2026 NCAA Transfer Portal: Florida State's Defensive Back Position and Standout Safety Jerome Carter III
The 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal is set to open on January 2, giving players an early start to the new year. This cycle will have a two-week window for players to explore new destinations before the upcoming season. Florida State has already had 21 players declare their intentions to transfer, with a focus on the defensive back position due to key losses. Safety Jerome Carter III from Old Dominion is one of the latest players to enter the portal, following a standout season with the Monarchs in 2025.
Jerome Carter III had an impressive season in 2025, earning a defensive PFF grade of 70.4. He recorded 76 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and six interceptions, ranking second in college football. Carter III's performance included two interceptions in Old Dominion's Cure Bowl victory over USF. With the FSU defensive back position thinning, Carter III's standout season is likely to catch the attention of FSU's coaching staff, potentially adding depth to the team.
The list of players who have announced their intentions to transfer from Florida State includes a mix of redshirt freshmen, true freshmen, juniors, and seniors. The departures cover various positions, indicating a significant change in the team's roster for the upcoming season. With the transfer portal opening soon, more players may choose to explore new opportunities, reshaping the team's composition for the 2026 season.
In conclusion, the 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal opening in January has already seen several players, including standout safety Jerome Carter III, declare their intentions to transfer. Florida State is among the schools experiencing a significant number of players seeking new destinations. The upcoming season will likely see changes in the team's roster as players explore opportunities through the transfer portal.