The Seminoles continue to reload, adding to the 2026 portal class but also grabbing from the JUCO ranks.
Florida State is heading toward the final stretch of the NCAA Transfer Portal window closing. FSU managed to secure more than a college football veteran Saturday, though.
The Seminoles grabbed both an offensive lineman and junior college transfer.
The OL is Chimdia Nwaiwu, who comes over via Stephen F. Austin of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) realm. Chris Thomas crosses over via the JUCO ranks -- as he leaves Northwest Mississippi Community College for the 'Noles.
Nwaiwu immediately sounded off with Noles247 why he chose Tallahassee, including making the jump to the power conference realm.
"I picked Florida State because of the people. There's really nowhere else like," Nwaiwu began.
He adds which coaches sold him on FSU's vision.
"Coach Hand, the head coach -- they all come together along with the OC (offensive coordinator). They've been working together for a long time," he said. "Real veterans and I think that they're building something special here and I'm ready to be apart of it."
Thomas, meanwhile, outlined the caliber of linebacker the 'Noles gain in the defense.
"Mostly I'm going to be a blitzing linebacker -- get to the quarterback and rush the quarterback. Do what I do -- basically what I did at Northwest Community College," Thomas told Noles247.
He'll be proactive in the aggressive 3-3-5 defense ran by veteran defensive coordinator Tony White. The DC once rose as a rising head coach candidate, but will return to Tallahassee to run this Seminoles defense and aim to get FSU back into a December bowl game for the 2026 season.
Thomas, however, is also in Tallahassee after overcoming a brief big setback.
"Long story short, I did tear my ACL playing JUCO ball. Ever since then, just been praying to God, wanting a college to give me a chance. By the grace of God, FSU gave me that one chance and today I became a 'Nole, I committed," Thomas said.
It's rare FSU plucks from the junior college ranks to build its roster. But Thomas adds to a defense needing new faces following some notable transfer portal entries. Thomas plans to enroll right away and start competing in spring ball.
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