Florida State head coach Mike Norvell isn’t holding back when it comes to praising his team’s latest work in the transfer portal. After a few roller-coaster seasons rebuilding the program, Norvell now believes the Seminoles didn’t just improve—they knocked it out of the park. Calling the latest transfer haul a “home run,” he’s setting the bar high and sending a clear message to the college football world: FSU is back, and they’re not playing it safe.
The transfer portal has quickly become college football’s version of free agency. It’s reshaping rosters overnight, and for programs like Florida State, it’s an essential tool for returning to national relevance. This offseason, Norvell and his staff didn’t just dip into the portal—they dove in headfirst and emerged with some of the most sought-after names in the country.
What’s shocking isn’t just the number of transfers FSU landed, but the caliber of those players. Florida State didn’t just plug holes; they found instant-impact starters—many with Power Five experience, some even with All-Conference honors under their belts. These aren’t long-term development projects; these are proven talents expected to take the field and dominate right now.
Among the headliners is a former SEC defensive lineman who racked up sacks like candy last season and brings terrifying speed off the edge. There’s also a dual-threat quarterback who had several top programs circling but ultimately chose the Garnet and Gold. Throw in a lockdown corner and a bruising running back, and you’ve got a collection of game-changers that could tilt the balance of power in the ACC.
The shocking part? FSU beat out playoff contenders and major NIL-backed programs to get these players. That says a lot—not only about Norvell’s recruiting strategy but also about the culture being built in Tallahassee. Players aren’t just coming for exposure or money. They’re coming because they believe Florida State is on the cusp of something big.
And Norvell agrees. He’s confident this group of transfers is the missing piece in the puzzle. The Seminoles finished last season strong, and now, with a blend of returning stars and elite transfers, they’re being quietly labeled as a dark horse College Football Playoff contender. What was once a rebuilding job has now turned into a full-fledged sprint toward national glory.
But with great expectations come great pressure. Can these transfers jell quickly? Will egos clash, or will the locker room unity Norvell is known for continue to thrive? Those are the questions that will define the 2025 season.
One thing is certain: Florida State didn’t play it safe this offseason. They swung big in the transfer portal—and according to Norvell, they connected. The only thing left now is to see if that “home run” translates into wins when the lights come on.
