ESPN is predicting a big season for new Florida State cornerback Fentrell Cypress.

Cypress, who transferred in from Virginia earlier this offseason, is ESPN’s preseason pick to be Florida State’s top newcomer in 2023. On Monday, ESPN projected the top newcomer for every team in its way-too-early top 25.

Here’s some analysis on why Cypress in the choice from ESPN’s Andrea Adelson:

The Seminoles were once again active in the transfer portal, so there are a number of players to choose from in this category. We will go with Virginia transfer cornerback Fentrell Cypress II, who fills an immediate need for the Seminoles and comes in not only with valuable experience, but as one of the top cornerbacks in the ACC after a breakout sophomore season. In 2022, Cypress led the ACC with 14 pass breakups in the nine games, with 39 total tackles and a fumble recovery.

Cypress beat out other high-profile transfers such as Braden Fiske, Jaheim Bell and Gilber Edmond for the honor. FSU’s transfer portal class currently includes 9 players.

Cypress was named 2nd team All-ACC for his performance in 2022. He also plays a position that needs improvement for the Noles in 2023 if they want to compete for the ACC Championship.

He finished the 2022 season with 39 tackles, 14 pass deflections and 1 fumble recovery.