Cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls weighed his options and declared an intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 16. But on Wednesday afternoon, one of Florida State’s top defensive players shifted gears and decided to return to the team in 2026.

Rawls was seeking a larger payday but was interested in a return to FSU, the Osceola confirmed prior to the Christmas break. On Wednesday afternoon, 247Sports and On3 first reported Rawls’ return to FSU.

A Pensacola native, Rawls confirmed his return to FSU in a post on his Instagram.

In a breakout 2025 season, Rawls had 40 tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception in seven games. He was often viewed as a reliable run stopper, and Rawls was injured in the Clemson game.

Rawls was considered one of the top defensive players in the transfer portal. Now he is a pivotal piece to FSU’s defense in 2026, strengthening a secondary that will include Shamar Arnoux, KJ Kirkland, Quindarrius Jones, Charles Lester III and 2026 signee Chauncey Kennon.

FSU had suffered some considerable losses in December. Earl Little Jr. declared early for NFL Draft, while Edwin Joseph, Ashlynd Barker and Cai Bates announced intentions to transfer.

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