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Former Alabama WR Malik Benson to re-enter transfer portal after year at Florida State
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Former Alabama wide receiver Malik Benson spent the 2024 season with Florida State. The wideout’s season didn’t go as planned, as the Seminoles finished with a 2-10 record and now he will look to finish his college career at a new school in 2025.
Benson told ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Monday he’ll be re-entering the transfer portal and taking advantage of a new waiver from the NCAA that allows junior college players an additional year of eligibility. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is suing the NCAA over its eligibility standards, arguing that his junior college playing seasons should not count toward his NCAA eligibility. A federal court in Tennessee granted Pavia an injunction, granting him an additional year of eligibility.
In 2024, Benson caught 25 passes for 311 yards and 1 touchdown for the Seminoles. Before transferring to Florida State, Benson played for the Crimson Tide in 2023. During his lone season in Tuscaloosa, Benson caught 13 passes for 162 yards and a score.
The WR began his college career at Hutchinson Community College, breaking a school record by collecting 2,152 receiving yards over 2 seasons. Benson’s 21 touchdowns at Hutchinson are the second-most in school history. After becoming the No. 1 JUCO recruit in the 2023 class, Benson received offers from schools such as Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU, before deciding on Alabama.
Looking to take on a larger role, Benson chose the Seminoles. Unfortunately, the team underperformed in almost every category and Benson struggled to make an impact in a slumping offense.
Benson becomes the 22nd player from the Seminoles’ roster to enter the transfer portal. That list is headlined by edge rusher Patrick Payton and quarterback Luke Kromenhoek.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
