Gbayor will need a waiver for one more year of eligibility
The Florida State Seminoles are bringing in a transfer linebacker with ties to the defensive coaching staff. Mikai Gbayor, who played for Tony White at Nebraska, has chosen to transfer to FSU. On3 first reported the news on Thursday evening.
Gbayor is a 6-foot-2, 230 pound linebacker who is originally from Irvington, New Jersey. Importantly, he will need a waiver to be able to play in 2026, so FSU is taking a risk here.
He spent the 2025 season with Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels, playing in 12 games and finishing with 39 tackles (2.5 for loss), a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. He’d originally chosen the Missouri Tigers to be his 2025 destination but re-entered the portal after the spring, landing in Chapel Hill.
Prior to those moves, Gbayor played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, personally coached by Tony White. In 2024, he had 49 tackles (six for loss), three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and a sack in 12 games. That built upon his first season of action, finishing 2023 with 24 tackles (three for loss) and half a sack.
He should provide a veteran presence in a linebacker room that could use some, and he should factor into the rotation quickly. Ceiling would be a productive starter, floor would be rotational depth.
Gbayor’s bio from goheels.com
Prior to North Carolina
A transfer from Missouri who spent the spring semester with the Tigers • Played 24 games during his time at Nebraska • In 2024, played in 12 games with 11 starts, with career highs with 49 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, three PBU and two fumble recoveries • In 2023, played in all 12 games with four starts, posting 24 tackles with 3.0 tackles for loss and 0.5 sack • A standout linebacker for Irvington High School, where he was named a 2020 All-America candidate by Sports Illustrated • Was ranked among the top 10 recruits in the state of New Jersey by 247Sports and was regarded as the nation’s No. 21 inside linebacker by Rivals.
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