FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Redshirt junior Tate Rodemaker, who was expected to start in the Orange Bowl after an injury against Florida, has informed Florida State's coaches that he is entering the transfer portal and won't play against Georgia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens this weekend, ESPN and Warchant.com reported Monday.
The Seminoles, ranked No. 4 in The Associated Press poll, apparently will have one scholarship quarterback available for the game Saturday: freshman Brock Glenn, who started in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game on Dec. 2 and completed 8 of 21 passes for 55 yards in the 16-6 victory over Louisville in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Despite finishing unbeaten at 13-0, the Seminoles were not selected for the College Football Playoff. No. 6 Georgia, which was top-ranked and unbeaten until a 27-24 loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game on Dec. 2 in Atlanta, also was left out of the four-team playoff with a 12-1 record.
Jordan Travis, the starter through much of the season, is out of eligibility. The former Benjamin School star from West Palm Beach said last month the injury he suffered during the home finale on Nov. 18 against North Alabama "marks the end of my Seminole playing career."
Rodemaker threw for 134 yards and no touchdowns in the win over the Gators on Nov. 25 and finished the season with 510 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions. But he suffered an injury in the game and was held out of the ACC Championship game.
He would have been cleared to play in the Orange Bowl against Georgia.
Redshirt freshman AJ Duffy previously announced his plans to transfer to San Diego State.
Florida State has been pursuing two high-profile quarterback transfers — former Washington State star Cam Ward and former Clemson and Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei, ESPN and Warchant reported.
Running back Trey Benson, wide receiver Johnny Wilson and defensive end Jared Verse have declared early for the NFL Draft and opted out of playing in the game. Tight end Jaheim Bell and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett are also entering the draft but have not clarified if they will play Saturday.
The Seminoles arrived in South Florida on Monday night and head coach Mike Norvell spoke to reporters after stepping off the team plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
It's about the players that are here and the work that they put in," Norvell said of the recent losses. "I'm grateful for every player that we have."
Norvell confirmed that Glenn will be the starting quarterback for the Orange Bowl.
"Life is full of choices and the opportunity that we have now, Brock (Glenn), who started the (ACC) championship game for us, is going to be the starter here for the Orange Bowl," Norvell said. "Definitely excited to see him take the step from his first start to his second start."
Norvell said he's confident in Glenn's ability to lead the shorthanded Seminoles.
"It's part of the new age of college athletics," Norvell said. "I know Brock is going to be fired up and excited for the opportunity that he has."
