Florida State football did not finish the 2025 season with a 5-7 record and lost seven of its final nine games. Head coach Mike Norvell is squarely in the mix of the hot-seat list by several analysts.
This has to be the year that Coach Norvell proves the doubters wrong. The coaching staff acquired pieces on the roster via the transfer portal and high school recruiting ranks. The fan base will hardly recognize the roster when the Seminoles line up on August 29th against New Mexico State.
One area that needs improvement is the defense. Defensive coordinator Tony White did not have the best end of the 2025 season against the arch-rival Florida Gators, where running back Jadan Baugh had over 200+ rushing yards against the Seminoles.
Coach White's defense had the best outing in the opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide, then ultimately played inconsistently for the rest of the season. The same aggression was not shown for long periods of time.
Coach Tony White sees the potential in the Seminoles' defense in 2026
The defensive coordinator went to the podium after Monday's practice and stated that the defense was better than it was a season ago. Coach White mentioned that it took the defense almost a year to do what they wanted them to do.
https://t.co/P1O76mBajF pic.twitter.com/EyOJt3GyPB
— Warchant.com (@Warchant) March 30, 2026
It is encouraging that he mentions that this group of defenders wants to win and do the right things. Fans understand that this defense doesn't look that great on paper, other than the linebacker position with transfers Chris Jones and Mikai Gbayor.
The 2026 season could prove that the right pickups on defense could be all about effort, aggressiveness, and a sense of want for Florida State, as they play the likes of Alabama, SMU, Clemson, Louisville, Miami, and Florida.
Coach White isn't someone who raves about everyone and gives a false sense of praise. He thought the Desir Twins would be significant contributors and that Ja'Bril Rawls would be an NFL prospect. It seems like Coach White can evaluate what he sees.