Florida State Adds All-Conference Defensive Back From Portal

The Florida State Seminoles have signed defensive back Nehemiah Chandler from the transfer portal.

Chandler played in the Sun Belt Conference last season for South Alabama and has three years of eligibility remaining. 

Chandler was first-team All-Sun Belt in 2025 while with South Alabama. He is one of four defensive backs brought in by head coach Mike Norvell through the transfer portal. Florida lost all four starters from last year's defensive backfield, and Chandler will have an opportunity to play immediately.

Norvell must replace not just his defensive backfield, but the 35 players who hit the transfer portal after the 2025 season. To date, Norvell has brought in 24 players from the portal, including eight defensive players. The other defensive backs brought in by Norvell and his staff are: Karson Hobbs CB/Notre Dame, CJ Richard Jr S/Illinois St, and Ma’khi Jones S/Duke.

Last season at South Alabama Chandler played in 11 of 12 games with nine starts. He set a school record with 15 pass breakups, and his 1.36 passes defensed per game, along with his 15 PBUs, ranked third nationally. He led the Sun Belt Conference in both categories and was named first-team All-Sun Belt in his first season with South Alabama.

Chandler redshirted his first season at Georgia Tech and did not receive any significant playing time in 2024.

Chandler has attended a different school each of the last seven football seasons going back to his freshman year of high school. He finished his high school career at Wakulla High in Jacksonville, FL where he helped lead the team to an undefeated season, and to the state playoffs during his senior year of 2023. 

ESPN and 247 rated Chandler a three-star player his senior year. During his senior season, he played wide receiver, cornerback, and quarterback. Chandler was also a basketball player in high school and made the honor roll while at Wakulla. He was named All-District as a senior.

With seven wins and 17 losses over the last two seasons, Norvell has made it a priority to bring in experienced players via the transfer portal who can have an immediate impact. Chandler is expected to come in and compete for serious playing time during Florida State's training camp, which started on July 29. 

Florida State opens up its season at home on August 29 against the New Mexico St Aggies. Florida State is currently a four-touchdown favorite