This particular talent pulled into the campus unexpectedly, per one insider.
Florida State continues to roll out the red carpet for transfer portal visitors during the first weekend of 2026. But received a big surprise from a recent College Football Playoff representative.
Defensive lineman Rylan Kennedy wasn't anticipated to visit the Seminoles. But the Texas A&M defensive end was among the visitors for Sunday -- per FSU insider Chris Nee of 247Sports.
Kennedy is fresh off appearing in the CFP -- where his Aggies fell to semifinalist Miami 10-3 at College Station. He entered the portal but many insiders didn't see FSU as a potential option.
Yet Nee shared two aspects that increase Kennedy's chances of potentially choosing Tallahassee as the next destination.
"FSU is looking for speed rushers in this Transfer Portal window after lacking in that department last season. Kennedy holds an 87 transfer grade from 247Sports," Nee wrote.
The second aspect involves a current assistant who knows Kennedy very well.
"He has ties to new FSU defensive ends/edge coach Nick Williams, who would've helped recruit him to Texas A&M," Nee said.
Kennedy delivered 14 tackles but 3.5 behind the line of scrimmage. He also grabbed two sacks. He's collected 40 total tackles with 5.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.
There was the belief Kennedy would stay home in the Lonestar State -- as Kennedy is a native of Mansfield. But his FSU trip paints the picture he's open to find other places outside of his home state.
FSU is indeed needy in the defensive line department. Florida State lost James Williams, L.A. Jessie Harrold, and Jaden Jones to the transfer portal -- all of whom are natural edge rushers. Interior defensive lineman Jaylon Jenkins, Jamorie Flagg, Tyeland Coleman and KJ Sampson also placed their names into the portal.
The defensive trenches became the hardest hit position in the portal for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles coaching staff. The second-hardest hit position groups were wide receiver and the offensive line, as both lost four players each.
Kennedy isn't considered the most high-profile visitor to the FSU campus this weekend, however. Anthony Colandrea of UNLV pulled into the Seminoles' football facility Sunday morning. Colandrea is emerging as a serious contender to land at FSU especially with past QB target Colton Joseph choosing Wisconsin Sunday morning. Joseph was labeled the top QB target for Florida State.
But past rival DJ Lagway of Florida also is visiting Florida State. He's also not the only SEC QB taking in the 'Noles, as Ashton Daniels is roaming the campus too after leaving Auburn.
Former Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner is one more big visitor to FSU. Like Kennedy, he's another with past CFP experience in tow via the 2024 season.