Former four-star DB plans transfer after redshirt freshman season with FSU football

Florida State's roster is evolving following a second consecutive season where the program failed to qualify for a bowl game.

In less than two weeks, 12 Seminoles have declared intentions to transfer when the portal opens on January 2, 2026. That's nearly 10% of FSU's roster, considering teams are allowed to carry 105 total players.

The latest Seminole to move on is a former blue-chip defensive back who didn't make much of an impact in Tallahassee.

Former Four-Star CB Cai Bates Entering Portal

On Monday afternoon, redshirt freshman cornerback Cai Bates revealed his plans to move on from Florida State.

Over the last two seasons, Bates appeared in ten games and totaled two tackles.

In 2025, Bates was listed as a backup cornerback on Florida State's depth chart. He was expected to receive more playing time following season-ending injuries to Ja'Bril Rawls and Quindarrius Jones. Instead, the Seminoles relied heavily on Jerry Wilson, Shamar Arnoux, and Charles Lester III.

BREAKING: Florida State CB Cai Bates plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3Sports⁰⁰The 6’2 195 CB will have 3 years of eligibility left

Was ranked as a 4-Star Recruit in the 2024 Class⁰⁰https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/jRaTi2riYc
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 15, 2025

Bates only played 26 snaps on defense this fall with all of those coming against East Texas A&M and Kent State.

A former blue-chip prospect, Bates was regarded as the No. 92 overall prospect, the No. 14 CB, and the No. 13 recruit in the 2024 class according to 247Sports. He was the fourth-highest rated recruit to sign with Florida State in #Tribe24.

Nine of the 23 high school signees in that class have since departed from FSU.

Bates stands at 6-foot-2, 192-pounds. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.