Florida State snags a potential impact defender from the SEC in the transfer portal
The Seminoles are adding an intriguing player to their defense for 2026.
Mike Norvell has a lot of work to do to fill out a roster that’s seen heavy attrition through the transfer portal in recent weeks. He got a potential big piece of that puzzle on Tuesday by securing the pledge of former Auburn QB Ashton Daniels, who’s now the frontrunner to be the starting quarterback next season.
However, that wasn’t the only notable pickup of the day. Per On3 Sports’ Hayes Fawcett, Texas A&M EDGE Rylan Kennedy has also committed to the Seminoles.
Texas A&M edge rusher Rylan Kennedy commits to Florida State
Kennedy was a three-star recruit coming out of Mansfield, Texas and committed out of high school to the Aggies, where he spent his first three years. This season for A&M, he totaled 14 combined tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
A&M’s pass rush group was one of the best and most talented units in the nation in 2025, led by first team All-American Cashius Howell. As such, finding snaps wasn’t always easy to come by for Kennedy.
However, there’s no doubt that the talent and upside is there on film. I touched base with A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Roberts, who provided a little bit of inside on Kennedy’s skillset.
“Kennedy is a freaky athlete who came to Texas A&M as a very raw football player who didn’t have much experience in high school. While he has been stuck behind some other talented defensive ends, there have been a ton of flashes of Kennedy over the last two years. A 6-6 high jumper in high school, the explosiveness is very easy to see. When he gets a good jump off of the snap, he is a very difficult player to deal with, constantly putting opposing offensive tackles into conflict.
“Kennedy has also seen his body developed over the last couple of years, but more is needed in that department. If his power profile ever comes, and he becomes a more nuanced pass rusher, Kennedy has a chance to develop into a plus starter on the Power Four level with NFL upside to work with.” – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst
Florida State Seminoles News
Florida State just got an enormous boost for its 2026 season without lifting a finger
Mike Norvell got a big boost for next season on Thursday.
