Florida State football is facing a pivotal offseason, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. After back-to-back disappointing seasons - a 2-10 finish in 2024 followed by a 5-7 campaign in 2025 - the Seminoles are staring down a critical moment for the program’s direction.
Head coach Mike Norvell is set to return for the 2026 season, but not without controversy. While the administration has opted for continuity, some of the fan base remains skeptical, and the financial weight of Norvell’s buyout has limited the university’s flexibility.
The formula moving forward is clear: surround Norvell with the right pieces - both on the field and in the building - and give him the best chance to turn things around. But that’s easier said than done, especially when the transfer portal has been more of a revolving door than a recruiting tool for Florida State this offseason.
Key contributors like tight end Randy Pittman Jr. and defensive back Ja’Bril Rawls have entered the portal, leaving holes that need immediate patching. Those aren’t just depth losses - they’re players who saw real snaps and made real impacts. And with the portal window wide open, the Seminoles are in a race against time to not only stop the bleeding but also bring in reinforcements.
Quarterback and offensive line are two areas that top the priority list. Florida State needs stability and playmaking ability under center, and they need to protect whoever lines up there. The trenches have to be rebuilt if this offense is going to function at a competitive level in 2026.
Meanwhile, across the college football landscape, other programs are finding ways to retain their top talent - and it’s turning heads. One of the most high-profile examples comes out of Texas, where quarterback Arch Manning is reportedly taking a reduced House NIL payment to support the Longhorns’ 2026 title push. That kind of buy-in from a star player says a lot about the culture being built in Austin - and it’s something that programs like Florida State are striving to replicate.
The contrast is stark. Texas is preparing for a New Year’s Day bowl matchup against Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, while Florida State is watching from home, trying to piece together a roster that can compete again. Michigan, for its part, has its own drama to sort through following the departure of head coach Sherrone Moore, but they’re still in a much different position than the Seminoles.
For Florida State, the path forward may hinge on keeping key pieces like wide receiver Duce Robinson. If Robinson returns in 2026, he could be a magnet for a top transfer quarterback, giving the offense a much-needed jolt. But the allure of the NFL - and a potential second or third-round draft slot - could be tough to pass up for a player with Robinson’s upside.
The bottom line? Florida State is at a crossroads.
The program needs to stabilize, rebuild, and re-establish its identity, and it has to start this offseason. Whether it’s through the portal, smart recruiting, or internal development, the Seminoles have to find a way to flip the script.
Because after two years of frustration, the margin for error is shrinking fast.