#Tribe26 signee departs FSU football before arriving on campus

In this story:
Florida State's offseason has been filled with plenty of highs and lows since the beginning of December.
From negotiations, players intending to transfer, and some of those same names ultimately returning to Tallahassee, it's been a long six weeks for the Seminoles.
READ MORE: FSU football hit again as former top recruit exits for transfer portal
Another twist has appeared in the middle of January as one recruit who recently signed with FSU won't be making to campus.
DE Signee Damaad Lewis Re-Opens Recruitment

On Monday, three-star defensive end Damaad Lewis announced he was reopening his recruitment. Lewis signed with Florida State during the Early Signing Period but will apparently be released from that bond.
"I want to take a moment to thank God and my family who supported me through this recruitment process. It's been a long year, but I'm ready to get to work," Lewis wrote on social media. "With that being said, I have decided to decommit from FSU, and my recruitment is 100% back open."
I want to take a moment to thank God and my family who supported me through this recruitment process. It’s been a long year but I’m ready to get to work. With that being said, I have decided to decommit from FSU and my recruitment is 100% back open.
— Damaad Lewis (@DamaadLewis07) January 12, 2026
Lewis chose the Seminoles over Nebraska and North Carolina State, among others, in November. He revealed his pledge on the same day FSU announced Mike Norvell would return for the 2026 season.
During his senior season at Myers Park High School, Lewis has totaled 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, one fumble recovery, and one pass deflection.
Lewis is the younger brother of former LSU Star Damien Lewis, who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. He moved to North Carolina when his older brother signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2024.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end is regarded as the No. 463 overall prospect, the No. 49 DL, and the No. 21 recruit in North Carolina in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports composite ratings.
With Lewis moving on, Florida State still has eight incoming defensive line signees from its prep/JUCO class, including Jalen Anderson, the No. 1 defensive end out of junior college.
Who Has Florida State Landed In The Transfer Portal?
DB Nehemiah Chandler, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/3)
RB Tre Wisner, Junior (Announced 1/5)
LS Clay Bowers, Senior (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)
P Daniel Hughes, Sophomore (Announced 1/8)
OL Xavier Chaplin, Redshirt Junior (Announced 1/9)
DB Karson Hobbs, Sophomore (Announced 1/9)
OL Chimdia Nwaiwu, Redshirt Sophomore (Announced 1/10)
CJ Richard Jr., Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/10)
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)
WR Micahi Danzy, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/9)
WR Jayvan Boggs, True Freshman (Announced 1/10)
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)
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)
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)
LB Gav Holman, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/7)
DB Shamar Arnoux, True Freshman (Announced 1/8)
DL Grant Fielder, Redshirt Sophomore (Announced 1/9)
K Jake Weinberg, Redshirt Freshman (Announced 1/10)
DL Kevin Wynn, True Freshman (Announced 1/10)
READ MORE: FSU football adds third transfer to offensive line
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

Lewis joined NoleGameday in 2016 and is currently in the role of Editor-In-Chief. A graduate of Florida State, Lewis contributes to football, recruiting, and basketball coverage. Connect with Dustin on Twitter at @DustinLewisNG.
Follow DustinLewisNG