It’s been a rollercoaster for the past couple of seasons in Tallahassee. In 2023, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell led the program back to prominence, winning the ACC and then getting snubbed by the College Football Playoff. Then, things hit the fan in 2024, and the Seminoles only won two games.
Throughout his time at Florida State, Norvell has often leaned on the Transfer Portal. That has been a part of those ups and downs. Now, after upsetting the Alabama Crimson Tide, it appears this past offseason’s roster moves are already paying off.
Mike Norvell was thrilled following the game with how his team played. In particular, he reflected on how satisfying it was to see those new roster additions live up to the standard he wants set at Florida State.
“I know what it looks like,” Mike Norvell said. “I’ve seen it really good and I’ve seen it really bad at times. This is Florida State. This is a privilege to coach, to play, to represent this program. That standard needs to be upheld. That doesn’t mean — tonight wasn’t a perfect game. Not one player played a perfect game tonight, but they poured it all in.”
This offseason, Florida State had the 36th-ranked transfer class in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings. That included 31 outgoing players and 23 incoming players. That, combined with several high profile assistant coach changes, including both offensive and defensive coordinator.
Those moves paid off right away. Florida State beat Alabama 31-17 and seemed to control the entire game, keeping the Crimson Tide on their heels. The Seminoles dominated on the ground too, rushing for 230 yards while holding Alabama to 87 rushing yards.
“You felt the competitive spirit, you felt the response, you felt the way they came together. All three phases had a great impact in getting that win. We knew what it looked like,” Norvell said. “And we were able to get the right guys to come in, the ones that have joined our program here for this year and this is their first year, and also been able to see the growth and development by guys that wanted to be difference makers, that wanted to make sure that we were all upholding the standard of Florida State. I thought that showed well tonight.”
Now, Mike Norvell and Florida State are hoping to avoid any kind of letdown moving forward this season. Certainly, next week should be an easier game, when the Seminoles are set to host East Texas A&M before going into a bye week.
