Former FSU Football Quarterback Finds New Home Out Of Transfer Portal

Originally posted on FanNation NoleGameDay
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated 1/6/24

The NCAA Transfer portal window is finally closed and players around the country are focused on finding their new homes. Florida State has already landed four transfers over the last couple of weeks as the program looks to replenish some of its losses.

Outside of graduate transfer DJ Uiagalelei, the Seminoles have a young quarterback room entering the spring after redshirt senior Tate Rodemaker entered the portal right before the Orange Bowl. He did not end up traveling with the team to South Florida as he focused on exploring his options.

Less than two weeks later, Rodemaker has made his decision. According to his social media, he'll be transferring to Southern Miss to play out his final season of eligibility. Rodemaker will have to compete with junior Billy Wiles (53.8%, 11 TDs, 8 INTs in 2023) for the starting job.

The Golden Eagles are obviously familiar with his skillset after facing Rodemaker during their 66-13 loss to Florida State this past season. In the game, he completed 3/3 passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Rodemaker spent the majority of his time with the program backing up star quarterback Jordan Travis. He was forced into action at multiple points in his career in relief of Travis, leading the Seminoles to wins over Louisville and Florida on the road. Rodemaker completed 12/25 passes for 134 yards to guide the Seminoles to their second consecutive victory over the Gators. He completed 57.1% of his passes for 510 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions during the 2023 season.

The Georgia native signed with FSU as a three-star prospect in the 2020 class. He was head coach Mike Norvell's first commitment in Tallahassee. During his career at Florida State, Rodemaker completed 68/118 passes for 901 yards with seven touchdowns to five interceptions in 22 appearances, with three starts.

Outside of Rodemaker, the Seminoles saw quarterback AJ Duffy (San Diego State), Rodney Hill, running back CJ Campbell (FAU), tight end Markeston Douglas (Arizona State), tight end Preston Daniel, wide receiver Goldie Lawrence, offensive lineman Bless Harris (TCU), offensive lineman Thomas Schrader, offensive lineman Daughtry Richardson (FAU), offensive lineman Qae'shon Sapp (ECU), defensive end Gilber Edmond, defensive tackle Malcolm Ray (Rutgers), defensive tackle Ayobami Tifase (Georgia Tech), linebacker DJ Lundy (Colorado), linebacker Dylan Brown-Turner, and kicker Tyler Keltner (Oklahoma) enter the portal during the recent transfer window that closed on January 4.