Florida State football has been in misery for almost a decade since former head football coach Jimbo Fisher left for College Station. This was expected from a place that Bobby Bowden built. However, that is the reality of the situation.
Florida State's 2025 team went 5-7, following a 2-10 record in 2024. While it is a better outlook, this is still not the standard for the Seminoles, who are accustomed to competing for championships.
With the disappointments, it is easy to see why current players did not want to stick around in Tallahassee and play for head football coach Mike Norvell, who the administration decided to retain in 2026, but his job security is up in the air.
Desir Twins return was a huge morale booster for the Florida State football fan base
One of the biggest storylines in the offseason was the fact that the true freshmen duo of Mandrell and Darryll Desir decided to enter the transfer portal. The Desir Twins were two players that the Seminoles couldn't afford to lose.
Florida State's defensive line was not special during the 2025 season, but Mandrell Desir was awarded as a True Freshman All-American, where he was the team leader in sacks. Darryll Desir also had flashes that were promising.
When the Desir Twins were announcing to leave, fans were critical of head football coach Mike Norvell and his ability to keep talent. Plus, some individuals thought that it was because he didn't have the right culture within the locker room anymore.
The thought process was that the university was just going to punt on the 2026 season so that Mike Norvell could be relieved of his duties. Those ideas can be throw away because Mandrell and Darryll Desir agreed to NIL deals and will be returning to the Seminoles in 2026.
Coach Norvell has to laugh at some of the fan base because he brought back both Kevin Wynn and the Desir Twins. Defensive coordinator Tony White's unit could be special in 2026 if they play with any of the energy or aggression that it had in the season opener against Alabama last year.
It is okay to say "I'm sorry" to Mike Norvell because many didn't give Florida State a chance to retain them.