Nearly two years ago, I wrote an article entitled Why Link Jarrett's path at FSU may mirror Mike Norvell. Both coaches inherited dumpster fires, and it looked like Norvell had finally gotten FSU over the hump after the 2022 season, where they finished 10-3.
FSU football went on to go 13-0 in 2023, winning its first ACC Title since 2014 before falling off a cliff in 2024.
Ironically, Link Jarrett's first season at FSU was the worst in most of our lifetimes, but it was no fault of his. However, it only took him one season to turn things around and get FSU baseball to the College World Series for the first time since Mike Martin Sr.'s final year in 2019.
FSU started the 2024 season 19-0 and the 2025 season 13-0. College baseball is a different animal compared to college football, but Link Jarrett has done it in a similar fashion as Mike Norvell's turnaround in 2022-23. He attacked the transfer portal with wreckless abandon, filling roster needs with experience and production.
FSU baseball has resources, but not the same as FSU football, and can't go toe-to-toe with most big-time college baseball programs. They don't have the war chest but can go about it differently. Link Jarrett understands that pitching and defense can win a LOT of games in college baseball. The 2025 team doesn't have the offensive power of 2024, but they have better pitching depth and more athleticism. They are winning differently but have won because of great scouting and finding guys who fit how they want to play.
It seems to be the same approach Mike Norvell took in the Winter transfer portal. FSU took guys with more experience and proven production at key positions. It's the same way Link Jarrett filled roster holes after the 2023 season, and FSU baseball has won a ton of games in that span.
It's weird how the tables have turned for both coaches. Jarrett looks to have completed the turnaround for FSU baseball, while Norvell looks to prove himself again after a disastrous 2024 season.
Norvell can turn things around again if the scouting and player development resemble FSU baseball. It's all about filling your most important positions with quality players and playing to the team's strengths. FSU football will get spring practice underway in less than two weeks. If Norvell follows Jarrett's blueprint, he'll be just fine.