Mike Norvell needs to submit his first winning season since 2023. Even that, though, may not be enough to save his job after posting a 7-17 record over the last two years. It could take an unexpected jump back to eight or nine wins to re-establish himself as a part of Florida State’s long-term plan.
To get there, especially against what can easily be argued is the toughest schedule in the ACC, Norvell will need a lot to break right and to make all the right calls at his most important positional battles of the preseason.
1. Interior offensive line: Andre Otto, Nate Pabst, Paul Bowling, Bradyn Welch-Joiner, Chavez Thompson
Florida State needed to revamp its offensive line after its disastrous 2024 season, so Norvell and offensive line coach Herb Hand went into the portal to add five veteran transfers. All five have since graduated, so after temporarily stabilizing the group, Norvell and Hand are tasked with replacing all five starters.
Left tackle is set with Auburn transfer Xavier Chaplin. Beyond that, however, almost everything is up for grabs. On the interior, there are five players for three spots (six if you include Jayden Todd). A likely group emerged out of spring, but it’s far from a done deal.
Potential IOL:
- LG: Andre Otto
- C: Bradyn Welch-Joiner
- RG: Nate Pabst
But there are quite a few more possible combinations. Chavez Thompson was viewed as the favorite to start at center until Purdue transfer Bradyn Welch-Joiner had a strong spring. That combination could be fierce. Otto is presumed to take over at left guard, but newcomer Paul Bowling could put pressure.
Right guard is the most nebulous. Nate Pabst could start, or he could kick out to right tackle, allowing Welch-Joiner to slide to right guard with Thompson at center. Or, with Pabst at tackle, Bowling could play right guard next to Welch-Joiner.
There are a ton of options, and getting the right group between the tackles will be critical for Ashton Daniels and the viability of Norvell’s offense, which was hamstrung by quick pressure (and poor QB play) the last time he called plays.
2. Right Tackle: Chimdia Nwaiwu vs. Jonathan Daniels (or Nate Pabst)
Jonathan Daniels was developed to be the starting right tackle for some time in Tallahassee. Then, Chimdia Nwaiwu arrived from Stephen F. Austin as one of the program’s final transfer portal additions this offseason, and by all accounts, he quickly impressed the coaching staff.
Chaplin is an established starter with SEC bona fides, so opposing defenses are likely going to test the right side of the line for vulnerabilities. FSU can send help in that direction, but for this offense to reach its ceiling, it’ll need two solid tackles in pass protection. It’s a bit of a risk to bank on Nwaiwu making the jump from the FCS level, but if he’s the best option, Norvell and Hand need to take it.
3. CB2: Nehemiah Chandler vs. Quindarrius Jones
When you’re coming off back-to-back losing seasons, you’re not going to get many hometown discounts from the players you’re hoping to retain, and understandably so. Even with a hometown discount, though, locking up Ja’Bril Rawls would have been pricey for Florida State after his breakout 2025 season. Even in just seven games, Rawls established himself as a clear No. 1 corner, so whoever lines up opposite him on the outside will be tested often.
This battle will likely be decided between South Alabama transfer Nehemiah Chandler and returning senior Quindarrius Jones, a four-year Seminole. Jones played in just four games last season before suffering a season-ending injury, but he played 256 snaps in 2024. Chandler played over 600 snaps for South Alabama in 2025, and though he didn’t tackle well, the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket showcased impressive ball skills with eight pass breakups and two interceptions.
Jones appears to be the reliable option; Chandler is more boom-or-bust. Both will likely play significant snaps, and how they perform opposite Rawls will be a significant marker for Florida State’s pass defense.
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