Florida State Seminoles Bolster Offensive Line with Transfer Xavier Chaplin
The Florida State Seminoles have been actively recruiting experienced offensive linemen from the transfer portal to bolster their lineup. With the need for five new starters, the Seminoles have successfully added four seasoned players this week. Coach Herb Hand is tasked with reshaping the unit for the second year in a row, and he has already demonstrated his ability to do so.
The latest addition to the Seminoles' offensive line is Xavier Chaplin, a redshirt junior offensive tackle transfer from Auburn. Chaplin committed to Florida State over Kentucky after visiting Tallahassee. He started all 12 games for Auburn, playing alongside transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels. Chaplin excelled as a pass-blocker but struggled in run blocking, giving up 17 pressures and three sacks. Despite some penalties, Chaplin's performance earned him recognition as an All-American and All-ACC honorable mention.
Chaplin, a three-star prospect in the 2022 class, redshirted his freshman year at Virginia Tech before becoming a starter. He started 25 consecutive games at left tackle from 2023-24. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 348 pounds, Chaplin is expected to anchor the left side of the line for the Seminoles in 2026. He joins a group of transfers that includes Bradyn Joiner, Nate Pabst, and Paul Bowling, strengthening the team's offensive line.
The Seminoles have been actively recruiting players from various positions, including defensive backs, running backs, quarterbacks, tight ends, and defensive linemen. The addition of Chaplin and other transfers is part of the team's strategy to enhance its roster and build a competitive team for the upcoming season. With the recent influx of experienced players, Florida State is poised to make significant improvements and compete at a higher level in the future.