Mike Norvell isn’t one to shy away from a challenge—and the 2025 college football season is handing Florida State a colossal one right out of the gate. The Seminoles will open their campaign with a nationally anticipated clash against Alabama, a matchup that pits two blue-blood programs in a high-stakes environment from the very first whistle. As anticipation swells and storylines begin to unfold, Norvell’s words about the opener are offering fans insight into his mindset and his team’s preparedness for what’s to come.
Speaking to the media during FSU’s early summer availability, Norvell struck a confident and composed tone. He acknowledged the magnitude of the game, noting that Alabama’s reputation, coaching pedigree, and roster talent demand attention and respect—but also made it clear that Florida State isn’t showing up to simply survive. They’re coming to compete. They’re coming to win.
“This is the kind of game that defines a season before it even really starts,” Norvell said. “It’s two historic programs, two passionate fanbases, and two teams with championship expectations. It’s everything college football is supposed to be.”
Norvell, now entering his sixth year as FSU’s head coach, understands the implications of a matchup like this—not just in the context of the season, but for program momentum, national perception, and recruiting optics. Under his leadership, Florida State has made significant strides. After a turbulent transition period post-Jimbo Fisher and a few forgettable seasons, Norvell has reinvigorated the culture in Tallahassee. He led the Seminoles to an undefeated regular season in 2023, re-established their ACC dominance, and despite being controversially left out of the College Football Playoff that year, showed the world that FSU is officially back.
Now, they’ll have the opportunity to prove it once again, this time on one of the biggest stages college football has to offer.
“There’s no easing into this one,” Norvell said. “From the first snap, it’s go time. And that’s exactly how we like it.”
The Alabama matchup is loaded with intrigue. Both teams are in somewhat different stages of their evolution. The Crimson Tide are transitioning into a new era following Nick Saban’s retirement, with former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer taking over the reins in Tuscaloosa. While Alabama is still Alabama—boasting five-star talent across the board and a championship-or-bust mindset—there are plenty of unknowns surrounding the new coaching regime and how it will mesh with the program’s traditional identity.
Norvell knows better than to expect a drop-off from Alabama. He’s preparing his team for a war, not a transition-year scrimmage. “When you look at Alabama, it’s not just about one coach. It’s about a standard,” Norvell explained. “Kalen is a great coach—he proved that at Washington. And they’ve got a locker room full of elite players who expect to win every time they take the field. So we’re preparing for their best, because that’s what we’ll get.”
On the Florida State side, the Seminoles are in a strong place both in terms of talent and stability. Although they lost several key contributors to the NFL, including quarterback Jordan Travis, wide receiver Keon Coleman, and defensive end Jared Verse, the depth Norvell and his staff have built through strong recruiting and transfer portal additions leaves them well-positioned to reload. Redshirt sophomore Brock Glenn, who started the Orange Bowl and has had an impressive offseason, is widely expected to be the new signal-caller. Norvell expressed confidence in Glenn’s development and leadership.
“Brock is a competitor. He’s smart, he’s poised, and he’s earned the trust of his teammates,” Norvell said. “This offseason has been big for him—just taking ownership of the offense, understanding the nuances, and continuing to grow in his role as a leader.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Seminoles return several foundational pieces, including linebacker DJ Lundy and cornerback Fentrell Cypress II. The defensive front, although missing Verse, will still pack a punch with transfers and underclassmen who’ve developed in the system. Norvell emphasized that defense will be a critical focus against Alabama’s physical style of play.
“You’ve got to win the line of scrimmage in games like this,” he noted. “It’s not about tricking people. It’s about toughness, discipline, and execution. That’s where we’re focused.”
While the scheme and strategy will obviously play a huge role, Norvell also spoke about the mental and emotional preparation that a game like this demands. Facing Alabama in Week 1 means the team has to simulate in August what most teams don’t reach until October—an elite level of intensity and execution. Norvell has tried to instill that sense of urgency into his team’s summer routine.
“Our guys know what’s coming. There’s no easing into this season. Everything we do right now—from film study to walkthroughs to conditioning—it’s all with Alabama in mind,” he said. “You don’t get a second chance at a first impression. And this opener is our opportunity to show who we are.”
Despite the pressure, Norvell is embracing the moment. For him, these are the games that validate the hard work, long hours, and foundational culture he’s built since arriving in Tallahassee. And he believes his players are equally excited about the opportunity.
“When you come to Florida State, you expect to play in games like this,” Norvell said. “You expect to line up against the best and prove that you belong. Our guys came here for these moments. Now it’s time to take advantage of it.”
He also highlighted the importance of fan support—noting that the Seminole faithful can play a massive role in setting the tone for the season. Whether in the stadium or watching from afar, Norvell wants them to know their energy and belief are felt inside the locker room.
“Our fans are a big part of this,” he said. “They ride with us. They’ve been patient through the rebuild, and now we’re ready to reward that passion. We’re going to go out there and represent the Garnet and Gold with everything we’ve got.”
As for what a win against Alabama would mean, Norvell didn’t shy away from its potential impact. It’s a chance to catapult Florida State into the national spotlight immediately, to put the new 12-team College Football Playoff field on notice, and to energize recruiting pipelines that are already trending upward.
“You beat Alabama, and people take notice. Recruits take notice. The country takes notice. But we’ve got to earn it,” he said. “Nothing’s given. Everything will be earned on that field, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.”
The tone coming from Tallahassee is one of quiet confidence. Norvell isn’t guaranteeing a win. He’s not making grand declarations or getting lost in hype. But there’s a clear sense that this program—his program—is ready. Ready for Alabama. Ready for primetime. Ready to write the next chapter in a storied tradition that once ruled the college football landscape.
For Mike Norvell, the moment isn’t too big. It’s the moment he’s been building toward since Day 1 at Florida State. And now, with the eyes of the nation watching, he and the Seminoles will get their shot to prove they belong among the elite once again.
“It’s going to be a battle,” Norvell said. “But that’s why we’re here. We didn’t come to Florida State to play it safe. We came to compete for championships. And that road starts with Alabama.”