Florida State football started the 2025 season on a high note, as they defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide by a score of 31-17. This made people think that the Seminoles were going to be serious College Football Playoff contenders.
However, we learned that college football is unpredictable, as Florida State lost seven of its last nine games. Head football coach Mike Norvell had the administration issue a statement where it retained for the 2026 season.
Most of the fan base thought that it was a bad idea to retain Coach Norvell next year because they mentioned that he is incompetent to lead this university's football program anymore. While I am not one to grab my pitchfork, I understand the frustration of the situation.
The Florida Gators welcome in new head football coach Jon Sumrall
Florida State ended up losing to the Florida Gators with their interim coach in the season finale last year. This was an unexcusable result that left many fans wondering how the future would go in Tallahassee.
With that said, the Gators were rumored to get former Ole Miss head football coach Lane Kiffin, but once it became apparent that he was choosing LSU, they decided to hire Tulane head football coach Jon Sumrall.
This was an interesting choice by the Seminoles' arch-rivals since the fan base was always upset by Billy Napier, who was also a Group of Five option in the coaching ranks.
Sumrall spoke to the Florida Gators media recently about the program's quarterback room for the 2026 season.
Head Coach Jon Sumrall spoke about the quarterback room including transfer QB Aaron Philo and QB Tramell Jones on Saturday.
— Olivia Eisenhauer (@oeisenhauertv) January 25, 2026
"We've got a lot of work to do to figure out what that looks like, and who's the starter and all that stuff. We're a long way from making that decision.… pic.twitter.com/VfSFwGaxdm
Florida is taking a risk on next year because there isn't a known experienced option in the room. While Sumrall did mention that experience doesn't matter as much, this is a Gators program that wants to find a spark without having a double-digit win season since 2019.
Florida State's defense has to like them having to rely on quarterbacks Aaron Philo (backup) and Tramell Jones (has 191 passing yards). However, just like 2025, they have to stop the rushing attack of the talented back Jadan Baugh, who had over 200 yards on the Seminoles last year.
While there is a realization that Florida State also has its own issues in finding its quarterback for 2026, options such as Ashton Daniels, Malachi Marshall, and Dean DeNobile have starting experience.