Florida State football thought that it could overhaul talent in the transfer portal in the 2024 offseason after it accumulated a 2-10 record, which was unacceptable for a program that is used to competing for championships.
The first line of business was getting defensive line transfers in the portal to replace the likes of Patrick Payton (LSU) and Marvin Jones Jr. (Oklahoma). The Seminoles welcomed in defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton.
When they came to Tallahassee, they wanted to implement a 3-3-5 scheme. It was obvious even in the preseason that the Seminoles were not used to the adjustment of the new defense.