Seminoles Defensive Coordinator Reunites with Mikai Gbayor
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Florida State Seminole football team has added former North Carolina linebacker Mikai Gbayor to its 2026 roster. Gbayor has one year of eligibility,
The 6-foot-2 230lbs Gbayor previously played for Nebraska and North Carolina with a brief stop at Missouri. In his four years, he has played in 36 games and has 18 starts. He has 114 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in his college career.
Head Coach Mike Norvell has lost 17 games over the last two years, and many are focusing on his defense after being ranked No.43 in the nation last season. Second-year defensive coordinator Tony White has a strong track record for improving defenses after what he did at Syracuse and Nebraska. White coached Gbayor at Nebraska for two seasons.
Gbayor is one of 24 players Norvell brought in from the transfer portal, one of eight on defense, and one of two linebackers (Chris Jones/Southern Mississippi).
In 2025, Gbayor played his spring ball at Missouri before transferring to North Carolina to play for Bill Belichick.
During his single season at North Carolina, Gbayor played in 12 games and had 39 tackles, including 2.5 for loss. He also had a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble that he returned for a touchdown against Richmond. Gbayor was named ACC linebacker of the week for the game against Richmond.
In 2024, Gbayor played in 12 games for White's Nebraska defense, starting 11 games. The linebacker had a career-high 49 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and one sack. He also had three pass breakups and recovered two fumbles.
The 2023 season saw Gbayor play in all 12 games while starting four games. He had 24 tackles, including 3 for loss and 0.5 sacks.
The athletic linebacker should fill a void for Florida State with his ability to play the run and pass at a high level. Florida State struggled to cover back out of the backfield in 2025, and this is an area where Gbayor can show his value as Norvell's team starts training camp on July 30.
Gbayor is from New Jersey, where he was a USA Today All-New Jersey first-team selection. Out of high school, he chose Nebraska over Kentucky, Michigan State, and Ole Miss. Rivals had him listed as the No. 21 inside linebacker in the nation when he was a senior at Irvington High School.
Florida State opens the season on August 29 with a home game against New Mexico State. Gbayor should be in the mix to start, considering his experience, his talent, and considering his old defensive coordinator co-signed his signing.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos