Florida State Loss Intensifies Pressure on Norvell

Florida State fell 20-13 at Stanford, its fourth straight loss, leaving the Seminoles 3-4 overall and 0-4 in ACC play and extending a prolonged winless stretch in conference games. The game ended when FSU was stopped just short of the goal line on a shovel pass after a frantic late drive that included freshman Kevin Sperry following a botched snap. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos completed 14-of-28 passes for 242 yards and rushed for a touchdown, but costly penalties, special-teams miscues and breakdowns on all three phases repeatedly undermined the team. The loss intensified public frustration — fans and media called for coach Mike Norvell to be fired, players displayed poor body language, and Norvell had a sideline confrontation with staff. Sources say decision-makers conferred about Norvell’s future; he is 36–31 overall at FSU (20–24 in ACC play) and reportedly carries a buyout north of $54.4 million, leaving the program facing an uphill climb after the 2023 CFP snub and a lopsided Orange Bowl loss.