When Mike Norvell evaluated Florida State’s disastrous 2024 season, he didn’t shy away from self-reflection. The coach who had turned the Seminoles into an ACC champion just a year earlier found himself at a crossroads. The team’s 11-win dropoff—from 13-1 in 2023 to 2-10 in 2024—was unprecedented in the AP poll era. But Norvell has been given a rare second chance to rebuild, and he’s making sweeping changes to ensure Florida State returns to its former glory.

What Went Wrong in 2024?

1. Transfer Portal Struggles: Despite landing highly-touted recruits, Norvell’s transfer portal acquisitions failed to deliver immediate results. Many players had potential but lacked experience or on-field production.
2. Lack of Chemistry: Last season’s team struggled with leadership and synergy, still reeling from a College Football Playoff snub in 2023.
3. Coaching Challenges: Norvell admitted his own body language and emotional responses during the season were subpar, affecting the team’s morale.

Rebuilding the Foundation

Norvell’s first move was to overhaul his coaching staff. He brought in Gus Malzahn, a former head coach at Auburn and UCF, as the new offensive coordinator. Malzahn, known for his innovative play-calling, accepted the role to work closely with players and return to his roots.

Norvell also hired Tony White, a defensive coordinator with a proven track record at Syracuse and Nebraska, to instill aggression and physicality into Florida State’s defense. White’s defenses have ranked in the Top 25 for the past four seasons, a stat Norvell couldn’t ignore.

A New Approach to the Transfer Portal

After relying too heavily on potential in 2024, Norvell shifted his focus to experienced players with proven production. The Seminoles’ 2025 recruiting class includes:

• Offensive Linemen like Luke Petitbon and Adrian Medley, who have a combined 105 career starts.
• Receivers Squirrel White and Duce Robinson, who played in 61 combined games.
• Quarterback Thomas Castellanos, a dual-threat playmaker from Boston College with impressive performances against Florida State in recent years.

Leadership and Accountability

Norvell emphasized the importance of developing leadership within the team. He’s holding players more accountable, particularly in fostering the “edge” he felt was missing last season.

“It’s my job to make sure I’m holding everybody accountable to that standard,” Norvell said. “You’re going to pour everything you have into this, or you’re not.”

What’s Next for Florida State?

The Seminoles open their 2025 season against Alabama on August 30, a crucial test for Norvell’s revamped squad. While the changes have been extensive, only time will tell if they’re enough to restore Florida State’s place among college football’s elite.

Norvell remains optimistic, stating, “I’m not wasting last year. The lessons learned will fuel our comeback.”