Florida State’s final fall camp check-in comes Thursday, when Mike Norvell is set to give his last full assessment before the Seminoles turn the page to Week 1.
Now in his seventh season leading FSU, Norvell will weigh in on where the team stands after preseason practices, identify players who have separated themselves and point out the spots that still need work before the opener against New Mexico State.
The Seminoles will host the Aggies on Aug. 29 at Doak Campbell Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
Norvell’s remarks arrive as Florida State wraps up camp and shifts into game-week mode for the 2026 season.
Florida State’s 2026 schedule begins with New Mexico State before a home matchup with SMU on Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Seminoles then have a bye on Sept. 13 before traveling to Alabama on Sept. 19 for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC.
After that, FSU hosts Central Arkansas on Sept. 26 and Virginia on Oct. 3 before heading to Louisville for a Friday night game on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. on ESPN. The schedule also includes trips to Miami on Oct. 17 and Boston College on Nov. 7, plus a home date with Clemson on Oct. 31.
Florida State’s final stretch features a Friday night road game at Pittsburgh on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. on ESPN, a home matchup with NC State on Nov. 21 and a season-ending home game against Florida on Nov. 27 at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. The Seminoles also have a bye on Oct. 24.
In Other News...
Florida State Suddenly Has A Late Answer To Its CB Depth Issue
Florida States cornerback picture has gotten a little more complicated, and maybe a little more interesting, as the NCAAs new five-in-five eligibility rule continues to draw legal pushback. Class of 2022 athletes have been excluded under the policy, but temporary restraining orders in Colorado and Louisiana have reopened the door for some of those players to regain college eligibility and, in some cases, access the transfer portal.
For the Seminoles, that matters because roster decisions at defensive back are still in flux, and the pool of possible options could expand in a hurry if more players become eligible again. Florida State has been operating with uncertainty at corner, and this latest legal wrinkle adds another layer to what had already been a position group worth watching closely as the season approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Leaves Camp Feeling Better But One Defensive Loss Looms
Florida State is heading out of fall camp in a better place physically than it was a few weeks ago, and Mike Norvell sounded encouraged by the way several players have worked back into the mix. Nehemiah Chandler, Quintrevion Wisner, Mikai Gbayor, Jayvan Boggs and Andr Otto have either returned to practice or moved ahead of schedule in their recoveries, giving the Seminoles a healthier look as they turn toward the season. Norvell said the overall health of the roster is in a good spot, which is exactly what a team wants to hear coming out of camp.
Still, the picture is not entirely clean. Florida State also took a hit with Karson Hobbs, whose injury leaves a noticeable hole on the defensive side, and the way the Seminoles absorb that loss will be part of the early-season story. Even with the encouraging updates elsewhere, the defensive depth chart will now have to adjust to one less option, and that is the kind of camp development that can linger long after the pads come off. [Read more 🡒]
Desirrio Riles Could Be Exactly What FSUs Offense Needs
Desirrio Riles arrived in Tallahassee with a background that already makes him stand out in Florida States offense. A former University Christian and East Carolina player, he changed positions from quarterback to tight end in college and now looks set to open the year as the Seminoles starter at that spot, bringing a skill set that can help in more than one way.
For Mike Norvell, the appeal is obvious. Riles has shown he can contribute as both a receiver and a blocker, and that kind of versatility gives Florida State another layer to work with in the middle of the field and in the run game. If he settles in quickly, he could become the kind of dependable presence the Seminoles have been looking for. [Read more 🡒]