Florida State added another experienced defensive back late Saturday night in Illinois State transfer CJ Richard.

As a freshman safety in 2025, Richard had 60 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery. Richard helped Illinois State reach the FCS championship game before seeing the season end with a 35-34 overtime loss to Montana State on Monday.

Richard, a native of Houston, visited FSU on Saturday and committed later that night.

"I love how coach (Mike) Norvell and coach (Evan) Cooper is trying to change the program around, and I definitely want to be apart of that," Richard told the Osceola in a direct message. "And get developed by the best on and off the field and also showcase my talent to get where I want to be, which is the league."

Richard joins returning starters like cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls and safety Ashlynd Barker as well as transfers Nehemiah Chandler (South Alabama) and Karson Hobbs (Notre Dame). The Seminoles also have rising junior Charles Lester III and a large group of first- and second-year players.

FSU has had some turnover at defensive back — Earl Little Jr., Shamar Arnoux, Edwin Joseph and Cai Bates — this offseason. Bates committed to Wisconsin, Joseph landed at Ole Miss and the others have not yet made their decisions.

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