It’s simple, momentum is king, and Florida State Seminoles’ head coach Mike Norvell seems to have found the accelerator pedal. After enduring a season that felt more like a wreck than a race, the Seminoles managed to pull off an impressive recruiting coup, steering their program back onto the fast lane toward contention. For the ACC side, which still couldn’t move on from last season’s playoff snub even after going undefeated, this is some good news. But how did a team that finished 2-10 manage to light up National Signing Day with such a splash?

Host Brian Smith of Locked on Seminoles, didn’t hold back on the show, sharing his genuine shock at the numbers. “Florida State signed 18 guys,” Smith said. “They signed way more players and way more good players than I thought they would today. They exceeded by any measurement the expectations.” That’s not just hyperbole. Considering the chaos swirling around FSU—new coordinator hires, multiple player de-commitments, and a roster in desperate need of a makeover—Norvell’s ability to secure this class speaks volumes.

What makes this feat particularly impressive is the timing. The Seminoles were juggling a midseason coaching search that brought Gus Malzahn on board as offensive coordinator and Tony White as defensive coordinator, alongside Terrance Knighton as the defensive line coach. These hires are pivotal not only for their immediate impact on the field but also for their influence in the recruiting war room. Florida State managed to secure commitments despite these staffing transitions—a rarity in a sport where stability often dictates success. Considering the hopeless state of their regular season, they surely out-performed themselves, as the host Smith, puts it, “Florida State exceeded by any measurement the expectations whether you’re a no fan Gator fan or anybody else they did really well under the circumstance.” No matter if you are elsewhere from Florida, this is big for any side.

Mike Norvell didn’t mince words when talking about his excitement for the incoming class, calling it a group he has “high expectations” for. And he should be thrilled. This class marks a fresh start for a program that saw 10 players de-commit during the 2025 cycle. The flips and late commitments were particularly notable, with the Seminoles landing players who could bring an instant jolt to a team desperate for talent and leadership.

To add context to their achievement, Florida State’s ability to ink 18 recruits is a testament to the program’s resilience and the allure of the FSU brand. For a program once synonymous with dominance in college football, this marks a crucial step in repairing a tarnished reputation. Coach Norvell promised a quick fix, and while the road back to glory will be long, this recruiting class considering lots of unexpected events, provides a solid foundation.

Mike Norvell and Florida State could flip recruits, even after this season’s horrors

Florida State head man is buzzing about his latest recruiting haul, and for good reason. Reflecting on what’s been a rollercoaster season, Norvell said, “It’s been a season of challenge, a season of change. This journey has been about building relationships, pouring into individuals, and identifying the guys who can make a real impact for our program.” He wasn’t shy about hyping up his class, confidently adding, “There’s a lot of guys on this list that will be immediate impact players.”

As of now, FSU headlined some impressive four-star flips: Jayvan Boggs, Tae’shaun Gelsey, and Ousmane Kromah. These late additions gave FSU a much-needed boost in their recruiting rankings. Sure, they lost Solomon Thomas to LSU, but with these high-profile signings, the sting feels manageable.

Interestingly, the announcements of Boggs, Gelsey, and Kromah came after Norvell’s press conference, so the coach didn’t get a chance to dive into their arrivals. But he teased that the class isn’t done yet, expecting to hit nearly 20 signees by the end of the early signing period.

FSU’s recruiting journey started rough—ranked 53rd on early signing day morning. By the end of the day, though? The Seminoles surged to No. 25. Can Norvell bring back the good old days at Florida?