In a stunning turn of events, Florida State Seminoles redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jalen Brown has been dismissed from the football program and is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The news broke Saturday morning, sending shockwaves through the FSU fanbase and raising immediate questions about the team’s receiving corps heading into the 2025 season.
While the university has not officially commented on the specific reason for Brown’s dismissal, multiple reports indicate it is related to an off-field incident. Further details emerged later in the day, with reports citing an arrest on felony charges for possession of a controlled substance. Court records from Leon County appear to corroborate these reports.
Brown, a former four-star recruit who transferred to Florida State from LSU prior to the 2024 season, was anticipated to have a significant role in the Seminoles’ offense this fall. After a year in Baton Rouge, the highly touted prospect out of Miami’s Gulliver Prep joined the Seminoles with high expectations. In his lone season in Tallahassee, Brown appeared in nine games, recording eight receptions for 75 yards. While his production may not have matched the initial hype, he was reportedly making strides during spring practice and was in the mix for a larger role.
This dismissal marks the third wide receiver to depart the FSU program in a week. Junior Hykeem Williams, another former highly-rated recruit, and junior Jordan Scott both recently announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal. This sudden exodus leaves the Seminoles thin at a crucial position, forcing Head Coach Mike Norvell and his staff to quickly reassess their options.
The departure of Brown, in particular, stings for the Seminoles. He possessed a combination of size and speed that the coaching staff was hoping to utilize to stretch the field. His absence creates a significant void and puts added pressure on the remaining receivers, including senior transfer Squirrel White, junior transfer Duce Robinson, and sophomores Lawayne McCoy and BJ Gibson, to step up.
Florida State will now undoubtedly be active in the spring transfer portal, looking to add experienced talent to their wide receiver room. The Seminoles have been aggressive in the portal in recent cycles, and this situation necessitates an immediate focus on finding playmakers who can contribute right away.
The timing of this news is also less than ideal, coming during a crucial offseason period as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The off-field issues surrounding Brown will undoubtedly be a distraction as the coaching staff attempts to maintain focus and build chemistry within the team.
As Jalen Brown prepares to enter the transfer portal for the second time in his collegiate career, the Florida State Seminoles are left grappling with a significant roster shakeup at a key offensive position. The coming weeks will be critical as they navigate the transfer portal and look to solidify their receiving corps for the 2025 campaign. The Seminole faithful will be watching closely to see how Coach Norvell and his staff respond to this unexpected challenge.
