Florida State defensive end Patrick Payton is entering the transfer portal. Payton entered the 2024 campaign as a potential future first-round pick. He did not meet expectations, recording fewer tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks compared to his 2023 performance. The veteran Seminole recorded just four sacks, three of which occurred in one game against Cal in September.
Payton, the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, possesses untapped potential. He projects as an uber-athletic and well-framed explosive rusher with a high ceiling. Payton will now search for greener pastures in the portal, setting out to prove he's capable of better than what he displayed this year.
Payton should attract several potential suitors via the portal. We've identified three potential landing spots.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Payton was originally committed to begin his career in Lincoln before flipping to Florida State in 2020. That coaching staff is no longer in place, but if anything, Matt Rhule has improved the program since taking over. Showing steady improvement, Rhule appears to be positioning Nebraska as a true contender in the Big Ten in the coming years.
Rhule has been doing quality work via the portal. He recently lured a highly-ranked transfer in Missouri defensive end Williams Nwaneri. Pairing Payton with Nwaneri would give the Cornhuskers a legitimate pass-rushing duo heading into next season. Payton could help Nebraska reclaim its position in the national spotlight.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The 2024 campaign was a transitional one for the Alabama Crimson Tide. First-year head coach Kalen DeBoer is still attempting to build his culture in a post-Nick Saban world. That comes with difficulties, ones Alabama couldn't overcome to make the SEC Championship Game or qualify for the College Football Playoff.
The program is expected to lose several defensive contributors to the 2025 NFL Draft, including pass rusher LT Overton, off-ball linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and safety Malachi Moore. This qualifies as DeBoer's first full offseason in charge, and he's expected to continue placing his thumbprints on the roster. The defensive line will be boosted by incoming Florida transfer Kelby Collins. Adding Payton would help elevate his room, especially if Overton declares for the draft.
Boise State Broncos
The Boise State Broncos are enjoying an outstanding campaign. The program qualified for the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, earning the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye. They'll await the winner of Saturday's SMU-Penn State showdown.
Once the season concludes, Boise State will be tasked with replacing Ashton Jeanty’s star power. Second-year head coach Spencer Danielson may need to restock the cupboard via the portal. It's also worth noting that current defensive coordinator Erik Chinander was a big-time player in Payton's original recruitment when he was still coaching at Nebraska. This year, Chinander's defense allowed a conference-low 21.9 points per contest. Payton would be fortunate to join a defense with a strong scheme and proven results already in place.