Transfer News Sparks Interest in Former Florida State Linebacker From Multiple Schools
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- The transfer portal window for college football opened up this past Saturday, causing chaos to erupt throughout the NCAA. Florida State recently concluded its spring camp, and will conduct exit interviews with players seeking other opportunities heading into summer. Linebacker Brendan Gant announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Monday and immediately gained interest from schools nationwide looking to boost their defense with a veteran player.
READ MORE: Florida State Loses Veteran Linebacker to NCAA Transfer Portal
"It's always about open communication," head coach Mike Norvell said regarding players leaving in the portal. "We've had players that leave the program, and I support them in what they're doing. Sometimes it is best to look for a new situation or a better opportunity."
In-state schools such as the UCF Knights and the USF Bulls have already offered the redshirt junior, which might provide a chance for the 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker to play closer to his home in Lakeland, FL.
Out-of-state schools like the Colorado Buffaloes and the Tennessee State Tigers have also reached out. FSU legend and former Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders is leading the rebuild in Boulder.
Gant was recruited to FSU in 2019 as a 4-star safety out of Kathleen High School. He hit the ground running under then-head coach Willie Taggart, tallying his best season statistically during his time in Tallahassee as a true freshman. He eventually switched to linebacker out of necessity for playing time and recorded 33 tackles, including 1.5 for loss with a sack and a fumble recovery in 2022.
The emergence of players like LB Kalen DeLoach, LB DJ Lundy and Tatum Bethune last season and throughout camp may have influenced Gant's decision to transfer. Over 3,000 players entered their names in the transfer portal during the 2021-22 cycle, so expect more roster shakeups in the weeks to come.
Gant is the second player from Florida State to transfer this spring, joining defensive end Derrick McLendon, who departed from the program last month.
READ MORE: No. 1 Tight End Flips from Georgia to Florida State
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the spring
