Oct 5, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Wade Woodaz (17) forces a fumble by Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Hykeem Williams (8) during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

ESPN picks up option on ACC contract through 2036

ESPN has agreed to exercise its option to continue broadcasting Atlantic Coast Conference sporting events through 2036, the network reported on Thursday.

ESPN had until Feb. 1 to pick up the option on a 20-year contract it signed in 2016. The deal would have ended after the 2027 season had the network declined to do so.

While the ACC board of directors voted Wednesday, ESPN reported that the conference is working on ways of creating more marquee games in football and men’s basketball. Those “value adds” are expected to help increase a new revenue distribution model as the ACC works toward a settlement with Clemson and Florida State.

Per ESPN, a proposed plan has a percentage of the ACC’s television revenue included in a “brand” fund — with that money going to schools that annually generate the most revenue for the league in football and men’s and women’s basketball.

Should that come to fruition, Clemson and Florida State likely would drop lawsuits that they currently have against the conference. The Tigers and Seminoles are suing the ACC in an attempt to back out of the conference’s grant of rights.

With the grant of rights, which is in effect through 2036, Clemson and Florida State’s media rights are attached to the conference itself.

Per ESPN, multiple athletic directors have said that this also could affect Notre Dame as a means to create additional games against top-tier teams within the conference.

–Field Level Media

Newbury Park High junior quarterback Brady Smigiel fires a pass during a practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. After setting county single-season (52) and career TD passes (98) as a sophomore, Smigiel will lead a powerful Panthers offense in the newly formed Conejo Coast League.

Reports: Florida State loses commitment from 4-star QB Brady Smigiel

Quarterback Brady Smigiel, a four-star quarterback in the Class of 2026, decommitted from Florida State on Sunday, according to multiple media reports.

A three-year starter at Newbury Park (Calif.) High School, Smigiel had verbally committed to the Seminoles in June 2024 over finalist Michigan and more than 30 other programs. Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly made an in-home visit on Saturday, and UCLA, South Carolina and Washington also have made recent visits.

Smigiel, listed at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, is ranked the No. 63 overall prospect in his class, No. 5 at his position and No. 10 in California, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

“He definitely is planning on taking some trips,” his father and coach, Joe Smigiel, told On3Sports before Sunday’s news. “After the amazing season he had … and (being) named Mr. California for all classes he has gotten a bunch of interest.”

As a junior, he threw for 3,521 yards, 49 touchdowns and three interceptions. He ran for 11 TDs and more than 400 yards. Smigiel has a total of 147 TD passes and more than 11,000 passing yards in three seasons.

Florida State went 2-10 last season under head coach Mike Norvell, who has a new offensive coordinator in former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn. The Seminoles moved quickly on Sunday, making an offer to four-star QB Bowe Bentley of Celina (Texas) High School.

Bentley, listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, guided Celina to an unbeaten record and the Texas 4A D-I state championship in 2024. The junior is ranked No. 292 in the class, No. 18 at QB and No. 39 in Texas in the 247Sports Composite.

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Luke Kromenhoek (14) before a game against the Florida Gators at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Mississippi State lands Florida State transfer QB Luke Kromenhoek

Florida State transfer quarterback Luke Kromenhoek announced Tuesday that he has committed to Mississippi State.

Kromenhoek appeared in six games, including two starts, as a true freshman for the Seminoles following an injury to starter DJ Uiagalelei and ineffectiveness by primary backup Brock Glenn. He threw for 502 yards with three touchdowns against two interceptions, while adding 113 yards on 63 carries.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback was a four-star recruit out of Benedictine Military in Savannah, Ga., and will have three years of eligibility remaining.

The Bulldogs having been seeking to add competition for the starting quarterback job next season with Michael Van Buren Jr. transferring to LSU and third-stringer Chris Parson also entering the transfer portal.

Kromenhoek joins a quarterback depth chart that includes Blake Shapen, who began this season as the starter before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4. Mississippi State also signed four-star quarterback KaMario Taylor to its 2025 recruiting class.

The Bulldogs failed to qualify for a bowl game following a 5-7 finish this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 5, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Coach Mike Norvell giving $4.5M to Florida State initiative

Florida State coach Mike Norvell has restructured his contract to include a $4.5 million contribution to a new fundraising campaign for revenue sharing with student-athletes, the university announced on Monday.

The Vision of Excellence university initiative was designed to help with the student-athletes’ overall experience as well as coaching, facilities and fan engagement, the university said.

“I presented this to our administration in an effort to boost the support of our student-athletes while recognizing that the results and expectations need to be upheld to the highest level,” Norvell said in the statement.

“I wanted to be proactive in my financial assistance through this time of transition as we all push forward to get back to the standard of Florida State football. Great days are ahead, and I’m grateful to coach these players and lead this staff. We have been hard at work to uphold the tradition here at Florida State, and I believe this step will help accelerate the process to where I know we are going.”

Division I schools are permitted to share at least $20.5 million in revenue with their athletes starting on July 1 under a new House settlement agreement.

Norvell has coached the Seminoles since 2020 and is 33-27, including 2-10 this season after going 13-1 in 2023 with the team’s first Atlantic Coast Conference championship since 2014.

He received a multiyear contract extension after the 2022 season and an enhancement in January. Norvell, who is set to be paid $9.9 million in 2025, is under contract through 2031. He has an overall head coaching record of 71-43, including four seasons at Memphis (2016-19).

“He is a high-character person who took an honest assessment of what the program needed from its leader to move forward,” FSU director of athletics Michael Alford said in the statement. “I’m excited about the future of Florida State football. FSU will continue to be a leader in the new structure of collegiate athletics, and that includes how we provide for our student-athletes. It will take additional support. I’m not going to be shy about encouraging others to follow Coach Norvell’s actions and contribute however they can.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn yells at quarterback Dylan Rizk (10) during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Gus Malzahn: Move to FSU impacted by changes to coaching

Describing himself as an “old-school football coach,” Guz Malzahn said he resigned from leading UCF’s program to become Florida State’s offensive coordinator due to the recent changes in a college head coach’s job description.

Malzahn, 59, was set to make $15 million over the next three seasons at the helm of the Knights, but instead left to take a three-year deal with the Seminoles and will earn $1.5 million next season. Scott Frost returned to UCF last weekend to replace Malzahn.

“The job description of a head college football coach has changed dramatically in the last two years with everything — transfer portal to collectives to agents and everything that goes with that,” Malzahn said. “I’m just an old-school football coach.

“I love coaching football, and head coaches, it’s hard to do that a lot. So that had something to do with it. And then the opportunity and being familiar with (Florida State head coach) Mike (Norvell) and having so much respect for this university, coached against this university in the national championship. I know what this place is capable of doing.”

Back in 2007, Malzhan was on the Tulsa staff when Norvell joined as a graduate assistant, and the two formed a bond despite only working together for two seasons.

At Florida State, Malzahn will replace Norvell as the primary signalcaller for an offense that ranked 131st out of 134 schools in points per game (15.4) in 2024.

“Our foundation on offense is from the same family,” Malzahn said. “He’s got his own wrinkles, and I’ve had my own wrinkles. But there is a lot more things that are in common. We still have the same terminology, the way we identify things like formations and player alignment, numbers.

“That’s why it’s a really, really easy transition. We’re going to play fast. I think that’s the No. 1 thing. We’re going to play fast.”

Malzahn is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn — which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and play caller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010.

In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn’s teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season.

“I’m a big believer you got to run the football downhill,” he said. “It makes everything better as far as pass protection, better on the quarterback, everything. … And we’ll get that done.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  A Florida State Seminoles helmet on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Florida State hires Tony White as defensive coordinator

Florida State tabbed Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White to the same post on Thursday.

White, a two-time Broyles Award nominee for the nation’s top assistant coach, spent the past two seasons with the Cornhuskers.

The addition of White comes three days after the Seminoles hired former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn as their offensive coordinator.

White, 45, will replace Adam Fuller, who was fired as defensive coordinator by head coach Mike Norvell last month. Fuller was one of three assistant coaches dismissed in the aftermath of a 52-3 loss to Notre Dame, including offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins.

“I’m excited to bring Tony White into the Nole Family in such an important role on our staff,” Norvell said. “His aggressive, innovative defensive scheme provides opportunities for playmakers to shine and is extremely difficult on opposing offenses. Tony has a proven track record coordinating elite defenses against some of the best competition in the country, and I’m looking forward to his impact on our return to the Florida State standard.”

White also was the defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at Syracuse (2020-22) and the defensive passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach at Arizona State (2019).

Florida State lost to rival Florida 31-11 on Saturday to complete a 2-10 season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 9, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn hired as Florida State OC

Florida State made official on Monday the hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, confirming weekend reports that he would resign as UCF head coach to reunite with Seminoles coach Mike Norvell.

UCF had confirmed on Sunday reports of Malzahn’s exit but not his destination, and FSU had not made an announcement until Monday afternoon.

“I am excited to be here at Florida State and to help us win championships,” Malzahn said in a statement. “It’s exciting to work with Coach Norvell, who is someone I believe in as a coach and leader.”

Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, said on Saturday night after the Seminoles’ 31-11 loss to Florida that he could not identify the new offensive coordinator until the hiring process was finalized.

Florida State, which is 2-10 overall and 1-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, is ranked No. 132 of 133 FBS programs in total offense (270.2 yards per game). The Seminoles are 130th in the nation in scoring offense (15.4 points per game).

Norvell shook up his staff, including firing offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins on Nov. 10 after a 52-3 defeat at Notre Dame.

“I’m extremely excited to have Gus Malzahn join our staff at Florida State,” Norvell said in the school’s statement on Monday. “He has one of the most innovative minds in college football and a proven track record of developing elite offenses everywhere he’s been.

“His offenses have consistently showcased a tremendous running game combined with explosive plays through the air. I’m thrilled to work side-by-side with Gus again as we elevate the Florida State offense back to one of the elite groups in college football.”

UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn’s four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons.

Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn — which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and play caller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010.

Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation.

In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn’s teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before the game against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Reports: FSU set to hire DC Tony White from Nebraska

Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White is set to join Florida State in the same capacity, ESPN and Rivals reported Monday.

Cornhuskers defensive line coach Terrance Knighton will join White at FSU, according to the Rivals report.

White, who spent the past two seasons at Nebraska, will replace Adam Fuller, fired as DC by head coach Mike Norvell last month. Fuller was one of three assistant coaches fired in the aftermath of a 52-3 loss to Notre Dame, including offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins.

White, 45, was also the DC at Syracuse (2020-22) and Arizona State (2019).

It was reported over the weekend that Gus Malzahn resigned as head coach at UCF to become the new OC at FSU next season.

FSU lost to rival Florida 31-11 on Saturday to complete a 2-10 season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn arrives before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Report: UCF HC Gus Malzahn to become Florida State OC

Gus Malzahn is leaving his post as UCF’s head coach to reunite with Florida State coach Mike Norvell as the Seminoles’ offensive coordinator, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, relinquished his role as FSU’s primary playcaller amid a staff shakeup this season.

Florida State, 1-7 in the Athletic Coast Conference this season, entered Saturday’s season finale against Florida at 2-9 and ranked No. 131 in the nation in total offense.

UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn’s four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons.

Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn — which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and playcaller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010.

Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation.

In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn’s teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season.

–Field Level Media

Florida Gators defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7), Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11), Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) and Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) celebrateat Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 23, 2024. The Gators defeated the Rebels 24-17 [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Revived Florida focuses on finish in trip to Florida State

Florida is coming off arguably its biggest win of the season, upsetting Ole Miss while rival Florida State needed any kind of win and secured that last week by beating Charleston Southern.

Ending the season on a high note by winning the annual rivalry on Saturday night in Tallahassee, Fla., is the goal for these programs, but Florida stands an opportunity to further improve its bowl standing as a parting gift.

Florida leads the all-time series 37-28-2, but the Seminoles have won the past two meetings by nine points or fewer.

But this season, although they have experienced their ups and downs, things have gone markedly better for the Gators (6-5) than the Seminoles (2-9).

Napier had been thought to be on the hot seat since the start of the season. Everything changed in November.

With the support of his administration, Napier revived the Gators. Consecutive victories over ranked SEC foes LSU and Ole Miss the past two weeks have Florida’s outlook on the sunny side.

The Gators beat ranked teams in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008 led by DJ Lagway, who threw a pair of touchdown passes in the 24-17 victory.

A win over the rival Seminoles in a year they are favored to do so would be huge heading into a subsequent bowl game.

“It was complimentary ball,” Napier said. “We had a lot of comments about the game afterwards. So, you know, we have no time to play around here, because we’re turning the page.”

Florida State is fresh off its best offensive performance by far of this season, albeit against the lowly FCS-level Bucs, who finished their season 1-11.

The Seminoles scored a season-high 41 points, which was 20 more than their previous high, and snapped a six-game losing streak.

Quarterback Luke Kromenhoek completed 13 of 20 passes for 209 yards and threw three touchdown passes and no interceptions. The performance earned him the chance to start again in Saturday’s game per Florida State coach Mike Norvell.

“To be able to have three touchdown passes, he made a lot of good decisions,” Norvell said during his Monday press conference. “There’s some throws that he missed, some parts of different reads and progressions where I think he’s going to continue to even become that much more efficient around it.”

–Field Level Media