Florida State adds transfer CJ Richard Jr to bolster defense
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 27, 2026, 5:05 AM
Last updated Jul 27, 2026
Florida State University has signed CJ Richard Jr, a redshirt sophomore and Freshman All-American from Illinois State. Richard Jr, a safety with three years of eligibility remaining, is expected to play a pivotal role in the Seminoles' defensive unit, which seeks to rebound after finishing 43rd in total defense last season. He recorded 36 tackles and two interceptions during his only season of action, contributing significantly to a defense that advanced to the FCS championship game. Florida State has been active in the transfer portal, bringing in 24 players in total, including eight on defense, as head coach Mike Norvell aims to improve the team's performance ahead of the season opener against New Mexico State on August 29.
- •CJ Richard Jr signed from Illinois State via the transfer portal.
- •Richard Jr was named Freshman All-American in 2025.
- •Florida State opens its season on August 29 against New Mexico State.
- •The team has signed 24 transfer players this season, including eight defensive.
- •Florida State's defense ranked 43rd in total defense last season.
- 5:05 AMYahoo Sports — Florida State Signs FCS All American CJ Richard Jr
"Mike Norvell bolsters a depleted secondary with the ball-hawking Illinois State transfer. The Freshman All-American arrives in Tallahassee ready to anchor a defensive unit desperate for playmakers.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- College Sports•Jul 27, 2026, 8:05 AMThree key storylines for Rutgers football at Big Ten Media Days
- College Sports•Jul 27, 2026, 8:04 AMAuburn football littered with chances to reignite rivalries this fall
- College Sports•Jul 27, 2026, 8:02 AMNotre Dame football quarterback preview for the 2026 season
- NCAAF•Jul 27, 2026, 8:01 AMThe best male athletes I've covered in the Cheboygan area | Greenleaf
- NCAAM•Jul 27, 2026, 6:46 AMBilly Donovan Drops Secret 4-Word Motivation That Fueled Florida’s 2007 Title
- NCAAF•Jul 27, 2026, 6:10 AMKirby Smart Reveals Advice From Nick Saban That Sticks With Him To This Day
