You thought the transfer portal was the only chaotic element of college football? Think again. The structure that runs the sport changes so frequently that we never know what’s going to happen next. That’s also the case with conference realignment. Big 10, in particular, saw some significant changes in 2023. However, if Mike Norvell and FSU move from the ACC and make their way into the conference, it’d become an even more powerful.

Unlike other conferences, the ACC is not having a smooth-sailing time. SEC expanded by including Oklahoma and Texas, and the Big 10 got USC and UCLA. In the ACC, however, Florida State and Clemson took the conference to court. FSU expressed its complaints with the rights agreement that would’ve cost a whopping $700 million to leave the conference. That lawsuit was settled in March this year after the ACC brought down that number to $165 million, starting from 2026. However, the unequal revenue sharing did ruffle FSU’s feathers, which set the stage for them to hypothetically join another conference like the Big 10.

TJ Pittinger of College Football Addiction interpreted an analysis from Gentics56 on X. The host laid out the details of how FSU could impact the Big 10. “If FSU joins the Big 10, it could bring in 1.38 million new viewers per game in Florida alone. That’s a massive jump compared to the current 1.23 million Big 10 viewers in the state of Florida,” Pittinger said. In the southeastern market of the country, Florida is the state that runs the show.

It’s even more pronounced because of its population and the love for the game. Pittinger further noted, “Whether it’s the war chant, the tomahawk chop, whether it’s Osceola and the spear; whatever it is, it fuels a much more passionate and larger fan base. Imagine the viewership spike for a Northwestern versus Maryland game if FSU fans tune in just to see their conference rivals.” In fact, the state is so crazy about football that it even beats Texas when it comes to static Big 10 viewers.

Florida State joining the conference will allow it to go toe-to-toe with the other biggies. “Adding FSU would give the Big 10 a foothold in the Southeast, a region dominated by the SEC and the ACC,” Pittinger remarked. FSU might see opportunities at other conferences, which is why it filed the lawsuit. Now that exit fees are low and there’s an empty and attractive seat in the Big 10, there’s not a lot to prevent this from happening. Within the program, however, Mike Norvell has an exciting update to share.

Mike Norvell gets new QB replacement from portal

FSU lost its backup QB option, Trever Jackson, to the portal and also managed to get a replacement for him. Mike Norvell landed the commitment of ETSU transfer Jaylen King, who seems like a great guy to run point when needed. The HC said, “He has great size, ability and potential that we look forward to seeing develop in the years ahead. Having played his first two years in college, he has the opportunity to compete and grow in a talented room with the possibility to redshirt as he continues to develop.”

King comes with a great 2024 season: 1,536 yards, 9 TDs, and a pass completion percentage of 52.5%. He was the starting quarterback for ETSU last year, and he scored five rushing touchdowns that ranked third-highest in a single-season total by a quarterback in program history. His experience and numbers make him a great and dependable talent for the No. 2 role, who can step up if the QB1 goes down.

Florida State is currently sitting on a landmine of an opportunity. They would be a crucial addition to the Big 10 and could bring up more viewers as well. On the other hand, Norvell seems to have things under control so far with the addition of a new backup quarterback.