The Seminoles have had numerous misses when it comes to finding QBs per this analytics report.
Florida State and the label "Quarterback U" aren't a direct pairing as of late.
Especially when one takes a deeper dive into how FSU has recruited the position under head coach Mike Norvell.
College football analyst David Hale presented the flaws involving how the Seminoles and Norvell have addressed the position. More so on the recruiting trail.
"It’s a well worn mantra that Norvell has been a bad recruiter," Hale begins via his Substack newsletter Swings a Misses. "The Travis Hunter situation probably cemented that rep, but I think that one’s not really his fault. But the numbers are striking even if we don’t consider the guys FSU missed on."
That's when Hale dove into quarterback post Jameis Winston, describing QB development as FSU falling into a black hole.
Norvell has shown trouble with keeping recruits. Chuba Purdy (younger brother of San Francisco 49ers All-Pro QB Brock) is one, who eventually landed with Nevada.
The head coach mysteriously didn't sign any QB via high school recruiting for 2021. That FSU team went 5-7.
Norvell later earned a commitment and signing from IMG Academy star AJ Duffy, who was a four-star in the 2022 class. Duffy eventually transferred to San Diego State in Dec. 2023.
Brock Glenn signed with FSU in Jan. 2023, only to leave for Western Kentucky. Fellow four-star Luke Kromenhoek signed for the 2024 class, but landed at Mississippi State and South Florida after departing from Tallahassee.
The jury is now out on Kevin Sperry and Jaden O'Neal, both of whom are filling the 2026 QB roster.
"Those seven QBs -- and apologies to Jaden O’Neal, who just arrived -- have started a grand total of 29 games in their careers. That’s it. Six QBs with at least a year of playing eligibility and they’ve managed to start just 29 games. Not at FSU. At any school," Hale noted.
And of the QBs mentioned above, FSU went a combined 2-23 with them behind center.
Recruiting evaluations play a big part in this massive dilemma attached to Norvell. He also hasn't had much continuity with the offensive coordinator spot either.
Kenny Dillingham was with Norvell from 2020-2021 before moving on to Oregon. Alex Atkins handled the role from 2022 to 2024. Gus Malzahn followed Atkins, but ended up coaching just one season in 2025 and eventually retired.
At least now FSU has some continuity in promoting Tim Harris Jr. from wide receivers coach to OC (although Norvell will call the plays).
But Norvell's biggest QB find was Jordan Travis, who arrived via Louisville. Tommy Castellanos delivered the big season opening upset over Alabama in '25, but went 5-7 the rest of the way.
Norvell and the coaching staff has delivered minimal recruiting wins at QB. Hence why he's on shaky ground and why "QBU" is a label not attached to FSU right now.
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