George Rooks Transfer Portal: Former Boston College DT Draws Interest From Florida State, Syracuse

George Rooks has entered the transfer portal for a second time, and this time he may be heading South to Florida State or North to Syracuse. 

In a college football landscape where experience is invaluable and defensive depth is coveted, George Rooks has become one of the most sought-after names in the spring transfer portal.

After anchoring Boston College’s defensive line for the past two seasons, Rooks, a former Michigan Wolverine, has decided to seek a new home for his final years of eligibility. His departure leaves a notable gap in the Eagles’ front seven — but opens up fresh opportunity for Rooks and for programs in need of proven production on the defensive interior.

Boston College DT George Rooks has entered the transfer portal.

Rooks, who previous played for Michigan, has started the past 2 seasons for BC pic.twitter.com/hGW1x3MVO5

— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) April 25, 2025

A Proven Contributor Moves On

Rooks, who played in 25 games during his time at Boston College, became a reliable and steady force in the trenches. Over those two seasons, he recorded 55 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup — all while emerging as a leader for the Eagles’ defense.

Originally beginning his career at Michigan, Rooks saw limited action in nine games before transferring to BC, where he flourished under the previous coaching regime. Yet, with a new staff reshaping the roster, Rooks found himself in a position where fresh transfers — such as Wake Forest’s Chris Marable Jr. and Sedarius McConnell — were beginning to take priority.

Despite playing the most snaps at defensive tackle in 2024, Rooks’ role was shifting. Now, his decision to enter the portal clears the path for younger players to step up, while offering Rooks the chance to bring his talent and experience to a program ready to contend.

Florida State Among Top Suitors

Rooks’ availability comes at a time when elite programs are scanning the portal for immediate-impact defensive linemen. One such team is Florida State, a school that has consistently struck gold with transfer portal additions along the defensive line in recent years.

From Jared Verse’s dominance on the edge to Braden Fiske’s interior presence, the Seminoles have set a standard for portal success — and Rooks could be next in line. With FSU looking to bolster its depth inside, a veteran like Rooks, with his combination of size, strength, and high-level ACC experience, could be exactly what the Seminoles need.

Another possible landing spot is ACC foe Syracuse. Rooks’ father played for the Orange, and Rooks had a big 3-tackle game against the Orange in 2024. They may look to get the DT in the ACC and bring him to Northern New York.

The son of a former Syracuse player. Rooks started 11 games in 2024, including a three-tackle day against the Orange. Could SU add to its d-line through family ties?@DOsports https://t.co/NX7cUThSfV

— Aiden Stepansky (@AidenStepansky) April 25, 2025

While the Eagles lose a valuable starter, they are not devoid of options. Players like Owen Stoudmire, Ty Clemons, Sedarius McConnell, and the newly added Marable will be tasked with stepping into larger roles. Head coach Bill O’Brien’s staff appears confident in the long-term potential of the group, despite the short-term sting of losing Rooks.

This is not a rebuilding effort — it’s a reshuffling. But it does put pressure on BC’s young core to grow quickly.

A Veteran Leader in Demand

With two years of eligibility remaining and a resume of consistent production, George Rooks won’t stay on the market for long. Teams across the Power Five — especially those looking for a steady, experienced presence in the heart of their defense — are already lining up.

For Rooks, the next chapter is one of opportunity. For the programs courting him, it’s a rare chance to add a proven difference-maker when it matters most.