Florida State's offseason has been buzzing with chatter about head coach Mike Norvell's position on the proverbial hot seat. It's a twist of fate, considering how fans recently poked fun at the Florida Gators for a similar situation with Billy Napier. Yet here we are, with Norvell under the same scrutiny.
Florida State isn't accustomed to mediocrity. With four losing seasons in the last six years, the Seminoles' faithful are understandably restless. The program is steeped in a tradition of championship contention, so the current climate is unsettling.
Last year's season opener against Alabama had fans dreaming of a College Football Playoff berth. But reality hit hard when the Seminoles faltered on the road against Virginia, and things unraveled from there.
The loss to Stanford felt like the final blow for many supporters, but the administration stood by Norvell, whether out of faith or financial practicality. So, he remains at the helm in Tallahassee.
Seeing Florida State ranked so low in conference projections is shocking for a program of its stature. As the offseason unfolds, preseason rankings are rolling out, and confidence in Norvell and his team is at a low ebb. Fans are eager for tangible success before they buy in again.
FanDuel Sportsbook's ACC odds for the 2026 season have Florida State at +3500, placing them 11th in the conference. It's a tough pill to swallow, seeing the Seminoles lagging behind teams like Pittsburgh, California, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech. This isn't the Florida State football we're used to.
For the Seminoles, it's time to buckle down and put in the work needed to reclaim their rightful place among college football's elite.