Florida State Coach Mike Norvell Sparks Stunning Upset Over No. 8 Alabama

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., August 30, 2025 - In his sixth season at the helm, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell masterminded one of the most shocking openers in recent college football history, as the Seminoles downed No. 8 Alabama, 31-17, at a rain-soaked Doak Campbell Stadium.

With the game tied at 17-17 and fewer than ten minutes remaining, Norvell elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 from his own 34-yard line. The play call sent running back Roydell Williams barreling through the line for a critical first down, igniting the decisive scoring drive and silencing the visiting Crimson Tide faithful. “It’s the expectation-you’ve got to go perform and continue to grow. When you’re on the field, is everybody else around you better because of you?” Norvell emphasized after the game, underscoring his aggressive philosophy in pivotal moments.

Quarterback Tommy Castellanos, who famously predicted this outcome by stating Alabama “didn’t have Nick Saban to save them,” delivered 152 passing yards and added 78 on the ground to validate his bold preseason remarks. The win marks a dramatic turnaround for a program that went 2-10 in 2024 and signifies Norvell’s ability to rally his team under high-pressure circumstances.

Florida State’s defense also rose to the occasion, limiting Alabama’s rushing attack to under 100 yards while the Seminoles amassed over 200 on the ground. Norvell credited his revamped coaching staff-highlighted by new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn-with creating versatile schemes on both sides of the ball, noting that “two new coordinators on the offensive and defensive side … have made us better through the process and competition”.

The victory not only avenges last season’s struggles but also serves notice that Norvell’s Seminoles are contenders in the ACC and beyond as they chase a program revival under his leadership.