We've outlined who remains out there for Florida State on the offensive side. New intel plus rumblings reveal the Seminoles are attempting to load up some more on defense.
Building back the defense is a big theme for Florida State football in the 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal.
They've needed to compensate for seven losses across the line of scrimmage. Then needed to find a replacement for star rover safety Earl Little Jr.
Already outlined who FSU remains in the hunt for on the offensive side. Florida State joins the rest of the nation in having until Friday to lock in portal talent, then use Jan. 20-24 to try and pilfer available players from the national championship game who entered the portal.
But before dipping into who remains out there portal wise for FSU, should note that FSU has had contact with Texas Southern quarterback KJ Cooper per Noles247 on Monday morning. A visit there could take place this week.
Here's now what we've learned about where FSU stands with the defense with the fourth quarter of the portal cycle now in effect.
Defensive Line/Edge Rushers
We're learning the 'Noles aren't done adding to the trenches.
Brendan Sonnone of Noles247 reported that Tymere Jackson is in contact with the Seminoles about a possible roster spot -- and that a visit could be in the works.
Jackson played for Texas State out of the Sun Belt Conference. He's also a past JUCO talent who lined up for East Los Angeles College.
Jackson, however, has this curveball: He needs a JUCO waiver to be eligible to play in 2026.
Fellow Bobcats teammate and defensive lineman Jordan Sanders is another on the FSU radar, with 247 adding FSU is working on getting him on a visit.
Linebackers
Florida State isn't out of the race for one star LB.
Devin Hightower of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) is visiting the campus per 247.
He's best known for delivering 81 tackles and one interception for the Blazers amid a coaching change.
Hightower would play for his fifth different college, though, is FSU takes him in. He started out with Michigan State, then transferred to Cincinnati, eventually landed at Rhode Island before playing with Blazers. But he'll have one more year left.
Cornell LB Keith Williams Jr. is another visiting Tallahassee and will check out FSU, per Allen Trieu of 247Sports. He picked off three passes in coverage last season.
Defensive Backs
FSU appears to have settled on the Little Jr. replacement with Illinois State transfer CJ Richard.
He brings All-American accolades in tow following the national championship run at the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) level. Richard plays a similar box safety role that Little starred in.
It's not known if FSU will target anymore safeties. Or if they may wait to see who becomes available out of Indiana and even rival Miami after Jan. 19.
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