Florida State University Football: DD Holmes Enters Transfer Portal

News Summary

Defensive lineman DD Holmes from Florida State University has made headlines by entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. A promising athlete at 6-foot-6, Holmes had a modest freshman year, participating in only one game during the challenging season. As FSU grapples with several players seeking new opportunities, Holmes’s decision opens doors for potential growth, both for himself and the university’s football program. With ongoing changes in the Seminoles’ roster, fans are curious to see what the future holds for Holmes and the team’s defensive line.

Big Moves in Tallahassee: DD Holmes Takes His Next Step

In the ever-changing world of college football, players often seek new opportunities, and it seems that Florida State University (FSU) is no exception. This past Sunday, defensive lineman DD Holmes made headlines by entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. A towering presence at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 255 pounds, Holmes is a freshman from Washington, D.C., who had high hopes for his collegiate football career.

From Gonzaga to FSU

Before joining the Seminoles, DD Holmes had an impressive run at Gonzaga College High School, where he showcased his talents as a standout athlete. He signed with FSU after making waves on the recruiting scene, where he was recognized as a solid four-star prospect. Holmes committed to Florida State on July 1, 2023, amidst fierce competition, opting for the Seminoles over offers from schools like Maryland, South Carolina, and Rutgers.

What His Freshman Year Looked Like

The journey for Holmes in Tallahassee hasn’t been without its challenges. During the 2024 season, he saw action in just one game, an experience many hoped would be the start of something big. In that game, he made a contribution by assisting on a tackle and impressively registered two quarterback hurries. However, most of his first-year playtime was spent with the scout team, where he got a taste of the collegiate level, clocking in a total of 16 defensive snaps.

Following a Difficult Season

Holmes is not alone in pursuing a change; he becomes the second player from his high school class to seek new opportunities, following quarterback Luke Kromenhoek. It’s been a tough time for the Seminoles, with a challenging season leading to a dismal 2-10 record. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a significant number of players—including 19 scholarship athletes—choosing to enter the transfer portal as they weigh their options for the future.

Looking Ahead

As the leaves turn and winter sets in, the NCAA Transfer Portal’s window has recently closed for most programs, including FSU. It’s important to note that while players may enter the portal, it can take a few days for their entries to be fully processed in the database. For Holmes, this means that while he’s made a decision to explore other options, he’s also navigating a period of uncertainty.

The Defensive Line Landscape

At FSU, the defensive end roster is somewhat thin as it stands, with only two scholarship players expected to return for the 2025 season: redshirt senior Jaden Jones and redshirt junior Aaron Hester. This leaves an opportunity for new recruits and transfers to step into crucial roles and reshape the team moving forward.

Taking the Next Step

As he moves forward, DD Holmes’s decision to enter the portal opens doors to new possibilities, whether it means continuing his football journey in a different program or exploring fresh avenues beyond the gridiron.

In the world of college sports, change is the only constant—something that players, coaches, and fans alike must embrace. As the semester progresses, all eyes will be watching to see where Holmes lands next, and which other FSU players may also seek new challenges in the months ahead. It’s safe to say that the Florida State football landscape will keep evolving, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds!