Michael Norvell Reacts to Matt Baker’s Opinion on Florida State Staying in ACC

TALLAHASSEE — The future of Florida State’s conference affiliation has been a topic of heated debate in recent months, and Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has weighed in on recent commentary from Tampa Bay Times columnist Matt Baker, who expressed support for the Seminoles remaining in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Baker, who has been vocal about the state of college football realignment, recently wrote that Florida State would be better off staying in the ACC, citing stability, tradition, and competitiveness within the conference. However, Norvell, who has seen the Seminoles rise back to national prominence during his tenure, addressed the topic after a recent practice session.

Norvell’s Response to Conference Speculation

In his comments, Norvell acknowledged the growing conversation about conference realignment but didn’t shy away from addressing Baker’s opinion on Florida State’s future in the ACC.

“We know how important our future is, and we’re always evaluating what’s best for Florida State,” Norvell said. “The ACC has been home for a long time, and we’ve built a lot of history here, but at the same time, we want to make sure we’re in the best position to compete for national championships year in and year out.”

Norvell’s response suggests that while he respects the historical significance of the ACC, the program’s long-term goals — particularly competing for national titles and gaining a financial edge — remain top of mind.

Baker’s Opinion on Staying in the ACC

Matt Baker’s recent column emphasized the ACC’s benefits for Florida State, arguing that stability in a time of rapid realignment is key. He noted that the Seminoles have a well-established brand within the ACC and could continue to thrive without the risk of entering the uncertainty that comes with joining another conference like the Big Ten or SEC.

“Florida State’s dominance in the ACC gives them a clearer path to the College Football Playoff,” Baker wrote. “The program can still recruit at a high level and compete nationally, all while staying in a conference that allows them to stand out as a top team.”

Baker also pointed to Florida State’s success under Norvell as a sign that the program is heading in the right direction within the current structure of the ACC, which has seen significant improvements in recent seasons. He added that the university’s leadership should prioritize stability over chasing bigger media deals and revenue projections in a more competitive conference.

Balancing Tradition with Opportunity

While Norvell expressed his appreciation for the ACC’s role in Florida State’s storied history, he also noted the changing landscape of college football, where revenue, exposure, and playoff access have become critical factors for every program.

“The reality is that college football is evolving,” Norvell said. “You’ve got to be able to adapt. As a program, we need to make sure we’re putting ourselves in a position to compete at the highest level.”

Norvell’s comments align with the growing sentiment among Florida State’s administration, who have previously voiced concerns about the revenue disparity between the ACC and other Power Five conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. Florida State President Richard McCullough and Athletic Director Michael Alford have both hinted that staying in the ACC may not be the best financial decision in the long run.

The Financial Factor

At the heart of the debate is the massive gap in media rights revenue between the ACC and other conferences. The ACC’s current deal with ESPN, which runs through 2036, has been criticized for locking member schools into a deal that lags far behind the payouts seen in the SEC and Big Ten. This has led to growing frustration within Florida State, Clemson, and other top programs in the ACC, who argue that their national brand deserves a bigger slice of the pie.

While Norvell did not delve into the financial aspects of the debate, it’s clear that revenue concerns are a driving force behind Florida State’s potential interest in leaving the ACC. The program’s ability to compete with the nation’s elite often hinges on its ability to generate the necessary resources to attract top-tier talent and build championship-caliber facilities.

What’s Next for Florida State?

As the conversation around realignment intensifies, Florida State finds itself at a crossroads. While the tradition and history of the ACC remain compelling, the allure of joining a more financially competitive conference like the SEC or Big Ten is becoming harder to ignore.

For Norvell, the focus remains on the field as he continues to guide the Seminoles through a promising season. Yet, it’s clear that the off-field decisions regarding Florida State’s future in the ACC will have a lasting impact on the program’s trajectory.

As for Baker’s opinion, it reflects a viewpoint that values continuity and tradition. However, Norvell’s measured response underscores that the Seminoles’ leadership will weigh all options carefully — with one eye on tradition and the other on opportunity.

The next few years will be critical for both Florida State and the ACC, as conference realignment continues to reshape the landscape of college football.