Should FSU football fans believe Mike Norvell can win this season?

Yahoo Sports3h ago38 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Florida State football coach Mike Norvell enters the 2026 season under pressure after two consecutive losing seasons. Fans are questioning whether he can turn the program around and deliver the wins they expect.

Key points

Mike Norvell enters his seventh year as head coach.
Florida State football had a 2-10 record in 2024.
The team finished 5-7 in 2025.
Fans are frustrated with the team's lack of wins.
Winning is crucial in college football.

Mentioned in this story

Mike Norvell

Florida State Seminoles

The traditions are there. The expectations are clear. The resources are in place.

What Florida State football still lacks are the wins.

As coach Mike Norvell prepares for the 2026 season, uncertainty and debate continue to surround his tenure. Entering his seventh year, Norvell remains on the proverbial hot seat after back-to-back losing seasons — a 2-10 campaign in 2024 followed by a 5-7 finish in 2025 that brought him to the brink of dismissal.

The Seminoles’ inexplicable slide has left fans frustrated — and rightfully so. In an era of rising costs, there’s still a simple truth in college football: winning matters most.

With the 2026 season fast approaching, the question is unavoidable:

Do you trust Mike Norvell to win?

More: 'A defining moment': FSU Athletics responds to debt load concerns

Can Mike Norvell return the Seminoles to their winning ways?

Norvell, of course, ranks among college football’s highest-paid coaches — under contract through 2031 and set to earn $10.3 million in 2026.

Last November, as concerns mounted about his job security — and a staggering $64 million buyout that dips to $51 million in 2026 — FSU announced he would return for a seventh season. Leadership also pledged structural changes aimed at improving performance.

Michael Alford, FSU's vice president and athletic director, has since doubled down on investing in people, processes and structures — backed by lucrative TV deals, booster funding, ticket sales and sponsorships — all designed to give players and coaches every opportunity to succeed.

That approach comes at a steep price.

Athletics is projecting expenses to exceed a record $250 million in fiscal year 2027, driven by NIL commitments, revenue sharing, stadium renovations and an expanded football staff. It’s also the cost of trying to keep pace with programs in the SEC and Big Ten. Meanwhile, reports have revealed that FSU is carrying $437 million in debt, making it one of the most leveraged public athletic departments in the country.

Q&A

What were Florida State football's records under Mike Norvell in 2024 and 2025?

Florida State football had a record of 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025 under coach Mike Norvell.

Why is Mike Norvell considered to be on the hot seat for the 2026 season?

Mike Norvell is on the hot seat due to back-to-back losing seasons, raising concerns about his ability to lead the team effectively.

What expectations do Florida State football fans have for the 2026 season?

Fans expect Florida State football to improve significantly and start winning games after two disappointing seasons.

What factors contribute to the pressure on Mike Norvell as head coach?

The pressure on Mike Norvell stems from the team's poor performance, rising costs in college football, and the high expectations from fans and the program.