Florida State is sticking with Mike Norvell for the 2026 season, and on the surface, that decision has raised more than a few eyebrows. After all, the Seminoles have stumbled to a combined 7-17 record over the past two years - a far cry from the program’s storied standard. But despite the recent struggles, there’s still a sense that Florida State isn’t too far removed from turning things around.
This move signals one of two things: either the leadership still believes Norvell can steer the ship back on course, or they’re holding steady while lining up their next move. And let’s be clear - Florida State is still one of the premier jobs in college football. If Norvell can’t get it done in 2026, there’s no shortage of coaches who’d jump at the chance to take over in Tallahassee.
Now, it’s tough for Seminole fans to talk much trash at the moment. Losing to your arch-rival - especially when they’re being led by an interim coach - is a tough pill to swallow.
That kind of loss sticks. It’s not the kind of moment you hang your hat on, it’s the kind you circle as a turning point - one way or another.
Meanwhile, down in Gainesville, Florida is entering a new era with Jon Sumrall taking the reins. The Gators made the hire after Lane Kiffin, long rumored to be a top target, opted to stay in the SEC West and ink a deal with LSU.
So Florida pivoted to Sumrall, who made a name for himself at Tulane. It’s a move that’s drawn mixed reactions - some see it as another Group of Five gamble, reminiscent of Billy Napier’s tenure.
But others, including SEC insiders, have praised the hire as a smart, forward-thinking decision.
Sumrall didn’t jump ship immediately. He stayed on to coach Tulane in their College Football Playoff matchup against Ole Miss - a game that didn’t go according to script.
The Green Wave were overwhelmed, losing 41-10 in a game that looked a lot like their earlier regular-season meeting with the Rebels. That’s two blowout losses to the same SEC heavyweight in one season, and it’s hard to ignore that when projecting Sumrall’s transition to Florida.
To add another layer to the story, Sumrall’s Gators will host Ole Miss next September. That matchup is already being dubbed a “revenge game,” and you can bet Sumrall will have that one circled on his calendar. But if the Gators are going to make a splash in Year One under their new coach, they’ll need more than just motivation - especially at quarterback.
Right now, Florida doesn’t have a clear answer under center. DJ Lagway, once considered a potential future starter, has entered the transfer portal.
And while Lagway showed flashes, he also struggled with turnovers, particularly against defenses like LSU’s. It’s a position that needs clarity - and quickly - if Sumrall wants to hit the ground running.
Back in Tallahassee, the situation is murky, but not hopeless. Say what you want about Norvell’s recent results, there’s still belief that the program can rebound.
The challenge? Doing it in a state where Miami just won a College Football Playoff game and Florida is reloading with a new head coach.
The pressure’s on, and the spotlight isn’t going anywhere.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a defining one for both of Florida’s flagship programs. For Norvell, it’s about proving he can still lead the Seminoles out of the wilderness.
For Sumrall, it’s about showing he belongs in the SEC. One coach is trying to hold the line.
The other is trying to draw a new one. Either way, the Sunshine State is going to be one of the most fascinating storylines in college football next fall.