Looking at FSU’s massive fall, someone’s bound to say, “It better be better than that.” And that’s pretty much what ESPN’s Matt Barrie was thinking about Mike Norvell‘s sixth season at FSU. Going from 13-1 and almost making the playoffs to a 2-10 crash in 2024? That wasn’t just bad—it was historically bad, the second-biggest drop in wins ever. So, with Gus Malzahn now in the picture and a decent QB situation, Barrie’s take was, “It’s a marriage that has to work, or there’s gonna be change in Tallahassee.” Basically, if Norvell doesn’t bounce back big in 2025, his seat could get seriously hot.

To chase a title, you need a title-ready roster. But right now, Mike Norvell is deep in the portal game. Nearly every FSU player who left in the spring has already landed somewhere else. Still, a few big names are weighing their next move—including a former Seminoles linebacker. He was one of nine who hit the exit last month. After visiting UNLV, he made a stop at North Carolina on May 3, per 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz. However, that trip? It might signal a fresh setback for Norvell’s rebuild.

On May 13, 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz broke the news—North Carolina’s transfer portal success is rolling strong. The Tar Heels snagged a former Florida State linebacker, Timir Hickman-Collins, who committed after visiting Chapel Hill last week. However, Hickman-Collins, who redshirted at FSU, still has 4 years of eligibility left, having yet to see the field. Honestly, with his potential, the Tar Heels could be adding a key piece to their defense, while Mike Norvell faces another tough loss.

Timir Hickman-Collins is heading home—and it makes perfect sense. The UNC native starred at Indian Land High, earning Shrine Bowl honors and all-state recognition. After redshirting at Florida State and working the scout team, he’s ready for a fresh start. With UNC thin at LB, Hickman-Collins fills a critical need. He’s the third portal pickup at the position, joining Jonathan Agumadu and Mikai Gbayor. So, for Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels, it’s a smart move with big upside.

But Mike Norvell didn’t flinch after losing the key linebacker to the portal. Instead, he hit the gas. Florida State quickly reloaded the LB room with battle-tested vets Elijah Herring (Memphis) and Stefon Thompson (Nebraska). On top of that, rising talent Caleb LaVallee joined from UNC, adding more punch to the depth chart. And from the high school ranks, FSU secured 3-star Ethan Pritchard. So, the rebuild? Swift, strategic, and straight out of Norvell’s playbook. While FSU’s head coach focuses on the future, recruiting woes from Bill Belichick and a host of ACC competitors are adding to Mike Norvell’s challenges.

Mike Norvell’s newest hurdle

Although Dabo Swinney still rules the ACC throne, all eyes are on Mike Norvell’s fall from grace. Just a year ago, he led Florida State to a perfect regular season. Now? He’s fighting to stay in the top half of the ACC coaching ranks. In the latest ACC coaching rankings, Swinney rises—and Norvell tumbles hard.

Well, Dabo Swinney sits at No. 1 for a reason—he does it his way. No flashy transfer hauls. No gimmicks. Just development, culture, and winning. Clemson claimed the ACC crown in 2024 without a single transfer. However, old-school? Maybe. But it works when you build like Swinney. With two national titles and 55 wins in four years at his peak, he’s proven. Clemson isn’t chasing relevance—they’re still setting the standard.

Most sportsbooks seem to have a clear favorite to win the ACC title this year. Yeah, Swinney’s team. In fact, The Rivals even suggested Clemson could contend for the national championship. The predictions don’t end there. Most of them list the Miami Hurricanes, Louisville Cardinals, and SMU Mustangs as the next most likely ACC champions, with a noticeable gap between these four and the rest of the early contenders. FanDuel has Clemson with the seventh-best national title odds at +1400, making them the only ACC team with odds better than +3000. Miami follows at +3300, while Louisville and SMU are both at +7500, and Georgia Tech is a distant +12000. Noticeably absent from that top tier? Mike Norvell’s Florida State.

In the latest ACC coaching rankings, Mike Norvell slides in to No. 4—and that’s a reality check. After a 13–0 run in 2023, his 2024 season crashed hard. The transfer-heavy blueprint flopped, and DJ Uiagalelei didn’t deliver. But don’t count him out. Norvell’s still recruiting at a high level and hit the portal hard again. Boston College transfer Tommy Castellanos brings fresh hope at QB. Now, it’s all about turning chaos into a comeback.