Florida State University (FSU) is grappling with a troubling downturn in performance after suffering its fourth consecutive loss, this time to Stanford. The Seminoles had shown promise earlier in the season, notably defeating Alabama by two touchdowns. However, their recent struggles have raised questions about the program’s direction under head coach Mike Norvell.
In the game against Miami, FSU was poised to narrow the score when running back Ousmane Kromah fumbled the ball near midfield. Miami’s Zechariah Poyser capitalized on the mistake, recovering the ball and extinguishing FSU’s scoring opportunity. Kromah’s frustration was evident as he lay on the field for several moments, reflecting the mounting pressure on the team.
Despite starting the season with high hopes, FSU currently faces a daunting reality. After a promising 13-0 record two years ago, the Seminoles have now lost nine consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) games and only five of their last 20 overall. This dramatic shift has put Norvell’s coaching position in jeopardy, and reactions from former players indicate a sense of disbelief regarding the team’s decline.
Former FSU standout Karlos Williams, part of the 2013 national championship team, expressed concerns, stating, “There’s something not connecting.” The central issue, according to insiders, revolves around recruiting deficiencies that have plagued the program since Norvell’s arrival.
Recruiting Struggles Impact Team Performance
Since the disappointing 2023 Orange Bowl loss to Georgia, FSU’s recruiting department has seen significant turnover, with at least 11 staff members leaving. This instability has contributed to a lack of high-caliber recruits. Notably, Norvell has signed five of FSU’s six worst recruiting classes in modern history, with none ranking higher than 12th nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite.
The stark contrast in recruiting success is evident when comparing Norvell’s tenure to that of his predecessors, Willie Taggart and Jimbo Fisher, who collectively secured 32 top-100 recruits in six classes. In contrast, Norvell’s classes have included only 10 such players. The impact is particularly pronounced in the linebacker position, where FSU has signed just one top-50 recruit.
As a result of these recruiting challenges, FSU has increasingly relied on transfers, with three-fourths of their starts coming from players who joined via the transfer portal. While this strategy had previously yielded success, the current roster lacks the multiyear experience seen in past seasons. For instance, the 2023 game against Miami showcased starters with a combined total of only 16 seasons of experience at FSU.
The continuous turnover in both players and coaching staff, including the hiring of new coordinators Gus Malzahn and Tony White, has led to a lack of cohesion on the field. Players have reportedly expressed hesitance and uncertainty during crucial moments, as noted by Norvell and White after the team’s loss to Pittsburgh.
Rallying for a Turnaround
Former players have raised concerns about team dynamics and the program’s foundational values. Recent incidents, such as a lack of support for quarterback Tommy Castellanos after a hard hit during the Stanford game, have sparked discussions about the team’s spirit. Jacobbi McDaniel, another member of the 2013 championship squad, questioned how a program can lose out on key recruits year after year.
Despite the challenges, FSU remains competitive in the recruiting landscape, currently holding the 13th-ranked class for the upcoming season. A winning record is still possible, although recent performances have cast a shadow over the team’s prospects.
The Seminoles have not given up, as demonstrated by their efforts in recent losses. They made a strong push against Miami, scoring 19 consecutive points after trailing 28-3, and nearly overcame a ten-point deficit against Stanford, only to fall short at the goal line.
Norvell has maintained optimism, stating, “The results are not where anybody wants them to be, but I do believe that this team will rise up and overcome.” As FSU prepares for an upcoming game against Wake Forest, the pressure to secure a victory grows, not only for the sake of the season but also for the future of the coaching staff. FSU’s athletic director, Michael Alford, has indicated that a comprehensive assessment of the football program will be conducted at the end of the season.
The road ahead is critical for Florida State. With the potential for a turnaround still on the table, the Seminoles need to harness their talent and find a way to rebuild confidence, or risk facing further scrutiny and changes within the program.
