FCS All-American cornerback C.J. Richard commits to Florida State

C.J. Richard, a 6'1", 190-pound cornerback from Houston, has committed to Florida State after an FCS breakout season at Illinois State. Richard arrives with FCS All-American honors and multiple seasons of eligibility remaining, a combination that makes him a plug-and-play option for a Seminoles secondary working through a busy transfer window.

Richard's 2025 stat line underlines why his stock rose: 36 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and multiple pass breakups. Those numbers reflect a defensive back who can both stick in run support and create turnover opportunities in coverage. His size and production at the FCS level suggest he can handle the physical demands and speed jump when he gets on the field for Florida State.

For FSU, the move helps address depth and experience concerns in the defensive backfield. The Seminoles have been active in the portal, reshaping their roster and chasing proven contributors who can step into rotation roles immediately. Richard's profile fits that need: he won't require a redshirt year and can compete in spring practices and position battles for boundary or nickel snaps depending on scheme fit. Special teams could also be an early pathway to game reps, a common route for transfers who need to prove themselves on a new roster.

The commitment also matters for the FCS community. Illinois State's program produced another player who parlayed an FCS All-American campaign into a Power Five opportunity, reinforcing that quality FCS personnel can make quick, meaningful impacts at the next level. For FCS coaches, Richard's move highlights the growing two-way conversation between mid-major programs and top-tier rosters during each portal cycle.

What to watch next: monitor Florida State's spring drills and early fall camp reports for where Richard lines up — boundary, press-man, slot — and whether he earns snaps in the first wave of the rotation. His ball skills and size will be the immediate metrics coaches and fans use to evaluate fit.

Our two cents? Expect Richard to be a low-risk, high-reward add who can push for playing time right away. Tune in to spring practice and the preseason to see if that FCS All-American translate into FSU turnovers and tighter coverage come kickoff.