Coveted Transfer Portal EDGE Defender Lists Florida State In Top-3 Schools

The Seminoles are on the shortlist for one of the top defensive linemen in the portal.

Nov 11, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Jimari Butler (10) during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Florida State is hitting the NCAA Transfer Portal to fortify its roster this offseason. The Seminoles need to upgrade multiple positions before 2025.

On Sunday evening, Nebraska defensive lineman transfer Jimari Butler released his top-3. FSU made the cut alongside LSU and Texas A&M.

READ MORE: Five-Star Offensive Lineman 'Disappointed' He Couldn't Sign With Florida State

The Seminoles are firmly in the running for one of the top defenders in the portal. Florida State does have ties in its favor after hiring Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton. Butler's two most productive seasons at the college level came under the tutelage of White and Knighton.

NEWS: Former Nebraska EDGE Jimari Butler is down to 3️⃣ Schools, he tells @on3sports

The 6’5 260 EDGE totaled 65 Tackles, 7.5 Sacks, & 1 FF in his 3 years with the Cornhuskershttps://t.co/MfHHpnCU6R pic.twitter.com/0RKtyokoIt

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 9, 2024

Over the last two years, Butler appeared in 22 games, with 16 starts, and totaled 56 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two pass deflections. He saw over 700 snaps during that time. He's coming off a 2024 season where he started a career-best ten games, recording 22 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and a fumble recovery.

Butler signed with Nebraska in 2020 and has stuck with the program over the past five years. He didn't become a consistent member of the rotation until the last two seasons. In total, he appeared in 37 games, with 16 starts, and recorded 65 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and three pass deflections.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end is expected to have one season of eligibility remaining. A move to FSU would allow him to get back closer to his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

Butler likely won't be the only transfer from Nebraska that the Seminoles pursue. FSU is expected to show interest in defensive end James Williams, linebacker Mikai Gbayor, and linebacker Princewill Umanmielen.

The Seminoles have six scholarship defensive ends eligible to return in 2025; redshirt senior Patrick Payton, redshirt senior Jaden Jones, senior Marvin Jones Jr., redshirt junior Aaron Hester, redshirt sophomore Lamont Green Jr., and redshirt freshman DD Holmes.

FSU signed four-star LaJesse Harrold, four-star Tylon Lee, three-star Darryll Desir, and three-star Mandrell Desir during the Early Signing Period.

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READ MORE: Former Florida State Quarterback Enters Transfer Portal For Second Time

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