Florida State is 10 practices into their spring football schedule, but head coach Mike Norvell still feels something’s missing. With construction limiting their space at the Al Dunlap Practice Facility, field time is valuable, but Norvell hasn’t lowered his standards. He described Tuesday’s session as inconsistent—there were moments of quality, but not enough overall intensity. His frustration was especially aimed at the offense.
One key player under scrutiny is quarterback Thomas Castellanos. His spring performance has included both impressive moments and growing pains. Florida State, which added 16 players and saw 22 depart in the last transfer cycle (ranked 23rd nationally), is still working to shape its roster for the 2025 season. With the next transfer portal window opening on April 16, players are running out of time to prove they fit into Norvell’s long-term plans.
While the pace of practices has increased, Norvell says the energy hasn’t always been focused or sharp. He gave some credit to the defense in the middle of Tuesday’s session and noted some explosive plays toward the end. Still, the inconsistency continues to be a concern. Norvell is looking for players who can lead—not just blend in.
Castellanos, now working through his first full offseason at Florida State, is at a critical point in his development. Known for his dual-threat abilities, his playmaking is evident, but his decision-making still needs refining. Norvell pointed out two specific mistakes during the practice: one was a tipped screen pass that was intercepted (partly due to another player’s missed assignment), and the other was a deep throw where a defender simply made a better play. These are the kinds of moments where Norvell hopes Castellanos will learn to adapt and make better in-the-moment choices.
Despite the mistakes, Norvell isn’t blaming Castellanos. Instead, he’s using these moments as teaching tools. One example was a throw to a younger receiver who failed to return to the ball. Norvell emphasized that Castellanos is improving in his effort to take command of the offense, not just by making plays, but by understanding the intent behind each read. Castellanos is learning what a “good miss” looks like and where the ball should ideally go, even when under pressure.
The quarterback competition at Florida State is heating up, with Norvell noting that all three main quarterbacks have shown the ability to make plays. No starter has been named, so the focus remains on reducing errors and maximizing opportunities. Castellanos has flashed brilliance, but Norvell is pushing for greater consistency—something more sustainable than highlight-reel improvisation.
Beyond the current roster, the coaching staff has built a strong 2025 recruiting class, currently ranked in the On3 Top 20. A standout is defensive lineman Kevin Wynn, who impressed at the US Navy All-Star Game and continues to climb in national rankings. Florida State isn’t short on talent—it’s about bringing it all together.
Norvell, meanwhile, has stepped back from play-calling duties, allowing him to see the broader picture. He’s now more focused on overseeing the entire operation. With experienced coordinators like Gus Malzahn (offense) and Tony White (defense), Norvell trusts their knowledge across all phases of the game. He praised their ability to spot problems, teach consistently, and float across position groups to help wherever needed. This new structure is meant to ensure everyone is aligned and improving together.
Though Norvell has handed over the play sheet, he remains deeply involved in shaping the program’s direction—aiming for a smarter, more cohesive team headed into the fall.