Josh Pate has delivered a blunt assessment of the Florida State Seminoles — and it’s not what fans will want to hear.
Speaking on his college football show, Pate didn’t hold back when discussing the program’s current trajectory, suggesting the team isn’t just struggling to compete at the top level — but may not even be close.
“I think they’ve got to improve to be mediocre right now,” he said, summing up concerns around the squad heading into the 2026 season.
It’s a harsh reality for a program with a proud history, but one that many analysts believe reflects the current state of play in Tallahassee.
Pate also pointed to how expectations can be misleading. While early projections suggest a win total of around 6.5 games, he argued that number doesn’t tell the full story. When factoring in a tougher schedule, he believes the Seminoles could drop significantly — potentially down to just 4.5 wins.
That would place them among the lowest-performing teams in a more competitive conference setting.
At the centre of the criticism is head coach Mike Norvell, with questions continuing to swirl around his long-term strategy.
Much of the concern focuses on the program’s heavy reliance on the transfer portal. While the approach delivered short-term success in previous seasons, critics argue it has failed to build a stable, elite roster capable of sustained performance.
Pate highlighted the lack of standout talent across the squad, suggesting there are very few players who rank among the best at their position nationally.
For a team once considered a powerhouse of college football, it’s a significant fall — and one that may take time to recover from.
With pressure mounting and expectations tempered, the 2026 season could prove to be a defining moment for both Florida State Seminoles and Mike Norvell.
Whether they can turn things around remains to be seen — but for now, the outlook appears uncertain at best.
