Report: FSU Football Linebacker Returning Instead Of Transferring To Colorado Buffaloes
Florida State had plenty of surprise exits during the recent NCAA Transfer Portal window. The biggest was arguably the departure of rising redshirt senior linebacker DJ Lundy, who was primed to play an integral role in 2024 with Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune graduating and beginning their professional careers.
It seemed like Lundy was gone after committing to Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes on Christmas Day. However, there now appears to be a growing chance that he'll finish his college career in garnet and gold. According to a report from On3's Pete Nakos, Lundy has withdrawn from the transfer portal and is moving towards staying with the Seminoles.
This could be an absolutely massive turn of events for Florida State as the program is currently down to just six scholarship linebackers. The most experienced out of that group are redshirt sophomore Omar Graham Jr., sophomore Blake Nichelson, and sophomore Justin Cryer. Graham Jr. finished the 2023 season with 23 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Lundy appeared in 13 games, with four starts, during his redshirt junior campaign, totaling 54 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, and four pass deflections. He chose not to play in the Orange Bowl while exploring his future. Lundy's been on the field for 380+ defensive snaps during each of the past three years in Tallahassee.
The Georgia native has appeared in 45 games, with 17 starts, and totaled 183 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, eight pass deflections, and one interception throughout his four years with the Seminoles. He recorded a career-high six tackles for loss, two sacks, and his lone interception at the college level in 2023.
This decision feels a little sweeter with Florida State pulling out a late victory over Colorado to return a veteran defender to a position that is arguably the weakest on the roster. Lundy's return provides a boost that the Seminoles dearly needed on defense. The coaching staff also is involved with multiple transfers at the position, even hosting former Syracuse linebacker Stefon Thompson and former Charlotte linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green for official visits last weekend.
With the recent additions through the portal and the retainment movement that's underway in Tallahassee, there's a lot of excitement building at Florida State early in the offseason.
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