NEW APPROACH TO RECRUITING
Keeping head football coach Mike Norvell probably allowed the university to look at the recruiting approach from a closer perspective. Overall, it has been underwhelming because the program had relied on the transfer portal so heavily earlier in his tenure.
There is nothing wrong with the portal (I said it, Dabo Swinney!), but when they struck out on high school recruits, they always resorted to picking up transfers and putting a band-aid on the real issue: Obtaining home-grown talent.
The Seminoles had a phenomenal 2025 recruiting class that is worth celebrating with pieces such as quarterback Kevin Sperry, running back Ousmane Kromah, wide receiver Jayvan Boggs, offensive lineman Sandman Thompson, defensive lineman Mandrell Desir, cornerback Shamar Arnoux (just to name a few).
The truth of the matter is that it takes recruiting classes like that on a consistent basis to build a sustainable roster. The 2026 recruiting class is solid, where it ranks as the 14th-best in the country, according to 247Sports Composite. However, two classes below the top-ten aren't going to move the needle for the program to reach elite status.
If there is a difference-maker at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, etc., the Seminoles need to cough up the resources and go grab them at whatever cost. Florida State cannot afford to nickel and dime their way through this process. The health of the program is at stake.