The news of starting cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls deciding to come back for the 2026 season was the best news FSU fans have heard in quite some time. That decision alone was a big win for the coaching staff, because it was like getting the best cornerback in the portal before the portal opened.
Some may view the situation like Rawls was holding FSU hostage, trying to get more money like some players in past years, but I don’t believe that to be the case. He could have easily found a new home and gotten money.
He’s one of the few high school recruits they signed and developed into a bona fide starter, and his decision to enter the portal likely had more to do with Pat Surtain not getting retained for 2026.