Florida State Specialist Enters NCAA Transfer Portal After One Year With Program
Departures are continuing in Tallahassee after ten players from the program entered the NCAA Transfer Portal last week, including notable names such as tight end Markeston Douglas and offensive lineman Bless Harris.
On Monday afternoon, redshirt senior Tyler Keltner announced on social media that he was moving on from Florida State after one season. He appeared in one game during the 2023 campaign, connecting on an extra-point attempt during the home finale victory against North Alabama. Kelter originally joined the Seminoles as a transfer after beginning his career in the FCS at East Tennessee State.
A Tallahassee native who played at Chiles High School, Keltner sent a message to Seminole fans, coaches, and players. He intends to remain with the team through the Orange Bowl game against Georgia.
"Nole Nation, I have belonged with you my entire life, and for this past year I got to live out every Seminole's dream. Coach Norvell, coach JP, and coach Barfield gave me an opportunity to suit up in the garnet and gold and add my own talents to this already special team. Now and for the rest of my life, I can say that I was a Seminole football player, and what a pleasure that is. It has been the greatest honor to be introduced to the brotherhood and legacy that surrounds this program. I'll be forever indebted to these coaches for giving me the opportunity to play here, and for all the Seminoles that were already supporting my journey. I appreciate you welcoming me back home."
"After much thought, I have decided that it will be best for my career as a football player to enter the transfer portal for the final time. This is my journey and as bittersweet as it is, I cannot wait to be playing on the field again."
"I'd like to thank Ryan for the competition that we had and building the friendship that we have. I can't wait to see what you are able to accomplish next year. I'll be rooting for you."
"This month I will continue to climb with my Nole brothers as we finish what we started this past January. But, with that being said, I do look forward to exploring my next opportunity and getting a clearer picture of what my future olds. I have one final year of eligibility and look forward to kicking again at the highest level."
"To my family, friends, and supporters, thank you for supporting my athletic career. We aren't done yet! With much gratitude, Tyler Keltner. #98."
Keltner was a back-to-back All-Southern Conference selection for the Buccaneers in 2021 and 2022. He finished 56/76 on field goal attempts and 131/131 on extra-point attempts during his three years at East Tennessee State. He holds program records for field goals and PATs made while ranking second in career points (299).
After breaking single-season records with 105 points and 51 made extra-point attempts in 2021, Keltner was named First-Team All-SoCon by the media.
Florida State is expected to return starting kicker Ryan Fitzgerald in 2024. The Seminoles will also be adding three-star kicker Jake Weinberg to the room. It's unclear if veteran punter Alex Mastromanno will be back with the program for another season after he was honored during Senior Day.
Outside of Keltner, quarterback AJ Duffy, running back CJ Campbell, tight end Markeston Douglas, tight end Preston Daniel, offensive lineman Bless Harris, offensive lineman Thomas Schrader, offensive lineman Daughtry Richardson, offensive lineman Qae'shon Sapp, defensive tackle Ayobami Tifase, linebacker Dylan Brown-Turner have entered the portal.
Defensive end Patrick Payton declared his intentions to do so but ended up deleting the announcement and never officially appearing in the transfer database.
READ MORE: Former Florida State Running Back Declares For 2024 NFL Draft
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.
