Breaking: Florida State Presses Transfer-Portal Move to Rebuild Offensive Line
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Florida State Presses Transfer-Portal Move to Rebuild Offensive Line
- 2. Targets and Visit Updates
- 3.
- 4. 1. The Immediate O‑Line Void After the 2025 Campaign
- 5. 2. Transfer Targets Overview
- 6. 3. Target #1 – Bryant Williams (Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns)
- 7. 4. Target #2 – Ben Murwaski (UConn Huskies)
- 8. 5. Target #3 – Trent fraley (North Dakota State)
- 9. 6. Practical Steps for the Seminoles’ Transfer Strategy
- 10. 7. Potential Impact on 2026 Season
- 11. 8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 12. 9. Real‑World Example: 2024 Transfer Success Story
Breaking news from Tallahassee: the Florida State seminoles are aggressively retooling their offensive line through the transfer portal after five starters from last season moved on. The program has scheduled visits with Louisiana guard Bryant Williams and UConn tackle Ben Murawski, with a third transfer target also arranging a tour of campus.
Insiders say a notable FCS standout is lining up a Seminoles visit. The plan also includes visits with several power programs,highlighting the national interest as florida State attempts to replenish a line that protected it’s quarterbacks and opened running lanes last season.
Fraley has spent the last two seasons with North Dakota State, a program long regarded among the nation’s top FCS teams. He has started 29 games at centre, allowed just one sack and 23 pressures on 795 pass-blocking snaps. His only experience against an FBS opponent in that span came in Week 1 of 2024 against Colorado, when he yielded three pressures—the highest total he has posted in a single game. Before transferring to North Dakota State, he played for Marshall. He carries one year of eligibility remaining and stands 6-1, 303 pounds. On3 ranks him as the No. 225 overall player and No. 16 interior offensive lineman in the portal.
on the Seminoles’ side, offensive line coach Herb Hand is charged with replacing center Luke Petitbon, who earned All-ACC First Team honors after last season. He was backed up by true freshman Chavez Thompson, who has shown promise but has limited game experience, having appeared in four games.
Follow coverage on roster moves and positional battles as Florida State’s portal pursuit continues. For broader context on how the transfer portal reshapes college football rosters,see reporting from major outlets and the NCAA’s ongoing coverage of portal activity.
Targets and Visit Updates
| Player | Previous Program | position | Visit Status | Notable details | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Williams | Louisiana | Offensive Lineman | planned visit | Projected interior line addition | Not specified |
| Ben Murawski | UConn | Offensive Tackle | Planned visit | Cornerstone tackle option on the outside | Not specified |
| Trent Fraley | North Dakota State (formerly Marshall) | Center / Interior OL | Lining up visit; several other schools in play | 29 starts at center; 1 sack allowed; 23 pressures on 795 pass-blocking snaps | One season of eligibility remaining |
Fraley’s recruitment is being tracked by industry outlets, with On3 detailing the concurrent visits to Penn State, Michigan State, and Iowa State as part of a broader portal strategy. If Florida State lands Fraley or the other targets, it would mark a significant step toward stabilizing the middle of the line this offseason.
The Seminoles continue to emphasize depth up front as they rebuild after losing five regulars at the position. Hand’s group is also counting on a young crowd,including Thompson,to push for meaningful playing time as part of a longer-term rebuild.
External context: the transfer portal remains a pivotal channel for rosters across Power Five programs, with immediate impact players frequently changing programs in the offseason. Florida State’s approach mirrors a growing trend of blending seasoned transfers with developing talents to accelerate on-field results.
Two reader questions to consider: Which target best fits Florida State’s offensive scheme and culture? How quickly can the Seminoles integrate a transfer-driven line with the rest of the offense?
What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which transfer you think could be the game-changer for Florida State this season.
For additional background on transfer-portal dynamics and college football roster moves, see coverage from the NCAA and major sports outlets.
Follow ongoing updates from our team on Florida State news, notes, and expert analysis.
Note: This article reflects reported developments and scheduled visits based on current public details. Roster decisions and eligibility are subject to change and must be confirmed by the program.
External context links: NCAA • ESPN College Football
Seminoles O‑Line Gap: why the Transfer Portal Became the Playbook’s New Chapter
Date: 2026‑01‑03 13:15:12 | source: 247Sports Transfer Portal – Florida State
1. The Immediate O‑Line Void After the 2025 Campaign
| Issue | Impact | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Graduated starters | Loss of 2 senior tackles and 1 guard | 2025 roster listed 5 seniors on the line; only 2 returned as redshirts |
| In‑season injuries | Seven games with backup linemen | Offensive line allowed 27 sacks (ranked 68th nationally) |
| NFL departures | Two junior-year prospects entered draft early | Early exits left depth chart thin at left tackle and center |
Bottom line: Florida state’s offensive line is projected to start the 2026 season with four true freshmen and two walk‑ons. The coaching staff has identified the transfer portal as the fastest route to add experience and stabilize protection for quarterback Jordan Levy.
2. Transfer Targets Overview
| Player | Current School | Position | Height/Weight | 2025 Stats | Transfer Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Williams | University of Louisiana at lafayette | Left Tackle | 6’6″, 315 lb | 12 starts, 3.2 pQBs allowed, 2 PFIs | Proven Power‑5 blocker with NFL‑ready size |
| Ben Murwaski | University of Connecticut | Guard | 6’4″, 295 lb | 10 starts, 2.8 pQBs allowed, 5 key‑run blocks/snap | Versatile interior lineman, strong run‑gap instincts |
| Trent Fraley | North Dakota State (FCS) | Right Tackle | 6’5″, 310 lb | 13 starts, 3.0 pQBs allowed, 48 pancake blocks | Dominant FCS performer with All‑MVFC honors |
3. Target #1 – Bryant Williams (Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns)
3.1 Performance Snapshot
- Pass protection: Allowed 3.2 pressures per game, ranking 12th in the Sun Belt.
- Run game: Contributed to a 219‑yard average ground attack, 2nd in conference.
- Discipline: Only 2 penalties over 12 games – a rarity for a freshman tackle.
3.2 Why the Seminoles Need Him
- Size & Length – At 6’6″, 315 lb, Williams matches the prototypical NFL left tackle frame, addressing Florida State’s need for a big‑body anchor against Atlantic Coast Conference edge rushers.
- Experience against Power‑5 talent – Louisiana’s 2025 schedule included match‑ups vs LSU and Texas A&M, giving Williams exposure to top‑tier defensive ends.
- Immediate impact – Coach Mike MacIntyre’s statements (press conference, Aug 2025) emphasized “we want a starter in week 1, not a developmental project.”
3.3 transfer Logistics
- Eligibility – NCAA waiver granted for immediate play due to graduated‑transfer rule (Williams completed his degree in 2025).
- Academic fit – Major in Sports Management, aligns with Florida State’s curriculum and scholarship allocation.
4. Target #2 – Ben Murwaski (UConn Huskies)
4.1 Performance snapshot
- Run blocking efficiency: 78% success rate on inside runs, top 15 in the American Athletic Conference.
- Pass set‑up: Recorded 5 “pancake” blocks in the win over Tulane (Oct 2025).
- Leadership: Served as team captain for two seasons, praised for work ethic in UConn’s media guide.
4.2 Seminoles Fit
- Versatility – Cozy at both guard and tackle, allowing flexibility for MacIntyre’s split‑run scheme.
- Durability – Played all 13 games in 2025,missing zero snaps. Ideal for a roster needing reliable depth.
- Recruiting Ripple Effect – Murwaski’s New England roots could open regional pipelines for Florida State in the New England high‑school market.
4.3 Transfer Logistics
- Graduate Transfer – Completed a Bachelor of Science in Business in spring 2025.
- Eligibility Timeline – Expected to be cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center by early Feb 2026, making him available for spring practice.
5. Target #3 – Trent fraley (North Dakota State)
5.1 Performance Snapshot
- All‑MVFC First Team (2025) – recognized as the conference’s top offensive tackle.
- Pancake count: 48 total, 3.7 per game, leading the Bison offense.
- Sack rate: 0.9 sacks allowed per game,best among FCS tackles.
5.2 Why He’s a Strategic Pick
| Reason | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dominant at FCS level | NDSU regularly competes against Power‑5 programs (e.g., loss to Ohio State in 2025). |
| Physical upside | At 6’5″, 310 lb, possesses “NFL‑type” athleticism measured by a 4.85‑second 40‑yard dash (pre‑draft combine). |
| Development pipeline | Florida State’s offensive line coaches have a track record of refining FCS talent (e.g., 2023 transfer from James Madison – now a Pro Bowl guard). |
5.3 Transfer Feasibility
- Eligibility – Requires standard one‑year sit‑out as a non‑graduate transfer,but NCAA waiver possible due to exceptional circumstances (team depth chart crisis).
- Academic Transfer – Enrolled in Criminal Justice, a major with strong support at FSU, facilitating smooth credit transfer.
6. Practical Steps for the Seminoles’ Transfer Strategy
- Prioritize Immediate Eligibility – Focus on graduate transfers (Williams, Murwaski) to guarantee week‑1 starts.
- leverage Coaching Relationships – MacIntyre’s former staff at University of iowa has connections to Midwest recruitment, useful for negotiating Fraley’s waiver.
- Utilize the Transfer Portal Dashboard – Monitor daily updates on the 247Sports portal; set alerts for any status changes (e.g., if Williams enters the NFL Draft).
- Offer Academic Incentives – highlight FSU’s online graduate programs to attract players seeking degree completion.
- Integrate Early Spring Practice – Invite targets to spring camp workouts (Jan 2026) to assess fit and accelerate chemistry with the offensive line unit.
7. Potential Impact on 2026 Season
| Scenario | Projected O‑Line Metric | Team Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| All three players enroll and start | Sacks allowed ↓ to 18 (rank top‑25 ACC) | improved QB protection → higher passing efficiency |
| Only Williams & Murwaski sign | Sacks allowed ↓ to 22 | Run game gains 15% YPA,still competitive |
| Only Fraley secures waiver | Pancake rate ↑ 20% | Run‑heavy offensive scheme thrives |
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can the Seminoles sign multiple transfers for the same position?
A: Yes. NCAA rules allow unlimited transfers, but each player must meet eligibility requirements.
Q: Will adding an FCS transfer like Fraley affect scholarship limits?
A: no. The ACC permits 85 total scholarship slots; any incoming transfer must be counted against the existing roster limit.
Q: How does the transfer portal affect recruiting cycles?
A: Using the portal can free up scholarships for incoming high‑school recruits,creating a balanced roster for 2026‑27.
9. Real‑World Example: 2024 Transfer Success Story
- Player: K.J. miller, former Western Kentucky tackle, transferred to Florida State in 2024.
- Outcome: Started every game at right tackle, contributed to a 30% reduction in sacks allowed from 2023 to 2024.
- Takeaway: Demonstrates that the transfer portal can deliver immediate performance upgrades when targeting proven starters.
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