Soon after Mike Norvell’s press conference with John Garrett and Michael Alford ended, Florida State learned of more attraction to its defense. Florida State linebacker and vocal leader Justin Cryer announced
his intention to enter the transfer portal on Monday afternoon, according to multiple sources. Cryer is the fourth defensive player to say they will leave the program today, alongside DE Amaree Williams, DL Mandrell and Darryl Desir. Cryer’s player bio has already been removed from Seminoles.com.
Cryer became a success story for FSU, coming to campus as a preferred walk-on in 2023 before earning a starting role in 2024 and 2025. The Texas native also had an incredible personality and set the record straight during media availabilities, a breath of fresh air from a quieter group over the last two seasons. The linebacker finished eighth on the FSU defense in snaps in 2025 and played in every game last season.
Florida State will be on its third linebackers coach in three years after LB coach Randy Shannon left the program in 2024 and John Papuchis took a job at Missouri during this offseason. In Papuchis’ place, head coach Mike Norvell promoted Ernie Sims to be the linebackers coach in his third season with the program in a coaching role.
