The Seminoles secured their first new addition for 2026, who immediately fired off a statement to his new fanbase.
Florida State hosted an influx of visitors on campus with the NCAA Transfer Portal window now open. The Seminoles made sure they took advantage -- by adding a defensive talent Saturday.
The 'Noles grabbed cornerback Nehemiah Chandler from South Alabama, with Hayes Fawcett of On3/Rivals confirming the move on the social media website X, formerly known as Twitter.
Chandler didn't take long to send a message to his brand new fanbase.
"I just want to thank God for everything, took a lot of sacrifices! But I stayed patient and kept my head down! It’s Always light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s Work 'Nole Family!" he posted on his own X page.
He also fired off other posts to commemorate his big move. Chandler thanked FSU director of recruiting Devin Rispress in helping land him. Chandler even changed his profile picture on his X account.
He's more than just the first portal move for Mike Norvell and the FSU coaching staff. Chandler brings his own set of stardom.
The 6-foot-2 CB is fresh off leading the Sun Belt Conference with 13 pass breakups. He also grabbed interceptions against Troy and Arkansas State -- two bowl representatives from this past season. Chandler even tallied three solo tackles against a previously ranked Auburn team in September.
Chandler delivered five games of swatting multiple passes his side. Pro Football Focus awarded him with a high coverage grade of 82.0.
Chandler, though, becomes no stranger to both the state of Florida or even FSU.
Regarding the latter, Chandler started his college career with Atlantic Coast Conference rival Georgia Tech. He enrolled at the Atlanta campus in June 2024. The Yellow Jackets represented his only ACC offer at the time. Though he turned down in-state offers from Big 12 representative UCF and American Athletic Conference power South Florida.
The in-state part unveils Chandler's Sunshine State ties. He's a native of Jacksonville who starred for Wakulla High in Crawfordville. Chandler became a three-star prospect per 247Sports.
He emerged as a top 100 cornerback in the 2026 transfer portal class. He becomes the first fill in for a stout secondary ravaged by offseason moves.
FSU lost as many as three players to the portal plus one who exhausted his playing eligibility. Meanwhile, star defensive back Earl Little Jr. chose the NFL Draft over entering the transfer portal.
Chandler brings three seasons of remaining eligibility left for the 'Noles. He makes his decision amid Quintrevion Wisner (Texas RB) and DJ Lagway (Florida QB) reportedly visiting FSU.