Florida State football is sitting at a 4-5 record with Virginia Tech waiting to play tonight in Doak Campbell Stadium at 7:30 PM EST on the ACC Network. This really means that the Seminoles have a 2-5 record since they played lesser opponents Kent State and East Texas A&M.
This is a game that head football coach Mike Norvell and Florida State need to win, since the fan base and boosters have expressed concerns with the future. Norvell has complied a 37-32 record during his six years in Tallahassee.
The one hold up is his $54 million buyout and the fact that the players have shown support for him as a coach. However, college football teams have not been afraid to pull the trigger, as programs such as LSU, Auburn, Penn State, Florida, and Virginia Tech (among others) have opened.
SMART TO GRAB JAMES FRANKLIN?
Penn State relieved head football coach James Franklin of his duties, after leading the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoffs last year. The one downside of Franklin was that he never won "the big game".
However, Penn State was a consistent product on the gridiron, where they consistently won 9/10 games. Given the last decade for Florida State, it has been difficult to accomplish that feat.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Franklin and the Virginia Tech Hokies are in the early stages of talks with each other about a possible contract.
Sources: James Franklin and Virginia Tech are in early stages of talks, with some resolution on his candidacy in expected in the upcoming days. Tech is still running a full search, but it’s clear there’s mutual interest between the parties. As reported on @CollegeGameDay. pic.twitter.com/m1dlYZNm5U
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 15, 2025
However, On3's Brett McMurphy mentioned on a tweet that Virginia Tech wants an answer from James Franklin, but it looks like he could be looking in the direction of the Seminoles.
How messed up is college football? Virginia Tech wants an answer from James Franklin, but he could have an eye on Florida State (if it opens).
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 15, 2025
So if Hokies beat FSU today, they could increase chances of Norvell's firing & ultimately hurt Tech’s chances in hiring Franklin
Florida State is a two-possession favorite today at home, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, so the Seminoles are expected to win today against the Hokies. However, this could be a battle between both schools to lure in the successful coach.
This "comprehensive assessment" could cost the administration the opportunity to get a coach with a winning culture if they don't believe Norvell is the guy. Overall, this is where the Seminoles hope this can be the start of another 19-game winning streak by Florida State.