Florida State Seminoles Lose Starting Edge Rusher To The Transfer Portal

The Florida State Seminoles have had an infuriating couple of days. After being snubbed by the College Football Playoff committee, they are now dealing with transfer portal news. Starting edge rusher and defensive leader Patrick Payton has entered the transfer portal.

Florida State Seminoles Edge Patrick Payton Enters Transfer Portal

Payton had his best year in 2023 as a redshirt sophomore. He filled up the stat sheet tallying 42 tackles (13.5 for loss), six sacks, one forced fumble, and 10 pass breakups. After a strong season, the Seminoles were likely hoping that Payton could be a veteran defensive leader on the team. He had started all 26 games in the last two years and was a huge part of a suffocating defense. The Seminoles will have to figure something out at the edge position now as they are very young.

Related To CFP Decision?

At this point, we don’t know the motivations behind the move to the portal. It could be any number of reasons such as NIL money or disenchantment with the current situation. For Florida State, they now have to scramble to find who is going to step up as a pass rusher next season. The Seminoles will likely be hungry to get to the College Football Playoff in future years and show people what this team can do.

The debate about the final four will continue until the final game is played and probably after that as well. Ultimately, Florida State now has to focus on preparing for 2024 so they can try and make it next season.