Florida State Quarterback Tate Rodemaker Enters Transfer Portal, Will Miss Orange Bowl Against Georgia

Introduction

Florida State quarterback Tate Rodemaker has made the decision to enter the transfer portal, according to a team source. As a result, he will not be playing in the upcoming Orange Bowl against Georgia.

Rodemaker’s Journey at Florida State

Tate Rodemaker, a redshirt junior, became the starting quarterback for the Seminoles after Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending left leg injury. However, Rodemaker was sidelined due to a head injury during Florida State’s victory over Louisville in the ACC championship. Freshman Brock Glenn stepped in as the starting quarterback in Rodemaker’s absence.

Stats and Performance

Throughout his four-year tenure at Florida State, Rodemaker has thrown for 901 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. He made his first career start against Florida, leading the Seminoles to a 24-15 win.

Implications for the Orange Bowl

Without Rodemaker, Florida State is expected to rely on Brock Glenn as their starting quarterback against Georgia in the Orange Bowl. Glenn previously started in one game, completing 8-of-21 passes for 55 yards and facing four sacks during Florida State’s win over Louisville.

Reasons for Rodemaker’s Departure

Rodemaker, who still has two more seasons of eligibility, recognizes the need to explore other opportunities as Florida State’s coaching staff pursues more experienced transfer quarterbacks. The Seminoles have shown interest in Cameron Ward from Washington State and DJ Uiagalelei from Oregon State as potential successors to Travis. Rodemaker’s decision to transfer gives him a better chance to secure a starting role in the 2024 season.

Impact on Florida State’s Orange Bowl Performance

Florida State faces a challenging task in the Orange Bowl as they are considered underdogs against Georgia. In addition to Rodemaker, several star players, including Trey Benson, Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, Jaheim Bell, Jared Verse, Fabien Lovett Sr., and Akeem Dent, have opted out of the game to focus on their professional careers. This provides an opportunity for Brock Glenn and other young players to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s future success.

Conclusion

The absence of Tate Rodemaker in the Orange Bowl against Georgia will impact Florida State’s performance. However, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their abilities. As the Seminoles look to rebuild and compete for another ACC title, this game serves as a platform for the team’s young talent to shine.

(Photo: James Gilbert / Getty Images)