1. Florida State
Departures: 22 (85.75)
Newcomers: 17 (89.35)
Net rating gain: +3.6
FSU is arguably the most successful program in the portal era, ranking in the top 25 of 247Sports’ rankings every year under Norvell with an average finish at No. 9. The Seminoles have done this despite not exceeding 17 transfers in the last four years, a stark contrast to the likes of Colorado (93 transfers in two years) or Arizona State (60 transfers in two years).
Simply put, the Seminoles have balanced high school recruiting with portal additions, and they upgrade in the portal every year. The Noles once again led the ACC with a net gain of 3.6 points in the transfer portal. The big gains are quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State), running back Roydell Williams (Alabama), defensive end Sione Lolohea (Oregon State), edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia) and linebacker Shawn Murphy (Alabama). They also secured linebacker DJ Lundy, who entered the portal and chose to return to Tallahassee.
There’s no doubt FSU had plenty to replace off its championship team last season but Uiaglelei provides veteran leadership at quarterback, Williams appears poised to be the next 1,000-yard rusher and the Seminoles found all-conference talent, particularly on the edges, as they try to replicate the incredible trio of Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Jabian Lovett of last season.