Florida State University
Football Media Conference
Monday, September 15, 2025
Tallahassee, Florida, USA
Coach Mike Norvell
Press Conference
MIKE NORVELL: Good morning, everybody. Appreciate
you being here. Hope you all enjoyed the weekend. It was
good for guys to get a few days away. Thought we had a
really good bye week and the work they were able to pour
in. We practiced Tuesday, Wednesday, work out on
Thursday.
You know, really big focus on ourselves. Continuing to
work the details, fundamentals, communication. Even
though we have a couple games under our belt, the
realization and the awareness of how new this team is. I
say that with the new players that you’re working in
different roles, the true freshman emerging and playing,
guys elevating through their own process.
Seeing an offense, defense, special teams that every rep
every day is important. Being able to continue to challenge
each other. I thought we got great competitive work last
week. We tried to make it very difficult. We tried to create
and implement crowd noise and different dynamics to see
the guys have to adapt and adjust.
But just to see the continuity of this group continue to grow.
Yeah, I think they embraced that. They have done a nice
job of what they’re doing in the meeting rooms, how they’re
transitioning to the field.
But we have a great journey ahead of us and every day
matters. The competition of each day is critical. Truly is
focused on us. We’ve said that even with our past two
opponents. Probably a great time for a bye week to be
able to live that out and now transition back it game week.
Thought we had a good practice yesterday with guys. You
could see the bounce in their legs having an extra day off
in there, excitement to be able to go and compete going
into this week.
It’s going to be a great atmosphere. Sold-out crowd, family
weekend. Great weekend here in Tallahassee. We have
an opportunity for this team to go take a step and go get
better, so I thought it was a good time for us. We got some
guys that are working to get themselves back and
available. Still have a couple guys that might be just a little
bit of time left in front of them.
But I feel good about where we are from a health
standpoint. We’ll continue to push forward into this week.
Q. (No microphone.) (Regarding data points.) What
have you learned about this group that’s been a
pleasant surprise to you?
MIKE NORVELL: I think surprise, I had a lot of expectation
coming in. There is some unknowns, too. When
everything was live and in a game situation and all the
emotions and the back and forth, how guys were going
respond. I was confident in the fight. I was confident in the
competitiveness. I was confident in the ability.
But seeing them be able to be present in the moment and
apply a lot of the lessons and the schemes and things
we’ve talked about, to see them present and execute there,
I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen.
I know after each game we’ve come in here and talking
about needing to be better, but there has been quality work
that’s gone into it to put us in this position. The urgency for
growth is absolutely there. But that’s the thing that I would
sit back and say you see a team this really has gelled well
together.
I think they see the potential. They know the steps that are
a necessity for us to become what we’re capable of. They
understand the urgency, too. So all those things I’ve
enjoyed watching and kind of being a part of. Just seeing
in all three phases of the game. Excited to see that
continue to transpire.
Q. During a bye week weekend when you give them a
little bit of time, did you encourage guys to come in
and watch film or do you want them to take a break?
MIKE NORVELL: There is part of it that — sometimes rest
is work. This is a group that likes to work. They really do
embrace that and so there is times you got challenge them
that, hey, this time of rest, I mean, take a deep breath.
Went in yesterday and asked how many of them spent time
watching at least one other college football game
throughout the weekend and every hand goes up. That’s
good. So guys actually enjoyed watching and seeing
other’s experiences.
When you do get some down time, we try to be very
structured on what we do, what we’re watching, the things
that we want to continue to progress with; but also we got
great work in this past week, and I want them to have a
couple days where it was low impact, kind of low-key.
You know, I figured they would watch some football and
see some situations and things that we work and talk
about, having those things need to be applied through a
variety of college games.
So I think that is also important. It’s the same for coaches.
Was great to be able to get on — I was on the road
Thursday, Friday — getting to watch a lot of really good
recruits and be able to go to different schools and just be
out, and then Saturday was a good day for the coaching
staff to just be able to watch, reflect, and be able to
continue to plan what’s necessary for this team as we
move forward.
I thought it came at a good time just for this time and where
we are; excited for what we’ll be able to do from it.
Q. Two-for-one on Mandrell this year. The first one
would be when you were evaluating him, recruiting
him, what did you see in terms of his upside, his
potential? Has he reached some of that maybe earlier
than expected?
MIKE NORVELL: Yeah, watching Mandrell specifically,
you have the two brothers, and so trying to compare the
similarities but also the differences in the game.
What I loved about Mandrell was his versatility across the
defensive front. He’s somebody we saw and did believe
that he could have a presence on the edge in different
packages, but he was going to be a guy that felt very
comfortable and was very active when he was on the
interior.
I think that’s something that showed up, that it hasn’t
mattered who he’s playing against, where he is playing,
how far along in the journey he is, I mean, he’s got a huge
upside when you look at the continued development of
what him and Darryl both will be able to do physically as
they continue to grow and progress.
But I would say that that’s something that you really won’t
know until somebody gets here, is just how are they going
transition against bigger, stronger, faster. Very active but
really very comfortable in high speed, high reaction
situations.
That’s something that has allowed him to have early
success. Obviously the style of play is something that suits
this defense really well. You know, but he still has this
versatility in all the places where he can align.
Q. You mentioned up on the road Thursday, Friday. I
know other members of the staff were as well. What
was the reception and what has it been like with a 2-0
start dealing with recruits that maybe you were circling
back on?
MIKE NORVELL: Yeah, no, I think it’s been a lot of eyes
on Florida State. You feel that, coaches. The responses,
the communication from guys that when you have new —
when you have new coordinators, maybe some different
elements in scheme, you can talk about what it’s going look
like, but they want to see it in action, too.
We have had a lot of confidence throughout this last
spring, summer, big expectations within this building of
what that would be. When you share that and talk about
that with guys that you are projecting to what they can be
within this program, it’s always good to see that start to
continue to unfold and get out and watch games.
See guys that — some that are committed to us and some
we’re continuing to evaluate obviously for the future
classes. You can feel the excitement about what they’ve
seen from us, and I’m excited about the things I’ve seen
from them.
I think it’s — I like where we are here at this time in the ’26
class of the potential of things continuing to move forward.
Then also for the future classes, they’re getting a great
sense of what the schematic looks like, but also just the
reminder of what Florida State is all about.
Q. Coach, with the QB2 with Kevin Sperry and Brock
Glenn, we saw Sperry relieve for Tommy last week.
What’s that going to be like, more a flip flop thing or
what will be the decision making for the Kent State
game?
MIKE NORVELL: Yeah, I’m really pleased with what Kevin
has done in preparing himself. Obviously he was ready
when his number was called. As I mentioned last week,
Brock has been dealing with a few nagging injuries that
have kind of kept him from different elements of practice
and probably the number of opportunities that he would like
to be able to go out there and continue to showcase all
areas.
He’s feeling better. I think the bye week was good for him.
He got some opportunities as well and did a great job with
those opportunities.
So feeling really good about that quarterback room. Those
guys continue to go and compete every day, continue to
push Tommy, see all of them work together, it definitely
was exciting for me to see one a true freshman, and with
Brock not getting as many reps throughout fall camp still
prepared and ready to go execute in the moment. I
thought both those guys did a great job with that.
Q. What do you think it could for Ous to get those
carries he’s been getting to not just see what he does
in practice and how to improve, but see it in game
action and watch the film?
MIKE NORVELL: I think it’s huge. Every rep is going to be
big for him. He’s just the speed of the game. All things
that he’s being asked to do. I mean, he has a lot of
perfectionist in him where he wants to look a certain way,
wants to be right, wants to be on step ten.
Right now he’s still working two, three, working himself up.
But he’s really talented. You know, you kickoff the season
verse Alabama and I think his first or second carry he has
five guys bouncing off him and pushing everything forward.
That’s a good confidence booster.
For him, now it’s just the steps along the way. It’s making
sure we’re detailed in footwork, eyes are in the right place,
continuing to emphasis the tracks, protections.
Showcased his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield
with the touchdown the other day.
He’s going to continue to grow and emerge in all areas.
He’s in with a great group of guys that complement him
and he complements them just within skillset.
Yeah, every rep he gets is a great push for him moving
forward. It’s the good and the bad, because there have
been some mistakes and some things he has to improve
upon. He understands that, but his hunger and desire to
get that right and to go put it on display is at an elite level.
When you have guys with that type of work ethic and
investment, even with having early success, it’s a real
positive trait.
Q. Knowing that future scheduling is really, really
tough to find the right opponent to line everything up,
but now the ACC shares financially based on ratings
and these future games are very important financially,
how do you attack future scheduling as far as finding
the right opponent, finding somebody that lines up a
big type of eyeball game for Florida State?
MIKE NORVELL: Well, I mean, that’s what we do. We’re
going to play an aggressive schedule. We want those
showcase games. One of our out-of-conference games is
one of the best rivalry games in college football.
I mean, you just look at over the last however many years,
we’re going to kickoff versus a great team or a great brand
program. We want it to be extremely competitive. Those
are games that obviously are wonderful to the eyes and
you see just — when Florida State is a part of those games,
the numbers that those games attract and the
competitiveness and the excitement of what those games
are, I think it’s good for the sport.
But we’re going to stay aggressive with it. I know there is
always different dynamics of scheduling and conversations
of could it do this, could it do that. Ultimately we got to
control what we can control in the process of it.
But just also knowing that we want to have those
showcase games. I think we’ve done a great job with
those and capitalizing on the opportunities there.
Q. Coach, with Macahi, when you made the switch fro,
running back to receiver, I’m sure you expected a
transitional period. What he’s done through two
weeks, has he lived up to what you expected he could
be, what do you want him to work on, and just the
confidence that he’s playing with right now?
MIKE NORVELL: Yeah, we have a lot of belief in him. I
think there is kind of two parts of it. We never would’ve
moved him if we didn’t believe in what it could be. He’s
somebody that has great ball skills, speed. I think you see
that he’s strong with the ball in his hands and he can
change direction and be able to be a dynamic threat.
You also take the fact that in spring he’s also the best 400
runner that’s ever done it in the ACC. That’s a big
statement as a freshmen. There is a time commitment to
that. I want him to achieve all that he can, as well as when
you’re looking at positionally it’s a natural fit for him at
receiver, but also within this offense all the things we can
do, getting the ball in a variety of ways to him.
His growth as a receiver, the vertical threat he can be,
you’re starting to see in the last couple games. The more
plays he is getting without the ball in his hands is
something that I’m excited about in his growth and
improvement. I do think he has a great future in front of
him.
We’re going to continue to push him to grow in that
confidence. You take out spring practice, really for him, he
had some but it was limited. But he’s making huge strides
throughout this early part of the season.
Q. A multi-layered question. With the coaching
landscape, just football changing so quickly, there was
two coaches fired this week. How does that change
how you guys, if it at all, go about the pre-scouting
process, with the players entering the transfer portal
two weeks into the season now? Second, I’m sure
Tony’s name will come up for the UCLA job in terms of
reports and whatnot with his ties. How do you talk to
someone about career aspirations and expectations
and how you can achieve them something like that?
MIKE NORVELL: Yeah, that’s a big two-for-one right
there. Yeah, there is a lot of levels and layers. First part of
it, yeah, college football is changing. That’s over the last
three, four years. It is definitely early in the season to see
some of those changes.
To be honest it’s not shocking just with all the dynamics,
where our signing day is, just some of the different aspects
of what teams and programs, what they choose to do.
Yeah, it’s immediate. Once there has been a staff change,
you don’t know what’s going to happen. If something does
happen, you want to have a pretty good awareness of if
this player decides to go in the portal, is that something we
would be interested in looking at potentially or not.
So you would start that very early once those changes are
made. Some of the kids want go in the portal. That’s fine.
Just be prepared for any things that could. Guidance,
direction. We have a pretty good sense of this team and
what it’s going to look like this next year, but there is still
going to be guys that play themselves into new
opportunities; some guys definitely play themselves into
early opportunities in the National Football League.
You kind of have to have this thought of the high school
aspect, the transfer component, and just make sure you’re
prepared and done a thorough job and evaluation as it
goes with that.
When it comes to staff advancement and guys with
potential opportunities, you know, as well as when those
opportunities are — then become decisions they need to
make, I’m here to support them. I’ve never been a head
coach that tries to talk down any other things that are out
there for guys.
I want them to do the absolute best job they can in the time
we’ve got together. They’ve got a responsibility to the
place and a responsibility to the players, but still have a
responsibility to themselves. I want coaches that desire for
all. Same thing that I want for our players.
So part of — with guys coming here, I want to be a part of
their growth. I want to be a part of their improvement,
enjoyment of what this profession is and how we get to do
it.
I’m here to support all of our staff in that, and when you do
a good job, there is always going to be — your name will be
out there, rumors of what’s this, what’s that.
At the end of the day it’s still about what you ultimately
desire and want to do and making sure you find the best fit
if it is to do something different. We’ve had a lot of
coaches throughout the years that they’ve had great
opportunities when it comes to the place or sometimes
even the finances of things that are out there, but it was the
best fit to be with us and to continue on in their growth.
Sometimes the things that were said no to early open up to
greater opportunities in the future. So it’s always an
ever-flow was that for a coach, for a player.
Same thing we talk to guys about in recruiting. We are all
looking for the best fit. As they go through the process,
journey, when you find that best fit and you know where
your heart leads you, what is that opportunity for you to
continue to grow and be the best you can you’ll make great
decisions.
I want to push all our coaches to aspire for growth, and
hope they all get opportunities in the future that they then
get to choose.
Q. Two totally unrelated questions.
MIKE NORVELL: Awesome.
Q. Kent State had looked like a pretty competitive
game this past weekend. What have you seen from
them?
MIKE NORVELL: I thought this last week, they’ve had a
little bit — obviously challenging offseason. Interim head
coach is doing a remarkable job. They started off getting a
close win to start the season. Went on the road to a top
20, top 15 program with Texas Tech. This last week
playing against a really good Buffalo squad. Pete Lembo,
the head coach there, worked with us at Memphis. Got a
lot of respect for Pete and a number of guys on the staff
that we know.
Defensive coordinator worked here. So when you see
them and the way they approach that game and the
improvement they made coming off the Texas Tech to the
Buffalo game, creating takeaways, explosive plays, you
see them utilizing personnel in a variety of ways it’s a team
that’s getting better.
Came up a little bit short in the game there in the game
against Buffalo but you saw a very competitive matchup
and a team that’s taking positive steps.
Q. Ethan, any updates there?
MIKE NORVELL: Yeah, actually went by and saw him this
morning, and there has been progress. Yesterday opened
his eyes and it was something that was emotional for
everybody, to be honest with you. Still a long part of the
progress in his process moving forward, but it was — it puts
all things in perspective, the appreciation of a blink.
He’s fighting. His family is there and so very supportive.
There is still some major steps along the way that we’re all
going to be believing for and supporting and continuing in
our prayers, but just grateful for him and his family.
Ultimately, as we go through life, I mean, it’s so very
precious. I think even in our world right now there is — it is
a very challenging time. I think we see just so many things
around that we a responsibility. We’re called on this earth
to love one another. Yeah, there will be plenty of
differences that we all have, but to be able to — and it’s a
challenge to me and challenge to everybody that I think is
out there, to be the example.
You know, we’re all going to be faults and differences and
all those things. But to truly just love one another and be
able to work and to be a part of the good that’s out there,
you know, because it’s — there is too many things that are
happening that — there is just the value of life and just the
appreciation of what we get to do here on this earth is
special.
To be able to be there and see Ethan, a young man that for
all things, like literally was just in the wrong place at the
wrong time, mistaken situation, but now he’s fighting for it
every single day.
To be able to see the work of the medical team and just the
— I came in on Sunday and happened yesterday, and
walked in that team meeting and I had probably one of the
biggest smiles on my face, you know, just to tell them that
he had taken a positive step and to see their reaction and
their love for though young man that’s been here for a short
period of time but is a part of their family.
You know, had Earl here for the last game. What he
means and what their family means to us. It’s just — I think
we all have a responsibility to help push and make this
world better. For whatever beliefs, thoughts, experiences
that you have to go through, I mean, to be able to lead with
love and to be kind and empathetic to others I think is a big
challenge for all of us but something we all need to be
willing to rise up and be the example for.
Appreciate you asking about Ethan. We’re going to
continue to be praying for him and praying for great days
ahead.
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