the transfer portal under head coach Mike Norvell, using it to great success ahead of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. That changed ahead of the 2024 season, when they missed on most of their additions before having better results ahead of the 2025 season, but still missed on several key moves.
While nearly every position on FSU’s roster could benefit from one addition or another, here is a look at the five most important positions that the Seminoles need to address when it opens on Friday.
5. Linebacker
The Seminoles have struggled to recruit the linebacker position, and that has plagued them on the field. The unit struggled again in 2025, especially in coverage. They are returning two members of their core rotation in Justin Cryer and Blake Nichelson, but they need to add several proven players to the group to round out the rotation.
4. Safety
The Seminoles are replacing all three of their starting safeties with Edwin Joseph and Ashlynd Barker entering the transfer portal and Earl Little Jr. declaring for the NFL draft. FSU’s defense has three safeties on the field at all times, making it a key position for them and an area they will likely need to add multiple starters at with them lacking proven depth.
3. Defensive End
FSU has to improve its ability to pressure the quarterback, the only way they could last season was by blitzing, which caused plenty of issues in the back end of the defense. Getting multiple players who have proven they can pressure the quarterback at a high level is a must.
2. Offensive Line
FSU is once again replacing all five starters along the offensive line and appears headed to the portal to do so. While Chavez Thompson appears set to take over at center and Andre’ Otto at one of the guard spots, they do not have anyone ready to slide into a starting tackle role.
While it won’t be easy or cheap to find multiple starting offensive linemen in the portal, they did it last year, and they will have to do go again this year if they want to have another good offense.
1. Quarterback
Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and it has been too long since the Seminoles had a game-changer. Tommy Castellanos made some good plays, but also struggled in 2025, and they need to try and upgrade if they want to get back above .500.
With Castellanos, Brock Glenn, and Jaylen King all leaving the program, they likely need to shore up the depth as well, but priority No. 1 needs to be going out and getting someone who can elevate the offense and become one of the better quarterbacks in the conference.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU football’s biggest needs in the transfer portal
Reporting by JD McCarthy, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
