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Florida State Players React to Teammates Entering NCAA Transfer Portal

Multiple Seminoles announced they are entering the transfer portal ahead of the 2023 Orange Bowl.

Robert Malcom

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Since championship weekend came to a close the night of December 2nd, the college football world has made a temporary shift from on-field competition to recruiting battles, as most schools won't be playing bowl games until the second half of December. In addition to high school recruiting, current collegiate athletes can transfer schools via the NCAA transfer portal, with the 30-day window already having nearly 1,500 entries.

Former Florida State Quarterback Heading Back West To Continue College Career

The Seminoles are no exception to players leaving, with over ten players already having entered the portal in search of more playing time, a scholarship, or NIL money. Although many of the entries FSU has seen were walk-ons or older players in search of a starting role, two promising talents have announced their intentions to enter the portal earlier in the week.

Linebacker DJ Lundy announced his intentions of transferring schools Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves throughout the program. He was expected to take on a major role with the departures of Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune. The redshirt junior averaged 37.6 snaps per game and played a pivotal role in FSU's win over Boston College earlier in the season.

In addition to Lundy, redshirt freshman running back Rodney Hill announced his intentions to enter the portal later on the same day. Although he was behind Trey Benson and Lawrence Toafili on the depth chart, Hill was primed to take on a larger role in the 2024 season, with Benson expected to enter the 2024 NFL draft.\

Another notable entry to the portal is reserve defensive lineman Malcolm Ray. Despite only seeing the field in nine of 13 games this season, Ray was able to cement his role into a heavy defensive line rotation that consitently showed up in big games. The redshirt junior announced his decision on Monday on social media.

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With these players all having substantial roles this season and expected to take on even larger roles next year, there was shock among fans and players alike. teammates were quick to take to social media to not only voice their surprise at the news but also show support for the two players as they continue their football journeys elsewhere.

Here are some reactions from the trio's current teammates at FSU:

Defensive Lineman Fabien Lovett Sr. Voices Support For Lundy

Cornerback Greedy Vance Makes a Statement Regarding the High-Profile Transfers

Quarterback Jordan Travis Expresses Sadness Seeing Hill Make His Announcement

Offensive lineman Darius Washington Acknowleges the New Reality of College Football

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Running Back Trey Benson Expresses Shock Towards His Fellow Running Back's Decision

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Florida State is set to face No. 6 Georgia in the 2023 Orange Bowl on December 30, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN at 4:00 p.m.

READ MORE: Former Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher Weighs In On College Football Playoff Snub

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.

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Robert Malcom
ROBERT MALCOM

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