Imagine being a towering 6-foot-7, 348-pound offensive tackle with a decision that could shape your entire football career. That’s the reality for Xavier Chaplin, the Auburn transfer who’s now down to two schools after a pivotal visit to Florida State. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Florida State truly the best fit for Chaplin’s dominant skill set, or does Kentucky hold the key to unlocking his full potential? Let’s dive in.
Chaplin’s visit to Florida State wrapped up on Thursday, leaving him impressed with the Seminoles’ vision for his role. ‘It was great,’ he shared. ‘They plan to showcase my talent in open space, really highlighting my dominance as a player and an offensive lineman.’ This isn’t just about blocking—it’s about making Chaplin the centerpiece of their offensive strategy. And this is the part most people miss: Florida State isn’t just recruiting Chaplin; they’re tailoring their game plan to maximize his strengths.
During his visit, Chaplin spent significant time with offensive line coach Herb Hand, whose coaching style left a lasting impression. ‘This was my first time really seeing the type of person and coach he is,’ Chaplin said, ‘and I’m in love with it all.’ He also engaged with head coach Mike Norvell, offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, and assistant coach Dmitri Emmanuel, who emphasized that the decision should be Chaplin’s alone. ‘They’re not trying to force me,’ he noted. ‘They want it to be purely my decision based on what I’ve seen and felt.’
Here’s the bold part: While Florida State seems like a strong contender, Chaplin’s connection with Kentucky can’t be overlooked. He’s already familiar with incoming transfers like Bradyn Joiner, a friend from his Auburn days, and quarterback Ashton Daniels, whom he protected last season. ‘That matters a lot,’ Chaplin admitted. ‘When the quarterback gets the ball out quick and stays clean, the o-line looks good.’ Could this familiarity give Kentucky the edge?
Chaplin’s stats speak volumes. Last season at Auburn, he started all 12 games, earning a 90% or higher grade in five of them, including a stellar 97% mark against Missouri. According to Pro Football Focus, he logged 823 snaps with a 56.6 overall grade, excelling more as a pass blocker (71.1 grade) than a run blocker (56.1). Yes, he had 12 penalties, but he also allowed just three sacks and 17 pressures—a testament to his ability to protect the quarterback.
Before Auburn, Chaplin was a standout at Virginia Tech, earning honorable mention All-ACC honors in 2024 and third-team All-American recognition in 2023. Now ranked as the No. 67 overall transfer and No. 7 offensive tackle in the NCAA Transfer Portal, he’s a proven talent with a bright future.
The big question remains: Will Chaplin choose Florida State’s tailored approach or Kentucky’s familiar environment? And which program do you think is the better fit for his skills? Let’s debate it in the comments—this decision is far from straightforward!
