Inside Florida State’s Transfer Portal Frenzy: Who’s IN, Who’s OUT, and What It Means for the Season

Alright, here’s the play-by-play you didn’t know you needed — the third installment of our #Tribe26 transfer portal coverage is officially underway! If you’re tracking every move, shuffle, and spark of action surrounding Florida State’s roster this off-season, consider this your radar locked and loaded. Over the next fortnight, as names buzz and departures shake the lineup, Tomahawk Nation’s top trio — Tim Alumbaugh, Josh Pick, and NoleThruandThru — are handing you the inside scoop, no stone unturned. The transfer window kicks off January 2nd and runs tight till the 16th, with a few exceptions that keep the drama alive, like coaching changes and playoff participants getting a special crack at it. And hey, don’t forget — spring football transfers are yesterday’s news, meaning this winter stretch is your one shot to catch all the action in motion. Ready to dive into profiles of incoming contenders, departures, and insider intel? Strap in and let’s roll. LEARN MORE

Welcome to the 3rd #Tribe26 ongoing transfer portal thread and tracker! Consider this your one-stop shop for all things transfer portal regarding FSU as all the action unfolds over the next two weeks. From names to know to departures, Tomahawk Nation’s Three Stars (Tim Alumbaugh, Josh Pick, and NoleThruandThru) have you covered with all the information below.

How long is the transfer portal open?

The transfer portal is open for a two-week period only, from January 2-16, 2026. Exceptions exist for coaching changes (a 15-day window that starts five days after the new coach is hired) and CFP playoff participants who play on or after January 12 (five days after final game to enter the portal).
The spring football transfer window has been eliminated, leaving football with one offseason period for all transfer activity.
Previous ongoing transfer portal threads, if you want to relive any of it (comments are closed):

Here are some Tomahawk Nation pieces from our staff that can provide helpful context and perspective to the portal cycle in 2026, as well as a recap of prep and JUCO signees:

2026 portal commitments

Offense

Running back Tre Wisner (Texas), 1 year of eligibility left
Offensive lineman Nate Pabst (Bowling Green), 1 year of eligibility left
Offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner (Purdue), 2 years of eligibility left
Offensive lineman Paul Bowling (Troy), 3 years of eligibility left
Offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin (Auburn), 1 year of eligibility remaining

Defense

Edge rusher Rylan Kennedy (Texas A&M), 2 years of eligibility left

Special Teams

Long snapper Caleb Bowers (North Dakota State Bison), 1 year of eligibility left

FSU scholarship players who intend to enter the transfer portal

Defensive back Cai Bates (committed to Wisconsin)
Running back Kam Davis (committed to Liberty)
Quarterback Brock Glenn (committed to Western Kentucky)
Defensive lineman KJ Sampson (committed to Boston College)

Transfer Portal Official Visitors

January 3

Offensive tackle Bryant Williams (Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns), 1 year of eligibility left
Defensive back Tyler Brown (JMU), 2 years of eligibility left
Wide receiver Xavier Townsend (Iowa State Cyclones), 1 year of eligibility left
Defensive lineman John Walker (UCF Knights)- committed to Ohio State
Tight end Rocky Beers (Colorado State Rams)- committed to Oklahoma

January 4

Quarterback Anthony Colandrea (UNLV Rebels)- committed to Nebraska
Defensive back Jarvis Lee (USF Bulls)- committed to SMU

January 5

Quarterback DJ Lagway (Florida), 2 years of eligibility left– committed to Baylor
Offensive lineman Mikey Bennett (Yale Bulldogs), 1 year of eligibility left

January 6

Linebacker Matai Tagoa’i (USC Trojans), 3 years of eligibility left

January 7

Edge rusher Noah Carter (Alabama Crimson Tide), 3 years of eligibility left
Tight end Brayden Loftin (Kansas State Wildcats), 1 year of eligibility left
Running back Treyaun Webb (Florida Gators), 3 years of eligibility left