Mike Norvell on how conference realignment impacts Florida State: 'It's still about us'

In 2024, massive changes are coming to college football with the SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 all expanding as the longstanding Pac-12 essentially ceases to exist.

Although, conference realignment is hardly the largest change coming to college athletics with what’s doing down in the courthouse this summer in regards to student-athlete compensation. However, despite the many ways in which the fall of ’24 will be a new world for college sports, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is keeping the focus within his program, just the same as it’s always been.

“No, I mean, it’s still about us,” said Norvell when asked how the nationwide changes have impacted his program in specific. “And you know, I said that a couple years ago, same thing last year.”

The mechanics of how college football operates is completely changing from a macro level, but for Norvell, in his job, it’s business as usual when it comes to putting the best possible unit on the field every Saturday.

“As you go through this journey, it’s just about seeing our team get better,” he continued. “And, you know, last year, we had a great regular season, championship game. Obviously, season didn’t end the way we wanted to in a couple different ways, but you know, can we show up this next season and be a better football team?”

More importantly, with an expanded College Football Playoff to look forward to as well, can Florida State make the field beyond a shadow of a doubt? Norvell will be hoping so. But again, for now, the FSU coach’s focus is on developing good football players this summer and seeing what they’ve got.

“Some new guys, some new opportunities, new roles that guys, you know, are finding themselves in and embracing that,” he said. “And just to grow as a program, to continue to push.”

Thus far, he’s loving what he’s seeing from the new group as it comes together this offseason.

“You know, I really love the group of guys I get to coach, and the way that they’ve worked through the winter program, spring practice was remarkable for us. And you know, I’m excited to see them continue to progress.”

As always, Mike Norvell’s eyes are on the prize. He’s certainly moved past the disappointments of lats season, which were largely out of his control, with a focus on maintaining an elite standard set in 2023, no matter the circumstances in 2024.