Seminoles continue to reshape trenches with addition of a former Rutgers lineman.
The Florida State Seminoles are continuing to strengthen their offensive line via the NCAA Transfer Portal, most recently adding three-star transfer Ja’Elyne Matthews from Rutgers. A true freshman, Matthews originally signed with the Scarlet Knights in December 2024 out of Toms River, New Jersey.
An offensive lineman with championship pedigree, great size and athletic ability is in #Tribe25 – welcome to the #NoleFamily, @JaelyneMatthew3!https://t.co/zdh624RvLN pic.twitter.com/I81oDjnvsu
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) April 30, 2025
Coming out of high school, Ja’Elyne Matthews was ranked as the No. 52 overall prospect nationally and the No. 19 player in New Jersey.
At 6-foot-6 and 340 pounds, Matthews showcased his versatility by playing on both sides of the ball. As a junior on defense, he posted 79 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.
“Shows promising pursuit ability and can rally to the ball. Hand placement and technique are works in progress to some degree, but capable of overwhelming high school defenders with size in the run game,” 247Sports analyst Gabe Brooks wrote. “Put some impressive pass-protection reps on junior tape and also looked better physically year over year. Plays upright at times and can improve pad-level consistency.”
Matthews brings much-needed depth to a Florida State offensive line that has been thinned out by both injuries and transfers. This spring, the Seminoles have been without redshirt seniors Micah Pettus, Gunnar Hansen, Richie Leonard IV, and Jacob Rizy, all recovering from injuries. Meanwhile, redshirt senior TJ Ferguson and redshirt junior Jaylen Early both exited via the transfer portal.
With Matthews’ arrival, FSU has now added five true freshmen to its offensive line. He joins four-star signees Mario Nash Jr. and Chastan Brown, as well as three-star prospects Sandman Thompson and Sean Poret.
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