FSU football adds third transfer to offensive line

Florida State's offensive line took a massive step forward under new position coach Herb Hand. Despite essentially fielding five new starters, four who signed with the Seminoles out of the transfer portal, the unit quickly transitioned from one of the worst in the country to one of the best in the ACC.

It was an admirable job by Hand, who is being rewarded by having to put together yet another offensive line. All five starters in the trenches graduated following the 2025 season.

Over the last few days, Florida State has added three experienced transfers up front, including a promising big man out of the Sun Belt Conference.

Former Troy OL Commits To Florida State

On Wednesday, Troy true freshman offensive lineman Paul Bowling announced his commitment to Florida State. Bowling was recently in Tallahassee for a visit, choosing the Seminoles over Georgia Tech.

Bowling was a three-star recruit in the 2025 class out of Power Springs, Georgia. After enrolling early at Troy, he worked his way into becoming the first true freshman offensive lineman in program history to begin the season as a starter at center. Bowling went on to start in 12 games, nine at center and three at left guard.

BREAKING: Troy transfer IOL Paul Bowling has committed to Florida State, @ChadSimmons_ reports🍢https://t.co/ZtsIryt8Bl pic.twitter.com/p7zMGO8lzc
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 7, 2026

According to PFF, Bowling was on the field for 752 snaps on offense, grading out at 63.5 overall. Per the metrics, Bowling is graded higher as a pass-blocker (67.1) than a run-blocker (64.5). He allowed 16 pressures, including three quarterback hits and three sacks.

Notably, Bowling didn't allow a single pressure in 62 snaps against Clemson. However, he surrendered two sacks in 70 snaps against James Madison. It'll be interesting to see if he can perform consistently when facing higher caliber competition from week to week.

Bowling will have three seasons of eligibility remaining. He stands at 6-foot-4, 315-pounds.

Florida State's haul in the portal now includes Bowling, former Purdue offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner, and former Bowling Green State offensive lineman Nate Pabst. Bowling and Joiner figure to be in the mix at center, along with redshirt freshman Sandman Thompson. Pabst is more experienced at the guard spots but is flexible enough to push out to offensive tackle too.

Who Has Florida State Landed In The Transfer Portal?

DB Nehemiah Chandler, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/3)

RB Tre Wisner, Junior (Announced 1/5)

QB Ashton Daniels, Senior (Announced 1/6)

OL Bradyn Joiner, Redshirt Sophomore (Announced 1/6)

OL Nate Pabst, Redshirt Senior (Announced 1/6)

TE Desirrio Riles, Junior (Announced 1/6)

DE Rylan Kennedy, Junior (Announced 1/6)

OL Paul Bowling, True Freshman (Announced 1/7)

Who Is Returning To Florida State In 2026?

DB Ja'Bril Rawls, Redshirt Sophomore (Announced 12/31)

WR Duce Robinson, Junior (Announced 1/1)

TE Landen Thomas, Sophomore (Announced 1/1)

DB Ashlynd Barker, Redshirt Junior (Announced 1/2)

Who Intends To Transfer From Florida State This Offseason?

LB Jayden Parrish, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/4)

DE L A Jesse Harrold, True Freshman (Announced 12/5)

OL Mario Nash Jr., True Freshman (Announced 12/9)

TE Luke Douglas, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/9)

DL Tyeland Coleman, Junior (Announced 12/9)

DL Jamorie Flagg, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/10)

RB Jaylin Lucas, Redshirt Junior (Announced 12/10)

WR Willy Suarez, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/10)

DB Edwin Joseph, Redshirt Sophomore (Announced 12/10)

DB Christian White, Redshirt Junior (Announced 12/10)

WR Camdon Frier, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/12)

DB Cai Bates, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/15)

RB Kam Davis, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/16)

DE Jaden Jones, Redshirt Senior (Announced 12/16)

LB Omar Graham Jr., Redshirt Junior (Announced 12/16)

TE Randy Pittman Jr., Junior (Announced 12/16)

DE Jayson Jenkins, Redshirt Junior (Announced 12/18)

RB Jeremiah Johnson, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/18)

QB Jaylen King, Junior (Announced 12/19)

WR Elijah Moore, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/22)

QB Brock Glenn, Redshirt Sophomore (Announced 12/23)

DE James Williams, Redshirt Junior (Announced 12/26)

WR Jayvan Boggs, Sophomore (Announced 12/27)

OL Manasse Itete, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/28)

RB Gavin Sawchuk, Redshirt Junior (Announced 12/28)

OL Lucas Simmons, Redshirt Sophomore (Announced 12/29)

OL Tye Hylton, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 12/30)

DL KJ Sampson, Redshirt Sophomore (Announced 12/31)

P Mac Chiumento, Redshirt Junior (Announced 1/1)

LB Ashton Bracewell, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/3)

DE Amaree Williams, Sophomore (Announced 1/5)

DL Mandrell Desir, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/5)

DL Darryll Desir, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/5)

LB Justin Cryer, Junior (Announced 1/5)

K Brunno Reus, True Freshman (Announced 1/6)

OL Ja'Elyne Matthews, True Freshman (Announced 1/6)

DB Earl Little Jr., Redshirt Junior (Announced 1/6)

WR Lawayne McCoy, Sophomore (Announced 1/6)

Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the offseason

Follow NoleGameday on and Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

More Florida State News

FSU football reaches 15 portal departures as roster turnover continues

Five offensive players FSU football must retain for the 2026 season

FSU football could land quarterback transfer from rival

FSU football losing former top running back recruit to transfer portal