FSU Transfer Portal Grades: Hits and Misses in 2025

A deep dive into the success and shortcomings of Florida State's transfer portal additions in the 2025 season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:09pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in various shades of blue, green, and red, conceptually representing the complex and multifaceted nature of Florida State's transfer portal experience in the 2025 season.A cubist interpretation of the highs and lows of Florida State's transfer portal strategy, capturing the dynamic energy and fragmented nature of the team's 2025 season.Tallahassee Today

Florida State University (FSU) underwent a major roster overhaul in 2025, bringing in a significant number of players through the NCAA Transfer Portal. This article evaluates the impact of these transfers, highlighting the hits and misses for the Seminoles' 2025 season.

Why it matters

The success or failure of FSU's transfer portal strategy has significant implications for the program's future. Identifying the hits and misses provides valuable insights into the team's needs, recruitment process, and overall roster management, which can inform future decisions and help the Seminoles build a stronger, more competitive team.

The details

The article delves into the performance of various transfer players across different positions, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker. Some notable hits include running back Gavin Sawchuk, tight end Randy Pittman Jr., and several offensive linemen. However, the team also experienced misses, such as quarterback Tommy Castellanos, wide receiver Squirrel White, and several defensive players who struggled with injuries or failed to meet expectations.

  • The 2025 transfer portal haul was a major overhaul for FSU.
  • Quarterback Tommy Castellanos suffered an ankle injury against Kent State, hindering his explosiveness.
  • Wide receiver Duce Robinson delivered one of the best single-season performances in recent memory for FSU.
  • Tight end Randy Pittman Jr. had one of the best seasons for a tight end in the Mike Norvell era.
  • Defensive players Jayson Jenkins and Deamontae Diggs suffered injuries that limited their impact.

The players

Tommy Castellanos

A quarterback transfer who struggled with inconsistent passing and limited mobility, leading to a shift towards a more pass-heavy offense.

Jaylen King

A depth addition at quarterback who worked on the scout team and saw limited action in a blowout win.

Gavin Sawchuk

A running back transfer from Oklahoma who started the season strongly and finished as FSU's leading rusher among running backs.

Duce Robinson

A wide receiver transfer who delivered one of the best single-season performances in recent memory for FSU, becoming a true number one receiver option.

Randy Pittman Jr.

A tight end transfer who played a crucial role in FSU's running game as a blocker and was a versatile asset in both the receiving game and the Wildcat rushing attack.

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What’s next

The evaluation of these transfers provides valuable insights into FSU's strategy and the challenges they faced during the 2025 season. The Seminoles will need to carefully analyze their transfer portal approach and make adjustments to address the areas where they fell short in order to build a stronger, more competitive team for the future.

The takeaway

FSU's 2025 transfer portal haul was a mixed bag, with some players exceeding expectations and others struggling to make an impact. The team's ability to identify and integrate the right transfer talent will be crucial in determining their success in the coming seasons.