Malik Benson’s Rollercoaster Journey: Former Alabama WR Enters Transfer Portal Again
Live update from the college football world: Malik Benson, the former Alabama wide receiver who spent 2024 with Florida State, is back in the transfer portal. After a disappointing season where the Seminoles stumbled to a dismal 2-10 record, Benson is searching for a fresh start to close out his college career in 2025.
Speaking to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Benson revealed his plans to re-enter the transfer portal, leveraging a new NCAA waiver that grants junior college players an additional year of eligibility. This rule gained attention recently when Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia sued the NCAA, arguing that his junior college seasons shouldn’t count toward NCAA eligibility limits. A federal court in Tennessee sided with Pavia, granting him an extra year—opening the door for players like Benson to benefit as well.
A Season to Forget in Tallahassee
In 2024, Benson’s performance didn’t meet expectations. He recorded just 25 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown with the Seminoles, struggling to find rhythm in an underperforming offense. Prior to Florida State, Benson spent the 2023 season with Alabama, where he caught 13 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown during his lone year in Tuscaloosa.
Before joining the Crimson Tide, Benson’s college career began at Hutchinson Community College, where he made a name for himself as a record-breaking wideout. Over two seasons, he racked up an incredible 2,152 receiving yards—the most in school history—and scored 21 touchdowns, the second-highest total in Hutchinson’s history. As the No. 1 JUCO recruit in the 2023 class, Benson turned down offers from Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU to join Alabama.
Florida State Struggles and a New Path
Hoping for a larger role, Benson transferred to Florida State for the 2024 season. However, the Seminoles’ offensive struggles overshadowed his efforts. With the team underperforming in nearly every category, Benson wasn’t able to make the impact he envisioned.
Now, Benson becomes the 22nd player to leave the Seminoles’ roster this offseason, joining notable departures like edge rusher Patrick Payton and quarterback Luke Kromenhoek.
As Benson seeks a new opportunity, his journey exemplifies the highs and lows of college football—a star JUCO recruit who once dominated the field now looking for one last chance to shine. Where will he land next? Stay tuned as the transfer portal frenzy continues.
