Florida State has made an unexpected splash in the transfer portal. Former USC safety Jarvis Boatwright Jr., a retired four-star prospect from Florida, is officially transferring to Tallahassee. The redshirt freshman announced his decision on Instagram, generating excitement among Seminoles fans and surprise among those following his career at USC.
Boatwright was expected to compete for playing time at USC in 2025. Instead, he’s making a surprise return to his home state and stepping into a Seminoles secondary that just added a major talent boost.
Fans stunned as FSU grabs Jarvis Boatwright from portal
The Instagram post that broke the news included a simple caption, “Let’s work #GoNoles,” but fans had plenty more to say. Some were pumped. Other fans were shocked. “Damnnn didn’t see this coming at all,” one user commented, summing up the surprise many felt.
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It’s clear why the reactions were mixed. Boatwright never played a snap at USC, so there’s still some uncertainty about his full potential. But for FSU fans who recall his explosive, instinctive, and aggressive high school film, this move feels like a long-overdue homecoming.
Several Seminole supporters praised the staff for staying aggressive in the portal, especially at a time when FSU is trying to reload rather than rebuild. Boatwright’s addition checks a key box as the ‘Noles look to fine-tune a defense that was elite in 2023 but needs new leaders.
Of course, some USC fans were disappointed to see him leave. There was a genuine belief in his potential out West. But that door has closed, and now it’s Florida State’s gain. As the 2025 season creeps closer, this unexpected flip could turn into one of the sneakiest wins of the portal cycle.
Florida State Lands Former 4-star USC S Boatwright
Boatwright, a 2023 four-star signee out of Clearwater, FL, was a top-30 safety nationally and had offers from major SEC and ACC programs before committing to USC. Now, after redshirting his freshman year, he’s back in the Sunshine State, this time wearing garnet and gold.
The 6’0″, 180-pound safety didn’t see the field in 2023 due to injuries and a loaded USC depth chart, but his upside remains high. Florida State’s staff sees that potential and acted fast once he entered the portal.
FSU’s defensive backfield took some hits this offseason, losing starters to the draft and transfers. Adding Boatwright gives the Seminoles a versatile athlete who can fill multiple roles in the secondary.
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Whether he plays deep safety, nickel, or a hybrid role, Boatwright brings speed, instincts, and familiarity with Florida football. For FSU, this was a low-risk, high-reward pickup that could pay off quickly.
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