As the 2026 season is set to get underway, Florida fans are optimistic about things in Gainesville. Part of it is that it can’t be worse than the Billy Napier era, but the Gators also have a roster that is good enough to go 10-2 if things break right.
Our friends over at FSU don’t have the same feeling of optimism and are hoping for a minor miracle out of Mike Norvell. But as a game-by-game prediction from On3 highlights, FSU’s season might set up a chance for Florida to be the nail that is officially driven into Norvell’s coffin.
Florida could be the game that gets Mike Norvell fired
On3’s JD Pickell went through FSU’s schedule game-by-game. He projects that FSU will beat New Mexico State and SMU to open the season before losing to Alabama. Pickell then envisions FSU beating Central Arkansas and Virginia to start the year 4-1.
All things considered, this wouldn’t be a bad spot for FSU, and Seminole fans might start dreaming of a run in the ACC. But then Pickell thinks the wheels are going to fall off with losses to Louisville, Miami, and Clemson before a reprieve with a win over Boston College…