FSU Football Lands Another Offensive Lineman from the Portal, Bolstering Depth and Experience
Florida State football continues to make waves in the transfer portal, landing yet another key addition to their offensive line. On Saturday, the Seminoles secured a commitment from former Louisville offensive lineman Michael McLaughlin, adding valuable experience and depth to a position group that has been a focal point of offseason rebuilding efforts.
McLaughlin, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound lineman with two years of eligibility remaining, brings versatility and high-level competition experience to Tallahassee. He appeared in 18 games over the past two seasons for the Cardinals, primarily at tackle but also contributing along the interior when needed. His size, athleticism, and familiarity with ACC-level play make him an ideal fit for head coach Mike Norvell’s up-tempo, balanced offensive scheme.
FSU’s offensive line has undergone significant reshuffling in recent months, with multiple veterans graduating or declaring for the NFL Draft. That attrition, combined with a desire to solidify protection for incoming quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, has pushed the Seminoles to aggressively pursue reinforcements in the portal. McLaughlin joins an already promising group of transfers, including former UTEP standout Jeremiah Byers and Houston’s Patrick Paul, both of whom are expected to compete for starting roles this fall.
“We’re excited to welcome Michael to the Seminole family,” Coach Norvell said in a team release. “He’s a hard-working, high-character player who adds immediate value to our offensive front. His ability to play multiple positions gives us much-needed flexibility and competition heading into the season.”
The addition of McLaughlin also reflects Florida State’s growing reputation as a top transfer destination. After back-to-back 10-win seasons and a return to national prominence, Norvell and his staff have become highly effective in identifying and attracting portal talent that fits the Seminoles’ culture and on-field needs.
McLaughlin’s commitment boosts the overall depth of FSU’s offensive line, ensuring the coaching staff can rotate players more freely and maintain a high level of performance throughout games. It also gives the team insurance against injuries, which proved costly at times during the 2023 campaign.
With spring practices concluded and summer workouts on the horizon, Florida State now boasts one of the deepest and most experienced offensive line units in the ACC. The competition for starting spots is expected to be fierce, but the increased depth should pay dividends come September when the Seminoles open the season against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland.
As the portal window nears closing, FSU appears focused on fine-tuning its roster with strategic additions—and with McLaughlin on board, the offensive line is shaping up to be a strength once again.