Florida State football is navigating a busy offseason, with coaches focusing on the transfer portal to strengthen the 2025 roster. While FSU is bringing in talent, a familiar face is also heading out. Defensive end Patrick Payton, once seen as one of the program’s top prospects, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.
Breaking News:
FSU EDGE Patrick Payton plans to enter the transfer portal, he confirmed to On3 Sports. The 6’5″, 250-pound pass rusher played three seasons with the Seminoles, accumulating 109 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 12 pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. Payton’s breakout year came in 2022, when he was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. He earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors in 2023 but struggled to live up to expectations in 2024.
Payton’s decision to flirt with the transfer portal after the 2023 season had already raised eyebrows, leading some to believe it was a financial play. His lackluster performance in 2024 did little to convince FSU fans that he was worth the investment. Despite his experience, Payton’s efforts often appeared uninspired, with just two sacks in 12 games, and his reputation for not playing with physicality left many questioning his future with the program.
While his departure may be seen as addition by subtraction for FSU, the Seminoles are moving quickly to address the need for a more aggressive edge presence. On Tuesday, FSU secured a commitment from former Nebraska defensive end James Williams, a top target in the portal.
As Payton enters the portal, the Seminoles will look to continue reshaping their defense, bringing in players who can provide the intensity and physicality that was often missing in Payton’s play. It remains to be seen where Payton will land, but for FSU, it’s a move that may help usher in a new era of defense.
