The Florida State Seminoles are experiencing significant changes within their roster as the NCAA Transfer Portal opens for 2026. The team has seen a mix of departures and returns among its defensive backs. Recently, FSU welcomed back defensive backs Ja”Bril Rawls and Ashlynd Barker, but the loss of veteran Earl Little, Jr. adds to the team”s challenges.
In a surprising development, true freshman Shamar Arnoux, who started four games last season, is expected to enter the Transfer Portal, according to reports from Noles247. During his inaugural college football season, Arnoux participated in 345 defensive snaps, totaling 27 tackles and one pass defended. His performance earned him a PFF grade of 58, with his best outing coming in a victory over East Texas A&M.
Arnoux, originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was a highly regarded recruit alongside fellow defensive back Cai Bates, both anticipated to significantly contribute to the program”s future. His decision to explore other opportunities illustrates a broader trend in college football, where players are increasingly weighing their options in the face of competition and playing time concerns.
To bolster their secondary amid these departures, the Seminoles have brought in transfer defensive back Nehemiah Chandler. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 175 pounds, Chandler was previously a three-star prospect and will have three years of eligibility remaining, potentially adding depth to a thinning roster.
As Florida State navigates these roster changes, they will need to focus on retaining promising talent while integrating new players to maintain competitiveness in the upcoming season.
