The 2025 college football season had its highs and lows for the Florida State Seminoles.
On a positive note, the team had a strong start to the season, winning its first three games after finishing last year with a 2-10 record. This included a notable 31-17 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide, who later qualified for the College Football Playoff. However, on the downside, the team then lost four consecutive games and ultimately finished the season with a record of 5-7, which meant they did not qualify for a bowl game.
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Florida State Seminoles running back Gavin Sawchuk (27) runs the ball.© Melina Myers-Imagn Images
This disappointing season has led to 25 players announcing their intentions to enter the transfer portal and seek opportunities elsewhere next year. One of these players is starting running back Gavin Sawchuk.
The Oklahoma Sooners transfer led the Florida State running backs with 486 yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He added 13 catches for 121 yards and one score in the receiving game as well.
Sawchuk’s decision is another ripple effect of a season that never stabilized for Florida State after its promising start. The Seminoles’ early wins briefly suggested a major step forward under head coach Mike Norvell, but a midseason collapse reversed that momentum and exposed lingering depth and consistency issues. With 25 players now headed for the portal, the program is facing one of the most significant roster resets in the country.
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From a football standpoint, Sawchuk’s departure leaves a noticeable hole in Florida State’s backfield. He was the team’s most productive runner from the running back position, accounting for eight rushing touchdowns and providing reliability in the passing game. His exit forces the Seminoles to either lean on younger backs or aggressively pursue portal replacements, particularly after finishing outside bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season.
Looking ahead, Florida State’s offseason will be defined by how it responds to this wave of departures. Norvell and his staff must stabilize the roster, rebuild offensive continuity and restore confidence heading into spring practice. For Sawchuk, the move opens the door to a program seeking an experienced, versatile running back and a chance to reset his trajectory ahead of the 2026 season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.