Florida State Looks to Unleash Talented RB Kromah in 2026

Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell takes over play-calling duties, aims to feature star running back more prominently.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 2:04am

After a disappointing 2025 season, the Florida State Seminoles are hoping to bounce back in 2026 with head coach Mike Norvell taking over play-calling responsibilities. One key focus will be getting the ball more often to talented running back Ousmane Kromah, who was a highly touted recruit but saw limited touches last year.

Why it matters

Florida State is looking to rebound from a down year and regain its status as a top program in the ACC. Featuring Kromah, one of their most dynamic offensive weapons, could be a key part of that turnaround effort.

The details

With former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn retiring, Norvell will now call the plays himself in 2026. This gives him more control over the offense and the opportunity to feature Kromah, who was a four-star recruit that the Seminoles fought hard to land. Kromah only had 10+ carries in two games last season, a number that will need to increase significantly if Florida State wants to get its offense on track.

  • The 2025 season saw Florida State struggle, losing 7 of their last 9 games and missing a bowl game.
  • Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn retired this offseason, allowing head coach Mike Norvell to take over play-calling duties for 2026.

The players

Mike Norvell

The head football coach for the Florida State Seminoles, who will now be calling the plays for the offense after the retirement of former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.

Ousmane Kromah

A talented running back for the Florida State Seminoles who was a highly touted recruit, but saw limited touches in the 2025 season with the team struggling to find consistency in the backfield.

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What they’re saying

“One of the more frustrating parts of the offense last season was that Florida State used too many running backs. They started with the transfer Gavin Sawchuk, then turned to Ousmane Kromah, and lastly decided on Samuel Singleton Jr. This became a jumbled mess where the running backs couldn't find a rhythm in the offense.”

— Taylor Devers, Author

What’s next

With Norvell taking over play-calling, the focus will be on getting Kromah more involved and establishing a consistent rushing attack to support the Seminoles' offense in 2026.

The takeaway

Florida State is hoping that by putting the offense in Norvell's hands and featuring their talented running back Ousmane Kromah more prominently, they can bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and regain their status as a top program in the ACC.