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FSU’s Mike Norvell Talks About the Transfer Portal and the Redshirt Rule As the season draws to a close, the Seminoles will have a great deal of choices to make over the course of the next several weeks.
Robert Malcom | 28th of October, 2024
Following Tuesday’s practice, Mike Norvell engages in a conversation with the media.
Following the practice on Tuesday, Mike Norvell participated in a discussion with the media. / Tommy Mire-NoleGameday

In 1974, the Florida State Seminoles concluded the season with a record of 1-10, and they are currently off to their worst start since that year. The Seminoles have a record of 1-7 (1-6 ACC) and are officially out of bowl contention after securing a losing season with a loss to the Miami Hurricanes this past weekend. This is the year that the Seminoles have been in existence for fifty years.

After accumulating consistent growth on the recruiting trail over the course of the past few years and convincing prospective recruits that they have the potential to be a part of championship-winning teams at Florida State, any progress that has been gained following the outstanding 13-1 season in 2023 is now out of the window due to the disaster that 2024 has been.

Read more about how a Blue-Chip wide receiver has decided to withdraw his commitment to Florida State after a 1-7 start.

Mike Norvell, the head coach of Florida State University, discussed the transfer portal as well as the conversations he has had with players leading up to the remainder of the 2024 season. This comes at a time when the transfer window will officially open in December, and players from all over the country are choosing to opt out of their seasons in order to maintain their health while they look for new opportunities.

“The difference in this day and age is that they have included a dead period, which means that there will be a few days before the gateway opens, and during this time, conversations can take place. Also, just to be honest, there are some players who will find that to be the greatest option for them. When you take into consideration where they are and the options that are there to guys who want to play, we have some guys who have graduated and they are going to investigate a variety of other opportunities. Therefore, I have had some chats, even up to this point, but it is also just a part of this new age. However, we will have time, and we also have another week off after Notre Dame.

That statement was expanded upon by Norvell, who made reference to the actions he is taking in order to keep his players. Despite the fact that they have not been very successful, the Seminoles have not had a single player opt out of playing for them during the 2024 season. This could be a positive indicator as the transfer window for December begins to approach.

“Every day, I actively seek them out. The way you present yourself, the way you work, the things you do, and the investments you make are all important. When we were away from home the previous week, there were players who had traveled to other locations who came back to visit our team after our game. I had the opportunity to give a hug to a number of them because I care for the players that I coach when they are here. There are times when guys leave for whatever reason they believe is best for them, and in this day and age, there are a variety of different reasons. I respect the decisions that they make, and I give my honest opinion and assessment on where it is and what it could look like. However, my job is my ability to show up every day and pour into these players.

Not only is the redshirt rule one of the most contentious and ever-changing aspects of college football, but the transfer window is also one of the most divisive aspects of the sport. Prior to 2018, athletes who were redshirting were not permitted to see the field, and if they did so, it would eliminate the likelihood of them receiving a redshirt. Following that, the NCAA made a change to the rule, which now permits redshirts to participate in a maximum of four games during the regular season without having their participation count against their eligibility. Norvell made some remarks about the influence that the redshirt rule has had on the game and how it has evolved over the past few years.

“I believe that there is a new value today, I mean in all truth I am aware that there has been discussion about the five for five being a possibility, and I am probably banking more on the fact that it is going to be a reality than not, but clearly there are still things that have to go through it. I believe that when you look at the long term, there are some guys who simply require that time for their physical or developmental needs. This is especially true when you consider the various lines of scrimmage, where you want guys to be physically prepared and ready when they step out there. We have seen the positive aspects of some of those situations, but we have also seen the negative aspects of some of those situations. There’s all different parts of it and we want to make sure guys are maximizing their time and not to push them if they’re not physically or emotionally ready sometimes, but on the flipside of it making sure if they are we’re taking advantage of the opportunity.”

Norvell also outlined the ways in which he intends to utilize Luke Kromenhoek, who is a true freshman, in the last four games. Over the course of the first two games of the season, the young quarterback has already participated in two games. He took the majority of the snaps against Miami last weekend and led Florida State University to a touchdown drive early in the second quarter. It is still possible for Kromenhoek to participate in two more games while maintaining his status as a redshirt.

As of right now, we are working through everything, with this week being the primary focus. So that’s our mindset and approach with all of our guys, especially when it comes to decisions like that, it’s this week, and let’s go be as good as we can be and continue to improve,” Norvell said.

This weekend, the Seminoles will welcome back Doak Campbell Stadium for a matchup against the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, who currently own a record of 4-4. A coverage of the game will be available on the ACC Network, and the game is set to begin at 3:30.