FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell Assesses First Day of Spring Football Practice

Norvell provides injury updates and outlook as Seminoles open 2026 spring workouts

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Florida State University's football team kicked off spring practice on Monday, with head coach Mike Norvell assessing the first day's work and providing injury updates on several players. Norvell said he was pleased with the team's effort and focus as they began installing the offense and defense for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

As FSU looks to rebound from a 7-17 record over the past two seasons, Norvell's assessment of the first spring practice provides insight into the state of the program and the progress being made as the Seminoles work to rebuild their roster through the transfer portal and prepare for the 2026 season opener against New Mexico State.

The details

Norvell noted that the team came out and took the information from the initial practice install and worked to play fast. However, the Seminoles will be without a trio of players during spring workouts, including Jordan Sanders, who will return for summer work, freshman Cam Brooks who is likely out until midseason, and freshman QB Jaden O'Neal who will miss the entire season due to a high school injury.

  • FSU opened spring practice on Monday, March 7, 2026.
  • The Seminoles will resume practice on Wednesday, March 9, 2026.
  • FSU's spring football session will conclude on April 15, 2026.
  • The Seminoles open the 2026 season against New Mexico State on August 29, 2026.

The players

Mike Norvell

Head coach of the Florida State University football team.

Jordan Sanders

A player who transferred to FSU from Texas State and will return for summer work.

Cam Brooks

A freshman player who is likely out until midseason due to injury.

Jaden O'Neal

A freshman quarterback who will miss the entire 2026 season due to an injury sustained in high school.

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What they’re saying

“Today is what you want from a first day. (You want to) see a team that will come out and take that information and the install and work to play fast.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Seminoles will resume spring practice on Wednesday, March 9, 2026 as they continue to install their offense and defense and evaluate the roster ahead of the 2026 season opener against New Mexico State on August 29.

The takeaway

With a 7-17 record over the past two seasons, Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell are focused on using spring practice to lay the foundation for a turnaround in 2026. The Seminoles' ability to overcome key injuries and integrate new talent through the transfer portal will be critical as they work to rebuild the program and regain their status as a national contender.