When Mike Norvell led Florida State to its first ACC title since 2014, the media and newspaper headlines described a coach finding his rhythm. It was well deserved, too, since despite missing the playoffs controversially, FSU was now finally back to its 2013 momentum days. A coach is reviving a program that was looking for redemption for almost 10 years. It was picture-perfect. However, when the 2024 season rolled in and FSU managed just 2 wins. The media and the newspapers came down harshly on Mike Norvell.

“Loser stuff from Mike Norvell. His team literally cuts up grass from wins, but can’t stomach a flag piercing dirt? He’s more interested in the flag than stopping players from fighting. This, while refusing to shake Billy Napier’s hand despite Napier agreeing with him,” said CBS Sports’ Adam Silverstein after the 2024 Florida game. This was just one amongst countless opinions prominent personalities, media analysts, and former players gave. And these were probably the reasons why FSU has now taken a tough stance lately.

It was shocking coming from FSU and Mike Norvell, the same man who had earlier always championed transparent media access for his program. For instance, in 2021, when some programs restricted media access, it was Mike Norvell who swam against the tide. “I’ve always had a very open approach with media… for their story to be told for the best illustration of what they go through and do what we do,” said Mike Norvell at the time.  So, it’s hard to believe the same Mike Norvell is doing the opposite now.

“FSU is shutting down media access to practices this season outside of its first practice on Wednesday, where there will be a brief viewing opportunity. The Seminoles will hold two scrimmages (August 5th & Aug. 10th) ahead of their season opener against Alabama,” reported Logan B. Robinson of NoleGameDay on X. The decision has now resulted in sharp criticisms with Rick Ballou, an analyst for 1010XL / 92.5 FM, and an FSU alum, describing it as “laughable.” However, this won’t be the first time this year Mike Norvell has taken such a decision.

Was it the 2024 instance, when DJ Uiagalelei was captured while doing tackling drills and was mocked widely in a viral moment? Or was it just to hide the creaks behind the scenes before they fall open in 2025? Whatever it may be, FSU also restricted media access in its spring games and showcased that the skepticism regarding media transparency remains. Even though Mike Norvell himself denied the bans linking to the DJ Uiagalelei incident, saying, “This is not a suggestion that I think last season’s record had anything to do with media members observing our practice.” Still, one needs to just see the chronology of the events to discern what’s happening behind the scenes at FSU.

Concerns await FSU’s Thomas Castellanos for the 2025 season

Many believe now that Florida State has changed and has risen from the 2024 debacle for good. Why? One need not look beyond the plethora of players like Duce Robinson, Gavin Blackwell, Squirrel White, and, most importantly, Tommy Castellanos coming in. The QB comes in with a wealth of experience and was the first Boston College QB to surpass 2,000+ passing yards and 1,000+ rushing yards in a season. However, at FSU, with new OC Gus Malzahn, a challenge awaits him.

“There’s been a lot of talk in ACC country about how Gus Malzahn is a mentor of Mike Norvell’s and how this synergy is going to be perfect. [But] the run schemes just don’t fit as well as people think they do. My guess is if you’re going to get Thomas Castellanos, then you are going to turn the reins over to Gus Malzahn and say go for it. You’re going inside the zone. You’re going outside the zone. Uh, you’re going quarterback run,” said Roddy Jones on CubeShow, signaling a potential mismatch between the QB and the OC’s schemes. So, will we see some changes coming for Castellanos?

Believe it or not? Tommy Castellanos can sling that ball for good and can use his legs to churn out those grown game yards. As for Gus Malzahn, he is a veteran and celebrated offensive genius who will surely adapt his schemes to suit Castellanos’s abilities. All in all, while the concerns are well-founded initially, over the course of the season, they won’t matter much.

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