Florida State landed a commitment from linebacker Mikai Gbayor, who has ACC experience and played in the 3-3-5 defense previously with Tony White.

Gbayor had 39 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery at North Carolina in 2025.

The 6-foot-2, 230 pound Gbayor also had a combined 73 tackles at Nebraska from 2023-24.

Gbayor adds valuable experience to a linebacker group that needs to rebuild depth in 2026, and he has experience in the 3-3-5 scheme having played for White at Nebraska for two seasons. He was the second linebacker to commit to FSU, joining Southern Miss’ Chris Jones.

When factoring in just Seminoles who played in 2025, they return just Blake Nichelson and Omar Graham Jr. FSU will also have Caleb LaVallee, who missed all of 2025 due to injury following his transfer from North Carolina.

The Seminoles added Izayia Williams, Karon Maycock, Daylen Green and Noah LaVallee as signees in December.

Running back visits

FSU also hosted Florida Atlantic running back transfer Gemari Sands for a visit on Thursday.

Sands, a Fort Lauderdale native, had 105 carries for 465 yards and averaged 4.4 yards per carry. He also had 40 catches for 217 yards.

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