The rivalry between Florida State and Florida never cools off—even in the offseason, the two programs are in a constant tug-of-war. Last year wasn’t a banner season for either side: FSU stumbled to a shocking 2-10 finish, while Florida salvaged some pride by ending 8-5. Sure, Mike Norvell’s offense sputtered, but this year feels different in Tallahassee. Florida State is seizing back momentum, dominating the offseason in recruiting, roster upgrades, and future projections. Meanwhile, cracks are starting to show under Billy Napier’s leadership in Gainesville, setting the stage for a major shift in the Sunshine State rivalry.

Right now, the recruiting front at Florida is raising eyebrows. At least according to Brian Smith, host of Locked on Seminoles, who didn’t hold back when discussing the Gators’ current situation. “I’m going to give you a little spoiler: UF does not have a good recruiting class right now. They have a dumpster fire of a situation because of Billy Napier; it is wild,” he said. While the description sounds harsh, a closer look at the numbers shows why concerns exist.

Billy Napier’s 2025 class ranks 10th nationally, with 27 commits and just six transfers. Just a week ago, their 2026 class took a hit as safety Devin Jackson announced his decommitment from the program. Now, their 2026 recruiting class is down to just 2 commitments. On the other hand, Mike Norvell’s Florida State sits at 20th with 23 commits, and the 2026 class has 9 members. And also, there’s a clear push for experienced players ready to contribute immediately.

Despite the criticism, Napier has landed some key prospects. Defensive lineman Jalen Wiggins, who hails from Florida State’s own backyard, chose to stay in-state with Florida. Offensively, the Gators also made big moves. Waltez Clark, a speedy running back capable of explosive plays, adds firepower, while Byron Louis, flipped from Florida State, bolsters their backfield depth. Despite last season’s rocky patches, players are still buying into Billy Napier’s vision—at least for now.

Meanwhile, Mike Norvell isn’t standing still either. His latest addition, quarterback Jaylen King, has the Seminoles buzzing with excitement. Brian Smith highlighted the potential impact of the transfer: “Jaylen King fits Gus’s offense to a T. He’s a very athletic, massive kid in terms of his frame; he’s 6’4 and 210, and he could weigh 230 no problem, and he’s got a live arm,” Smith said. “He’ll make throws on the run, he’ll make throws from the pocket, he can make people miss in the pocket, and extend plays.”

The East Tennessee State star brings serious numbers too—last season, King threw for 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 500 yards and five more scores. Norvell himself welcomed the addition warmly: “I’m excited to add Jaylen into our program and our quarterback room. He has great size, ability, and potential that we look forward to seeing develop in the years ahead.” However, Jaylen King’s arrival adds complexity to an already crowded quarterback room at Florida State.

FSU’s growing QB room: a Mike Norvell dilemma?

Florida State’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of disastrous, leading to major coaching changes and an aggressive portal push. But two big losses at quarterback—DJ Uiagalelei declaring for the NFL Draft and Luke Kromenhoek transferring to Mississippi State—left FSU scrambling to rebuild at the most important position.

To answer that need, Mike Norvell secured Thomas Castellanos, a dynamic senior transfer with valuable ACC starting experience. ESPN projected Castellanos as the likely 2025 starter, stating, “Despite DJ Uiagalelei’s pre-injury struggles, Florida State went back to the portal for a quarterback with ACC starting experience in Castellanos, whose skills should better suit the team’s new offense under coordinator Gus Malzahn.”

They added, “Castellanos rushed for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns under coach Jeff Hafley in 2023, while enduring some ups and downs as a passer. He didn’t seem like a good fit for coach Bill O’Brien’s scheme and was replaced midseason, although he had 18 touchdown passes and only five interceptions.” Although Castellanos is considered undersized at 5-9, 196 pounds, his skill set fits perfectly into Malzahn’s offense, which thrives with a mobile, creative quarterback.

At the same time, Brock Glenn remains a viable contender. The former three-star recruit played 12 games in his two years at FSU, throwing for 826 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while also rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown. ESPN pointed out that Glenn’s experience gives him a strong case to push Castellanos. “Brock Glenn had 228 passing yards and two touchdowns in Florida State’s loss at Clemson on Oct. 5, and finished the season with 114 pass attempts, four touchdowns and five interceptions.”

Norvell hasn’t hidden his satisfaction with Glenn’s spring performance either. “I thought he had a good day. I mean, he hit a couple of vertical shots that were extremely well-placed. His athleticism, his presence within the pocket, and I thought he did a good job of delivering the football… I thought he was pretty clean today.”

Adding to the mix is true freshman Kevin Sperry, a highly rated dual-threat quarterback who brings long-term promise to Tallahassee. However, immediate expectations likely fall on Castellanos and Glenn, with both needing to master Malzahn’s fast-paced system.

Jaylen King, meanwhile, offers depth and versatility. Whether he immediately challenges for the starting spot or develops for the future, his presence strengthens the room and gives Norvell more flexibility than he had just a few months ago.

With a deeper, more mobile QB room and a revamped roster, Mike Norvell has positioned Florida State for a rebound. Meanwhile, Billy Napier faces growing pressure to deliver results quickly, with cracks starting to show around his once-promising rebuild at Florida. Will 2025 be the year Mike Norvell firmly takes control of Florida’s football future—or will Billy Napier find a way to hold him off just a little longer?