Unexpected Transfers: Florida State Welcomes Two New Players
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida State University's football team received an unexpected boost on Sunday morning with the arrival of two highly-rated trench transfer targets. Bowling Green senior offensive tackle Nate Pabst and Texas A&M redshirt sophomore defensive end Rylan Kennedy are now part of the Seminoles' roster.
Nate Pabst, a towering 6-foot-5, 315-pound lineman, has been a key player at Bowling Green since 2021. With 42 games and 38 starts under his belt, Pabst has proven his reliability. As a senior in 2025, he played a significant 783 snaps, showcasing his versatility. He excelled at right tackle, logging 493 snaps, and also contributed at right guard with 273 snaps. Pabst's performance was impressive, allowing just one sack in 354 passing plays, and he was a team captain and earned Second Team All-MAC honors. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades have been on an upward trajectory, starting from a poor 47.9 in 2023, improving to a slightly below-average 58.9 in 2024, and finally reaching a good 70.3 this past season. Pabst's pass protection skills took a significant leap, with only 14 QB Pressures allowed, compared to 34 and 8 sacks in the previous two years.
While Pabst has the most experience at right guard, he is also comfortable at left guard and both tackle positions. His versatility and experience make him a valuable addition to the Seminoles' offensive line, where he has already played over 2,100 snaps.
Pabst is originally from Springdale, Ohio, and attended Archbishop Moeller for high school. His athletic prowess and leadership qualities make him a perfect fit for Florida State's program.
Rylan Kennedy, a 6-foot-3, 239-pound rush end, brings a different set of skills to the team. Kennedy has appeared in 35 games over three seasons with the Aggies, showcasing his consistency. This past season, he made a significant impact with 14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. Over his three seasons in College Station, Kennedy has accumulated 40 tackles, 5.5 TFL, and 3.5 sacks. His PFF Grade of 67.0 this past season and above-average pass-rushing grades (76.0 in 2024 and 66.0 in 2025) highlight his potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line.
Kennedy's arrival is particularly intriguing given his connection to new FSU defensive ends/edge coach Nick Williams, who previously recruited him to Texas A&M. With Florida State seeking speed rushers, Kennedy's transfer grade of 87 from 247Sports makes him an attractive addition to the team. Kennedy's athletic abilities and coaching ties make him a valuable asset as the Seminoles look to strengthen their defensive line.
Both players' arrivals have created a buzz among fans and media alike, as they bring unique skill sets and experiences to the team. With their arrival, Florida State's coaching staff will have an exciting challenge of integrating these new players into the existing roster and maximizing their potential.
