Florida State transfer portal team breakdown

Florida State wasn’t the most active team in the transfer portal in terms of sheer numbers, with 23 total players either coming or going. But few teams around the country improved their roster quite like the Seminoles did with the 2023 transfer class.

Along the offensive line, in particular, Florida State brought in reinforcements. That, coupled with a few impact transfers at other positions, should have the Seminoles comfortably contending in the ACC in 2023. The transfer class Florida State brought in ranks in the Top 15 in the On3 2023 College Football Team Transfer Portal Index.

And with the overall assembly of talent coming in, the ceiling for Florida State is certainly higher than it was a few months ago.

Breaking down the 2023 Florida State transfer portal class

National rank: No. 13

Transfers in: 10 (T-20th)

Transfers out: 13 (T-27th)

Biggest loss: RB Treshaun Ward transferred to Kansas State

One of the more surprising transfer portal departures this offseason, many expected Ward to return to Florida State for another year and serve as the feature back on an ACC contender. But after an injury cost him a few games in 2022 and with the Seminoles comfortable with the handful of other backs, Ward is taking his services to the Big 12.

Biggest arrival: CB Fentrell Cypress, Virginia

The No. 2 overall transfer in the 2023 class, according to the On3 2023 College Football Transfer Portal Top Players Ranking, Cypress is crossing ACC division lines and should make an immediate impact for the Seminoles. Florida State had one of the better pass defenses in the country in 2022, and Cypress will be key in sustaining that success.

Other notable Florida State transfers in

DL Braden Fiske: A four-year stalwart on the Western Michigan defensive line, Fiske got better every year of his career. Now a four-star transfer prospect, per On3, Fiske had 12 tackles for loss and six sacks — career highs — in 2022. Fiske is a plug-and-play defensive line starter on the Seminole defense.

OL Jeremiah Byers: The first of two four-star transfer prospects that Florida State added on the offensive line, Byers was an all-conference tackle at UTEP before joining the Seminoles. At 6-foot-4, 323 pounds, he will likely be a big part in protecting Jordan Travis and paving the pay in the run game.

OL Casey Roddick: With 30 starts under his belt at Colorado, Roddick has done a lot. He played three positions along the offensive line in his career — left guard, right guard and right tackle — that spanned five seasons. He’ll spend his sixth year in Tallahassee, where he likely slots in along the interior of the Seminoles’ offensive line.

TE Jaheim Bell: Playing for South Carolina in 2022, Bell had 73 carries to 25 receptions, leading to five total touchdowns — a testament to his versatility and willingness to contribute in any form. And doing that a year after he caught 30 passes for 497 yards and five touchdowns. With a very capable quarterback, Bell can hopefully show the best of his abilities.