Mike Norvell is in a tricky situation. Contract-wise, it’s all good. However, 2024 saw a poor return on the field. FSU has already locked him in with a massive extension through 2031, averaging over $10 million a year. That deal came just as Alabama was reportedly eyeing him. But Norvell stayed loyal, even giving back $4.5 million of his 2025 salary to support FSU’s Vision of Excellence campaign. However, the FSU’s stay in the ACC hasn’t been without its share of drama. Lawsuits and whatnot! Although the situation has calmed down a bit, you can’t stay still in college football, especially when other teams are inking deals to secure their future.

Clemson and Notre Dame are taking their gridiron clashes to the next level. The two powerhouse programs just inked a 12-year deal to battle it out every season through 2038. After thrilling matchups like Clemson’s 31-23 win in 2023, fans can expect more fireworks—and a rivalry that’s set to explode. “It’s been such a great rivalry and we want to see it happen every year,” said Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua. Adding, “I think we could see it continue to develop into one of the great rivalries in college football.”

But here’s where it gets interesting: with Clemson carrying the ACC banner into a national spotlight and Notre Dame still independent, FSU could feel the squeeze. As the league shifts attention to this marquee matchup, Florida State may push harder to control its own destiny—on the field and possibly in a different conference. Here, on the May 8th episode of Locked On Seminoles, Brian Smith broke down what the Clemson–Notre Dame scheduling agreement really means for Mike Norvell’s FSU.

“Florida State — they’ve been hosed by the ACC,” said Smith. Adding, “They’re looking to make up revenue. This is a political ploy to help with the playoff, absolutely, but it’s also a financial filling of the coffers too.” So, Florida State should follow suit. It doesn’t have to be just Notre Dame — there are a lot of brands you can help. “And they’ve got, ironically, Notre Dame coming to Doak Campbell Stadium in 2026. How many years they’ve got Florida State and Notre Dame going back and forth? I don’t know the numbers. But they’re one of the teams that are going to play the Fighting Irish a little bit more. Miami is the other,” said Smith.

Then, Brian Smith highlighted an article on SI discussing conference realignment, with a focus on Florida State, Miami, and the Clemson-Notre Dame deal. He also shed light on Michael Alford, the AD at Florida State, and his take on the situation. “Today in college football, more than ever, it’s important for strong brands to play strong brands,” said Michael Alford. Adding, “That helps our brand, as well as all of us within the conference. We’ve been consistent in that belief for a while.” So, it’s clear: Florida State’s approach is all about brand power — but with the clock ticking, Mike Norvell needs to step up and deliver.

However, the statement of the FSU AD made it clear to ESPN: he’s all in on facing Notre Dame more often than the five games already set through 2037. Since the 2014 scheduling partnership between Notre Dame and the ACC, FSU has already squared off with the Irish 9 times. That’s more than any other ACC team, except Pittsburgh. So, Alford’s ready to keep that rivalry rolling, showing FSU’s commitment to big matchups and high-profile games.

While Mike Norvell’s program needs to step up its game, what does this deal actually mean for Clemson and Notre Dame?

The 12-year scheduling agreement

Well, Clemson and Notre Dame have faced off 8 times, and each matchup has been a spectacle. In 2015, Dabo Swinney’s “bring your own guts” win in a downpour over the Irish helped propel Clemson to its first CFP appearance. Fast forward to 2018, and Clemson dominated ND 30-3 in the Cotton Bowl before capturing the national title. Then the rivalry hit another high in 2020, when ND, temporarily in the ACC due to COVID-19, edged Clemson in a thrilling regular-season shootout, only to fall short in the ACC title. And both teams made the playoffs that year, proving just how high-stakes these matchups truly are.

This 12-year deal isn’t just about tradition—it’s a power move for both Clemson and Notre Dame. For the Irish, it locks in a headline game every season, a must for building a playoff resume as an independent. However, for Clemson, it’s a ratings booster. Facing a national brand like Notre Dame gives the Tigers prime-time exposure. And with the ACC’s new revenue model tied to viewership, that spotlight could mean serious cash. Honestly, it’s business, it’s branding, and it’s big-time football.

However, this deal isn’t just flash—it’s smart planning. With the SEC inching toward a 9-game schedule, Clemson and Notre Dame get some insurance baked into the mix. The Tigers already juggle a fierce annual rivalry with South Carolina. Add in future matchups with LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma, and it’s a loaded calendar. So, this agreement gives Clemson breathing room and options, all while keeping marquee games in the spotlight. Looks like flexibility meets firepower.