FSU football faces transfer portal shake-up. Here's who it must keep
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With the NCAA transfer portal opening in a month, Florida State football will get an early start on roster restructuring. The portal officially opens Jan. 2 and closes Jan. 16.
After finishing 5-7 this season, some key contributors may enter the transfer portal to explore other options.
Some could seek financial gains through NIL deals and revenue shares, while others may look for more playing time or the chance to join a team contending for a national title.
Coaching changes also play a role. While Mike Norvell is expected to return for another year, he is currently evaluating his coaching staff, which could influence players’ decisions to move on.
With that in mind, TheTallahassee Democrat has put together a list of players FSU must retain for next season:
Kevin Sperry, quarterback
Teammates and coaches have repeatedly praised Kevin Sperry for his poise and maturity during his first season.
Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn even remarked that Sperry doesn’t play like a typical true freshman. With Tommy Castellanos’ NCAA eligibility denied, the door is open for Sperry to compete for the starting quarterback job.
Sperry saw action in three games, throwing for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He even led FSU on what could have been a game-winning drive against Stanford after Castellanos went down with an injury late in the fourth quarter.
Still, it’s reasonable to expect Norvell will explore the transfer portal for another quarterback — and he should — because it’s hard to predict what Sperry will deliver in a full season.
Norvell made a strong push to land Sperry out of Mustang High after he decommitted from Oklahoma and ultimately signed with the Seminoles.
The best way to keep Sperry engaged and prevent him from looking elsewhere is to ensure he has a legitimate shot at the starting job.
Ousmane Kromah, running back
Ousmane Kromah was a huge pickup for FSU in last year’s class. He originally committed to Georgia but ultimately chose FSU.
Kromah earned playing time as a freshman, even though his numbers didn’t fully reflect his impact — he rushed for 408 yards and no touchdowns. He could potentially have a stronger second year.
Now that Norvell is shaping his coaching staff, that could influence Kromah to consider other options, especially if he’s guaranteed a starting job elsewhere.
But that shouldn’t be necessary, as Kromah is poised to become a full-time starter next season rather than just part of a committee of backs.
FSU remains invested in the Lee County, Georgia, native and having him back will help maintain continuity for the Seminoles.
Lawayne McCoy, wide receiver
If Duce Robinson moves on from FSU and enters the NFL draft, the Seminoles will need a new No. 1 receiver. Lawayne McCoy could be that guy.
Despite being in and out of the lineup due to injuries, McCoy has taken a step toward becoming a key contributor this season.
He finished with 27 catches for 403 yards and three touchdowns. His career game came against Florida, where he led the Seminoles with six receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown.
While it’s unlikely McCoy will consider transferring, if he does, it’s a loss FSU cannot afford.
Randy Pittman, tight end
Randy Pittman may not have eye-popping numbers, but his role in the offense is vital. Of course, this all depends on Malzahn’s status and whether he returns next season.
Pittman fits Malzahn’s system and has been effective as a blocker in the running game. He has also been utilized in multiple ways as a pass catcher and even in wildcat formations when lined up behind center.
Pittman scored three touchdowns — passing, rushing and receiving — becoming only the third FSU player to accomplish that feat in school history.
While injuries have set him back and slowed his progression, the Seminoles will need Pittman to lead a deep tight end group that includes Landen Thomas, Amaree Williams, and Chase Loftin.
The Desir twins, defensive line
Darryll and Mandrell Desir made an impact on the defensive line, and they might explore cashing in after their freshman season.
Mandrell was one of the standouts who thrived in Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense. He led the Seminoles with 6.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.
Darryll didn’t post numbers like his brother, but his physical presence was well-known. He still finished with 23 tackles, four quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and one tackle for loss.
With Darrell Jackson Jr. gone, the Desirs will be the centerpiece of the defensive front, and Norvell and White must secure those two quickly before other Power Four teams take notice.
JaBril Rawls, cornerback
Ja’Bril Rawls is a player to watch once the transfer portal officially opens, following Norvell’s announcement of Patrick Surtain Jr.’s dismissal.
Surtain played a key role in recruiting and developing the cornerbacks on the roster, including Rawls.
The sophomore took a step forward this season, emerging as one of the best tacklers in the secondary.
He missed five games due to injuries, including the final three, but still finished the year with 40 tackles, one interception, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups.
Losing him after his third year at FSU would be a significant blow to the Seminoles’ secondary.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football must keep these players out of NCAA transfer portal
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