FSU Football regarded as college football offseason winner ahead of 2025 Spring Camp

The Seminoles landed a top-10 transfer class and made aggressive staff changes to spark a turnaround.

Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell arrives for a game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

There were a lot of question marks after Florida State's historically bad 2-10 season in 2024, and a lot were addressed through coaching staff changes and a heavy haul in the NCAA Transfer Portal. The Seminoles wrapped up the offseason with the No. 7 transfer class and the No. 18 class overall ahead of spring.

John Talty of CBS Sports believes that the Seminoles have "set themselves up for success in 2025," noting the major coaching changes and that the terrible 2024 season that forced FSU head coach Mike Norvell's hand could be somewhat of a "silver lining."

"The bottom completely fell out on Florida State last season in one of the most shockingly bad seasons in recent memory. If there's a silver lining to a 2-10 season, only a year removed from a perfect 13-0 regular season, is it forced Mike Norvell to evaluate every aspect of his program and fix what ailed it," Talty wrote. "The result was a major staff overhaul, spending big money to bring in Nebraska's Tony White as defensive coordinator and new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who left his UCF head coaching position to come to Tallahassee."

While Talty said there is some skepticism around Boston College transfer Thomas Castellanos, the 'Noles completely revamped their wide receiver and tight end rooms, adding massive targets and proven talent across the board. Additionally, they had to take a strong look at their offense and defensive lines and hired veteran offensive line coach Herb Hand from UCF and up-and-coming defensive line coach Terrance Knighton from Nebraska, who has had proven success coaching in White's defense.

READ MORE: FSU Football offers productive three-star EDGE from Louisiana

"There is some skepticism around FSU's big bet on Boston College QB transfer Thomas Castellanos, but overall the Seminoles fared well in the nation's No. 7 portal class," Talty continued. "Surrounding Castellanos with transfer receivers Duce Robinson(USC) and Squirrel White(Tennessee) and veteran offensive linemen like Ole Miss' Micah Pettus and Vanderbilt's Gunnar Hansen was smart. Jayson Jenkins, an edge-rusher transfer from Tennessee, has NFL potential."

Sep 23, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney and Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before a game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images | Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

Rival Clemson's talent retention and staff changes put them on the list alongside Alabama's hiring of Ryan Grubb, who coached offense in Seattle last season. Florida State opens its first game of a home-and-home series with Alabama on August 30.

---

READ MORE: Duke Blue Devils star, projected no. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg exits with injury against FSU

Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the offseason

Follow NoleGameday on and Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

More Florida State News

•  Former LSU standout gives major props to ex-FSU DE Jared Verse at NFL Combine

• FSU defensive tackle goes viral during NFL Combine 40-yard dash

• Former FSU Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald showcases accuracy at 2025 NFL Combine

• Best photos of former FSU stars Azareye'h Thomas, Joshua Farmer, and Ryan Fitzgerald at 2025 NFL Combine