The Florida State Seminoles and Mike Norvell are building to a 13-1 campaign in 2023 that includes defeating the Louisville Cardinals in the ACC Championship. Their only loss, a 63-3 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl, involved numerous opt-outs with players either entering the portal or not appearing as NFL Draft candidates. .
As expected, the roster needed a bit of a reload after an incredibly strong season. This was common during the transfer portal and NIL era in college football, but it became even more necessary after 10 Seminoles were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Norvell has been active in acquiring talent through the portal for many years. It played a huge role in him returning Florida State to an elite college football program. Portal's success is also a big reason why he received such a big contract extension. Norvell proved he can continue to win in the portal this offseason, properly reloading a talented program and getting it ready to compete heading into the 2024 college football season.
CBS Sports gave special recognition to the college football program. At LSU, the program earned a C+, while Florida and Auburn both earned B-. However, Florida State earned him an outstanding A+ rating for its transfer portal track record.
“Florida State and Mike Norvell have made the most of the past few years of transfers and built the core of his program in the portal. DJ Uiagalelei (78th) is a starter who came over from Oregon State. Headlining the group as a quarterback” via Clemson,” Clint Brewster wrote.
With Jordan Travis leaving for pro football after five great seasons in Tallahassee, addressing the quarterback position was a big need. Although the Seminoles have a young quarterback, they still need to develop and the program needed a “win-now” player. Uiagalelei is exactly that.
In addition to acquiring a great quarterback to lead the program for next season, they also gave him weapons to improve his chances of competing at the highest level.
“Marvin Jones Jr. (No. 38) is an impressive edge player from Georgia; wideout Malik Benson (No. 77) from Alabama has NFL potential; wide receiver Jalen Brown (No. 66) was also a highly touted prospect who earned a starting role. “This was a grand slam for the Seminoles,'' Brewster continued.
Once again, Florida State will have solid production on both sides of the ball. Players who wear the garnet and gold for the first time know they are playing in a program with high expectations, and it will show.
The victory in the portal was huge for Norvell, as the 12-team College Football Playoff format was introduced this season. His elite portal class is reflected in high school recruiting, but acquiring contributors for next season while young players are being developed means this team is a playoff team next season and the overall It was very important to have a consistent program.
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continue nord game day We'll have more in-depth coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.
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