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FSU Rover Ashlynd Barker Seeks Big Finish After Returning From Transfer Portal
After briefly entering the transfer portal, the veteran defensive back is back at Florida State and excited about his new position.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:50pm
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Ashlynd Barker, a redshirt senior defensive back at Florida State, briefly entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season but has since decided to return to the Seminoles. Barker, who has been a starter in the secondary for the past two seasons, will now be moving to the rover position, which he believes better suits his skills. Despite some previous frustrations with his teammates, Barker says he is fully committed to helping Florida State get back to the level of success they experienced in 2023.
Why it matters
Barker's return to Florida State is a significant boost for the Seminoles' defense, as he brings valuable experience and playmaking ability to the secondary. His move to the rover position could unlock more of his potential, and his leadership will be crucial in helping the younger players develop. After a disappointing 2025 season, Florida State is looking to rebound, and Barker's presence will be a key factor in that effort.
The details
Barker entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season, citing frustrations with some of his teammates' lack of focus on winning. However, after discussions with head coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Evan Cooper, Barker decided to remain at Florida State and is now expected to be one of the leaders of the Seminoles' secondary. Barker, who is switching his jersey number from 27 to 7, will be moving to the rover position, which he believes better suits his skills and will allow him to make more plays. Last season, Barker recorded 48 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, the most by a Florida State defensive back since Derwin James in 2015.
- Barker entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season was over.
- Barker met with coaches Mike Norvell and Evan Cooper and decided to remain at Florida State.
The players
Ashlynd Barker
A redshirt senior defensive back at Florida State who has been a starter in the secondary for the past two seasons.
Mike Norvell
The head coach of the Florida State Seminoles football team.
Evan Cooper
The defensive coordinator for the Florida State Seminoles football team.
Earl Little
A former Florida State player who has departed for Ohio State, leaving the rover position open for Barker.
Derwin James
A former Florida State defensive back who had a standout season in 2015.
What they’re saying
“I talked with Coach [Mike] Norvell and Coach [Evan] Cooper. Just believing in what they have planned and the people they brought around them. They have a good plan for what we all want to get accomplished.”
— Ashlynd Barker, Florida State Seminoles Defensive Back
“However you feel in the moment you may not feel once everything is calmed down. Definitely a learning experience. Just got to be more smart with what you say and stuff.”
— Ashlynd Barker, Florida State Seminoles Defensive Back
“I do like how it's more spacious. It's more things to do compared to being in the boundary. … So, I like that part more.”
— Ashlynd Barker, Florida State Seminoles Defensive Back
“I just want to win. I feel like that's the ultimate goal. If the team doesn't win, less people win. If that makes sense. So, that's the first goal. … Just being there for the team, being where I'm supposed to be. If I'm where I'm supposed to be and everybody else is where they're supposed to be, everything will work out.”
— Ashlynd Barker, Florida State Seminoles Defensive Back
“I'm one of the players that's been here the longest. I know we've got a lot of new people, especially younger people. So, I've seen where we want (to go), and I've experienced it and been on teams like that. So, I think it's my job to show the new people and the younger people how it should operate to get us back to where we need to be.”
— Ashlynd Barker, Florida State Seminoles Defensive Back
What’s next
Barker and the Florida State Seminoles will continue their spring practice schedule as they prepare for the 2026 season, with the goal of returning the program to the level of success they experienced in 2023.
The takeaway
Ashlynd Barker's decision to return to Florida State after briefly entering the transfer portal is a significant boost for the Seminoles' defense. His move to the rover position, combined with his leadership and experience, could unlock his full potential and help Florida State rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. Barker's commitment to the team's success over individual goals is a positive sign for the Seminoles as they look to get back on track.
