Florida State football's 2025 season was a roller coaster, ending with a 5-7 record. It was a surprising turn of events after the Seminoles kicked off the season with a victory over Alabama. With six losing seasons in the past eight years, the program's outlook seems dim.
But let’s not hit the panic button just yet. Coach Mike Norvell has shown he can steer the ship in the right direction, as evidenced by the impressive 10-3 and 13-1 records in 2022 and 2023. Although his tenure in Tallahassee is still relatively short, there’s reason to believe he can orchestrate another turnaround.
A key point was raised by J.D. PicKell, who highlighted Florida State's heavy reliance on the transfer portal instead of high school recruiting. The Seminoles seem to be addressing this with their 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes, aiming to build depth and stability.
Despite these efforts, CBS Sports' Chip Patterson isn’t sold, ranking Florida State No. 10 in his early ACC power rankings. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a program with championship aspirations, especially when nestled between teams like Georgia Tech and North Carolina.
The Seminoles' recent 7-17 record over two seasons is far from their championship standard, and it's drawn criticism from figures like Paul Finebaum and Miami Hurricane fans. Yet, the administration is sticking with Norvell, hoping for a rebound in 2026.
With wide receiver Duce Robinson returning, the addition of former SEC standout running back Tre Wisner, and another year under defensive coordinator Tony White’s scheme, there’s potential for a resurgence. The Seminoles kick off the 2026 season against New Mexico State, and there’s a palpable sense of determination to prove the doubters wrong.
For Florida State fans, the journey has been tumultuous, but the hope is that smoother seas lie ahead.