Then there are those who are still on the brink of a playoff berth. Many fantasy managers will have a shot to earn their way into the fantasy postseason over the final few weeks, but it will be critical to nail their streaming options entering Week 13.

There won’t be an NFL teams on bye in Week 13, as the league prepares for its annual Thanksgiving slate. That will give fantasy managers seeking help on the waiver wire plenty of options who can potentially help their teams down the stretch of the season.

Here’s a look at the best players fantasy managers can target on waivers ahead of Week 13.

Week 13 fantasy football waiver wire targets

RB Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints (Rostered in 3% of Yahoo leagues)

Alvin Kamara exited Sunday’s game with a knee injury. The Saints already lost backup running back Kendre Miller for the season to a torn ACL, so if Kamara has to miss time, Neal will likely emerge as the de facto workhorse in New Orleans’ offense.

Neal had just 18 yards on seven carries against the Falcons but he generated an addition 43 yards through the air on five catches. He should be a particularly good PPR option, as the rookie caught 77 passes during his four-year college career at Kansas.

TE Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (Rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues)

If Neal is the safe option to get work in New Orleans, Hill is a big-time wild card. The 35-year-old gadget player led the team in carries Sunday with 10. He turned them into just 17 yards, but his usage is encouraging for those looking for a tight end with scoring upside.

Hill has always been a red-zone weapon during his career, and the 6-2, 221-pounder may be treated as a goal-line bruiser in tandem with the 5-11, 213-pound Neal. Feel free to scoop up Hill if you need scoring upside at tight end – or are just looking to have a good time as fantasy season ends.

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders (Rostered in 16% of Yahoo leagues)

Rodriguez didn’t play in Week 12, as the Commanders were on a bye, so he could be a sneaky-good add for those looking for help at running back.

Rodriguez has seemingly emerged as the leader in the Commanders’ backfield-by-committee approach. The Kentucky product has touchdown upside thanks to his 5-11, 224-pound frame and had 79 yards on a team-high 15 carries in his last outing in Week 10. Rodriguez may not always get the volume needed to be an RB2, but he profiles as a rock-solid flex with touchdown upside.

QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (Rostered in 36% of Yahoo leagues)

Before getting hurt against the Broncos, Stroud had averaged 256 yards and 2.3 touchdowns over a four-game span. Davis Mills kept the seat warm for him, going 3-0 in Stroud’s absence, but the third-year quarterback should be on tap to return to action in Week 13.

Houston’s offense appears to be getting better with rookie Jayden Higgins developing into a solid No. 2 receiver and both Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz playing consistently. That should allow Stroud to become a solid streamer, especially entering two potential higher-scoring game against the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs.

WR Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals (Rostered in 20% of Yahoo leagues)

Iosivas saw increased action in Week 12 with Ja’Marr Chase suspended. He was targeted a team-high seven times and led the team with 61 receiving yards on four catches in a solid showing.

While Chase will return in Week 13, the Bengals lost Tee Higgins to a concussion at the end of the team’s loss to the New England Patriots. Cincinnati is playing on Thanksgiving, so Higgins isn’t likely to return for that game. That, plus the potential return of Joe Burrow, could open the door for Iosivas to again emerge as a fantasy factor on Thanksgiving.

WR Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans (Rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues)

With Elic Ayomanor out, Dike tied for the team lead in targets (7) with Gunnar Helm. The rookie wide-out caught five of those targets for 44 yards and a touchdown while also adding a score on an impressive 90-yard punt return touchdown.

Dike figures to be a big part of what Tennessee does on offense down the stretch with Calvin Ridley out for the season. Feel free to scoop Dike up and hope he can become a high-upside WR3 as he develops more chemistry with Cam Ward.

TE Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (Rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues)

Strange returned to action for the first time since Week 5 in the Jaguars’ win over the Cardinals. He largely picked up where he left off, catching all five of his targets for a team-high 93 receiving yards.

Excluding the game in which Strange was hurt, he is now averaging 4.8 catches for 55 yards per game. He hasn’t yet found his way into the end-zone this season, but his volume is enough to make him a matchup-based starter at tight end who could be a top-10 tight end if he can earn more scoring opportunities.

TE Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears (Rostered in 43% of Yahoo leagues)

Loveland is another tight end who appears to be breaking out. He had a 118-yard, two-touchdown game against the Bengals in Week 9, but since then he has averaged 3.7 catches and 48 yards across three game while finding the end-zone in Week 12.

Loveland appears to have overtaken Cole Kmet as the No. 1 tight end in Chicago’s offense, so adding the rookie first-rounder could pay dividends down the stretch.

Tyler Herro is expected to make his season debut on Monday, Nov. 24 when the Miami Heat host the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Herro was dealing with a foot injury last season before suffering an ankle injury during an offseason workout. Herro underwent surgery on that injured ankle in September.

Herro started all 77 games he played in and served as Miami’s leading scorer for the 2024-2025 season. The All-Star guard averaged 23.9 points, 5.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds.

The Heat added Norman Powell during the offseason. He currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 24.9 points per game.

The Heat have won their last four games, including a 127-117 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Inter Miami is headed to the Eastern Conference final for the first time in franchise history after defeating FC Cincinnati, 4-0, at TQL Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 23. Lionel Messi showed why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it, tallying the winning goal and three assists on the night, breaking the all-time MLS record for goal contributions, and Miami might still have two games to play.

FC Cincinnati had advanced in the MLS Cup Playoffs after winning the best-of-three series in the first round against the rival Columbus Crew. Brenner Souza secured his team’s place in the semifinals with two impressive goals in the second half of Game 3 against Columbus, earning Cincinnati a matchup against Inter Miami.

Miami now awaits the winner of the Philadelphia Union-New York City FC playoff game.

Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati highlights

FINAL: Inter Miami 4, FC Cincinnati 0

Although FC Cincinnati started this game hounding the Miami goal, the flip switched about 20 minutes in, and from then on, it was all Miami.

Lionel Messi was the difference in this game, tallying the game-winning goal and three assists in this contest. He had an opportunity for a second goal as well, but left his breakaway opportunity just right of the Cincinnati goal.

Miami is headed to the Eastern Conference Finals.

GOAL: Allende (74′); Inter Miami 4, FC Cincinnati 0

You’d think Miami would be satisfied with a three-goal lead, but no. Despite their massive lead, they’ve kept their foot on the pedal, cultivating in a 1-on-1 opportunity for Allende resulting in a goal, his fifth of the MLS playoffs and Messi’s sixth assist of the playoffs.

Not only did Allende score, but his goal came just moments after Messi had a breakaway chance of his own that wound up wide right. Regardless, Miami got the goal they wanted. They lead 4-0 and appear to be headed to the Finals.

GOAL: Allende (62′); Inter Miami 3, FC Cincinnati 0

It’s all Miami now, and once again, a terrific through ball from Lionel Messi gave Allende a 1-on-1 with Celentano and Allende delivered with a shot into the bottom left corner. Miami leads 3-0.

GOAL: Silvetti (57′); Inter Miami 2, FC Cincinnati 0

The 19-year-old Silvetti is making an impact. With all the Cincinnati attention on Lionel Messi as he carried the ball up the middle lane, one quick pass to his left gave Silvetti a phenomenal look at the net, which he blasted into the bottom right corner.

The youthful Argentinia star gets the feed from the Argentinian legend to put Miami up 2-0.

HALFTIME: Inter Miami 1, FC Cincinnati 0

Deep into stoppage time in the first half, Miami had one final attack as Silvetti was offered a beautiful cross with a look at an open net. However, Cincinnati’s defense was able to disrupt Silvetti just enough to prevent him from scoring. We head into halftime with Miami leading 1-0.

Rodriguez with great look for Miami

Messi’s goal has sparked something in Miami. They’ve been the ones threatening the last few minutes. Messi himself had another great chance with a small breakaway in the 27th minute. However, Messi missed his shot wide right.

That said, Miami’s best chance to extend their lead came when Messi crossed the ball minutes earlier to Rodriguez, who hammered a shot on goal, only for it to be knocked away by Cincinnati keeper, Celentano.

This game remains 1-0, Miami leading.

Cincinnati misses another

Although Miami is leading, FC Cincinnati has not stopped their attack. They are swarming the Miami net. This most recent attempt was a miss at point blank from Echenique. Despite being just feet away from the net, Rios Novo’s presence forced a miss wide left, halting the Cincy attack in its tracks.

GOAL: Messi (19′); Inter Miami 1, FC Cincinnati 0

I’m starting to think I have some sort of power. Whatever I write here, the opposite happens moments later. After 18 minutes of stagnant offense from Miami, the pros in pink finally mount an attack that results in a score. Lionel Messi scores his ninth goal in his last seven games, thanks to a header off a cross from Silvetti.

Miami hadn’t had any scoring chances prior to this goal, but they find themselves in front, 1-0.

Cincinnati swarming

Remember when I said that there might not be many great chances after Echenique’s miss? Well, Cincinnati is proving that it was the start of some massive attacks. In less than ten minutes, several players have made strong pushes into Miami’s penalty area, particularly Denkey and Brenner.

A couple of nice saves from Miami keeper, Rios Novo, and a few turnovers have kept this game scoreless, but it’s been all Cincinnati through 17 minutes.

Cincinnati gets first great chance of the game

Just six minutes into this contest, we’re already seeing fireworks. Cincinnati’s Echenique was given a golden opportunity when a cross deep in Miami territory landed on his foot. However, his shot attempt sailed over the goal.

What had been a rather quiet start to this game suddenly got loud. With both teams playing rather conservatively, it may be a while before either club has an opportunity similar to what Echenique just missed.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati

Inter Miami will travel to TQL Stadium to take on FC Cincinnati on Sunday, November 23.

• Date: Sunday, November 23
• Time: 5 p.m. ET
• Stream: Apple TV
• Location: TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)

The first major change to the New York Mets’ roster for the 2026 season came in an astonishing trade on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Lifelong Mets player Brandon Nimmo has been traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for infielder Marcus Semien, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to report the deal.

The 32-year-old Nimmo had a full no-trade clause that needed to be waived to make a deal happen.

The exchange charts a new direction for the Mets, who had penciled in Nimmo into left field for the foreseeable future. Nimmo had five years remaining on his eight-year, $162 million contract while Semien has three more years left on his seven-year, $175 million deal.

Nimmo is being paid $20.25 million annually while Semien is due to make $26 million in each of the next three seasons.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

California fired football coach Justin Wilcox, the school announced on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The firing comes following a 31-10 loss to rival Stanford on Saturday, Nov. 22. The loss dropped Cal to 6-5 on the season. Senior offensive assistant Nick Rolovich was named the interim coach.

‘I want to thank Justin for all of his contributions to our football program, our athletic department and our university,’ Cal general manager Ron Rivera said. ‘He has always comported himself with class and professionalism. After careful consideration, we believe the time has come for new leadership. We wish Justin the best of luck in his future endeavors.’

Wilcox has been the coach for the Bears since 2017 and has posted a 48-55 record over his nine seasons leading the program. His best season came in 2019, when he led the team to an 8-5 record. The Golden Bears have been between five and seven wins every other season. Cal has not finished with a winning record since 2019.

Cal started the season 3-0 and was 5-2 entering its contest against Virginia Tech on Oct. 24. However, the Bears lost to 42-34 to the Hokies on that day, and have stumbled to a 1-3 record over the past four games.

In the loss to Stanford on Saturday, Cal was called for 13 penalties for 128 yards ― both of which are the most under Wilcox ― and lost three fumbles, including two returned for touchdowns.

‘I understand their pain,’ Wilcox said about Cal fans following the loss on Saturday. ‘I understand the frustration. We’re working as hard as we possibly can to play as good as we can and we didn’t do that tonight.’

Justin Wilcox buyout

Cal owes Wilcox $10,879,167, according to contract information obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Wilcox collected $4.8 million in 2025. His contract ran through the 2027 season.

While there is no such thing as an uneventful weekend in college football, some are less eventful than others. It is in that spirit we report that, unsurprisingly, there aren’t many changes in the US LBM Coaches Poll after the action from Week 13.

The top 11 teams remain unchanged, with Ohio State continuing to comfortably hold the No. 1 spot. The Buckeyes received all but two of 63 first-place votes heading into their annual clash with archrival Michigan, which moves up to No. 15. Indiana holds at No. 2, followed by Texas A&M, with the Aggies retaining the other two No. 1 nods.

Georgia and Oregon complete the top five. Mississippi, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Alabama hold their spots in the top 10.

In limited movement this week, Vanderbilt gains a position to No. 12 and Miami (Fla.) improves two spots to No. 13, leapfrogging No. 14 Utah. No. 16 Texas, No. 17 Virginia and No. 18 Tennessee also make two-position gains.

Among those losing ground, Georgia Tech tumbles seven places to No. 19 following a loss to Pittsburgh, which joins the poll at No. 24. Southern California falls four places to No. 20 after coming up short against Oregon.

Pittsburgh and No. 25 SMU are the new entries to the ranking, replacing Missouri and Houston.

This story was updated to change a video.

The calm before the storm has passed in college football, and now only two weeks’ worth of action remains before the final 12-team College Football Playoff bracket is set.

The Week 13 schedule was relatively quiet, with only a few games providing any clarity to the overall CFP picture or various conference races. Likely the biggest game of consequence on Saturday, Nov. 22 was a 42-27 victory for No. 5 Oregon (No. 7 in CFP) over No. 16 Southern California (No. 15 in CFP). The Ducks have an outside chance of making the Big Ten conference title game, but their win over the Trojans has almost certainly guaranteed their entry to the playoff.

The ACC lurched toward a wild finish in Week 14 after Pittsburgh beat Georgia Tech (No. 16 in CFP). The Yellow Jackets needed only to beat the unranked Panthers to clinch a spot in the ACC title game and potentially earn a playoff bid as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. The favorites to make the title game now include Virginia and SMU — though Miami, Pitt and Georgia Tech are all still alive in the race.

With time winding down for teams to boost their CFP resumes, here are USA TODAY Sports’ predictions for what the 12-team bracket will look like when it’s said and done:

CFP rankings, bracket predictions after Week 13

* Denotes one of five highest ranked conference champions

Craig Meyer, USA TODAY Network

1. Ohio State *
2. Texas A&M *
3. Indiana
4. Georgia
5. Texas Tech *
6. Oregon
7. Ole Miss
8. Oklahoma
9. Alabama
10. Notre Dame
11. SMU *
12. Tulane *

The biggest changes this week are at the bottom of this would-be 12-team bracket.

While Miami is the most talented team in the conference — and I believe it will knock off Pitt next week — the Hurricanes’ path to the ACC championship game is extremely narrow. In an increasingly likely Virginia-SMU title game, I like the Mustangs to win and earn the ACC’s playoff berth.

As jumbled as the top of the American standings has been this season, its two title game participants will both have two losses entering the game, barring a massive upset or two next week. That should be enough to keep it ahead of one-loss James Madison out of the Sun Belt. Of those three teams at the top of the American, I like Tulane the most.

Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Network

1. Ohio State *
2. Georgia *
3. Indiana
4. Texas A&M
5. Texas Tech *
6. Oregon
7. Ole Miss
8. Oklahoma
9. Notre Dame
10. Alabama
11. Virginia *
12. Tulane *

Not much changes in my bracket projection, although Oregon moves up a few spots after its win over USC.

Tulane holds onto the fifth and final conference champion bid, but James Madison is starting to narrow the gap between it and the winner of the American. Onto the regular season finale, where there could be huge shakeups in my 12-team projection.

Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY

1. Ohio State *
2. Indiana
3. Texas A&M *
4. Georgia
5. Texas Tech *
6. Oregon
7. Mississippi
8. Oklahoma
9. Notre Dame
10. Alabama
11. Virginia *
12. Tulane *

There shouldn’t be much of a shift in the projected field, with the biggest thing to note at the top is Oregon leaping ahead of Mississippi after beating Southern California. The one thing to note is Georgia Tech’s loss dramatically changes the ACC outlook.

At this point, I like Virginia to take the ACC title and get one of the top five conference championship bids. The Group of Five picture has also stayed the same with Tulane getting the selection since it doesn’t feel like any other potential teams are close to being on the same level.

Ehsan Kassim, USA TODAY Network

1. Ohio State *
2. Indiana
3. Georgia *
4. Texas A&M
5. Texas Tech *
6. Oregon
7. Ole Miss
8. Oklahoma
9. Alabama
10. Notre Dame
11. Virginia *
12. James Madison *

With not much in terms of ranked games, there’s not a ton of movement this week. The top five remains the same, but Oregon makes a move after its win over USC.

Meanwhile, Virginia is in a good spot in the ACC following Georgia Tech’s loss and the unlikeliness of Miami making the ACC championship game. James Madison is the favorite to win the Group of Five conference playoff spot now. Expect more changes after Week 14.

John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Network

1. Ohio State *
2. Texas A&M *
3. Indiana
4. Georgia
5. Texas Tech *
6. Ole Miss
7. Oregon
8. Oklahoma
9. Alabama
10. Notre Dame
11. SMU *
12. Tulane *

There was not much movement in the CFP bracket due to the lack of major upsets taking place within the top 12. Oregon and Oklahoma’s wins over USC and Missouri, respectively, should give the Ducks and Sooners both first-round home games.

The ACC remains chaotic with Georgia Tech falling at home to Mason Heintschel and Pitt. Should the Panthers beat Miami next week in Pittsburgh (on top of some help from Cal or Virginia Tech), Pat Narduzzi’s squad could make a case to be in the field, depending on whether they get into the ACC championship game.

Craig Meyer, Austin Curtright, Jordan Mendoza, Ehsan Kassim and John Leuzzi of the USA TODAY Network contributed to this story.

Cupcakes in November. ACC Championship scenarios that would give Pythagoras a headache. And more creative ways to lose.

Here’s the worst from Week 13 of the college football season with our Flop 10:

SEC football scheduling

I get it, the SEC is a gauntlet. But please stop with these November cupcakes. When everyone is racing toward the College Football Playoff, the SEC stops to catch its breath. Not saying don’t schedule cupcakes. Just don’t do it near Thanksgiving when the games should matter the most. Here’s a sampling of Saturday’s SEC results:

• Georgia 35, Charlotte 3
• Texas A&M 48, Samford 0
• Alabama 56, Eastern Illinois 0
• Auburn 62, Mercer 17
• South Carolina 51, Coastal Carolina 7

Louisville

The Cardinals flew too close to the sun after its upset of Miami, reaching No. 15 in the first CFP rankings. It’s been downhill since. There are three Ls in Louisville and that’s how many losses in a row for Jeff Brohm’s team. The Cards lost at home to Cal and Clemson before no-showing Saturday in a 38-6 loss at SMU.

Syracuse

I’ll admit the Notre Dame-Syracuse game wasn’t among the four games I had on my TV and three iPads. But when I switched to check in on the Irish, I had to double take: Notre Dame 42, Syracuse 0, 11 minutes left… IN THE SECOND QUARTER! Per Notre Dame media relations, it was the first time in Notre Dame’s 138-year history it scored 35 points in the first quarter. The record for any quarter was 47 vs. Rose Poly in a 102-0 win in 1914. This one ended 70-7.

Georgia Tech

It was win and you’re in the ACC Championship game for the Yellow Jackets on Saturday at home against a Pitt team coming off a Notre Dame thrashing. The Ramblin’ Wreck trailed 28-0 in the second quarter before GT gave the home fans hope with a 14-0 close to the first half. There was more hope before Braylan Lovelace intercepted Haynes King at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. Pitt even survived Pat Narduzzi’s brain-fart fake punt in his own half up 14 points with 5 minutes left to give Jackets fans one last buzz. But finally, Pitt freshman Ja’Kyrian Turner popped for a 56-yard dagger TD to seal it. It seems no one wants to grab the ACC title.

East Carolina

Hey, ACC. The American says hold my beer. The Pirates were hoping to steal a CFP spot but shipwrecked in San Antonio. To be fair, UTSA is 25-0 at home under coach Jeff Traylor. Tulane stumbled in The Alamodome, too. ECU was one of the four American teams with one conference loss hoping the computers would pick it to play for the league title. Alas, the Pirates were marooned by the Roadrunners, 58-24.

Florida

I know this season is toast with the main talking point in Gainesville is where do they turn if Lane Kiffin picks LSU? But getting boat-raced in The Swamp by Tennessee, unacceptable. The Gators (3-8) showed some bite since firing Billy Napier in competitive losses to playoff-bound Georgia and Ole Miss. But this was just brutal, trailing 31-0 at halftime. I don’t care what the final score was. Neither should you. Just know it was Florida’s first home loss to Tennessee since 2003, and worst loss to the Vols since Steve Spurrier’s first season at Florida in 1990.

Florida State punt returns

FSU coach Mike Norvell called it ‘catastrophic.’ Back-to-back muffed punts turned into back-breaking turnovers in the Seminoles’ 21-11 loss at NC State on Friday.

With the Seminoles trailing 14-11 and 4:01 left to play a punt bounced off of K.J. Kirkland’s head as he tried to get out of the way, with NC State’s punter recovering it. After another stop, the next punt was muffed by Squirrel White muffed which the Wolfpack recovered a turned into a touchdown to go up 21-11.

If Florida beats FSU next week, it will mark the first time since 1978 the Gators and Seminoles both miss a bowl in the same season.

North Carolina bowl hopes

So much for ‘Beat Duke.’

At least Bill Belichick will have plenty of time to support adult, competitive cheerleading this bowl season. The NFL’s 33rd team — now 4-7 — will be home for the holidays. Trailing 25-24 with 2:25 left, Duke executed a sweet fake field goal, then scored a TD on the next play to retain the Victory Bell, 32-25.

Kansas State

Kansas State led by 10 with 7 minutes to go, ran for nearly 500 yards… and still lost. The Wildcats had a 97.3% win probability before it was called for an illegal substitution penalty that nullified a key fourth-down stop with 4 minutes left. Utah went onto to win 52-47. A lot of people thought the Utes were over-ranked in last week’s CFP rankings. The committee has shown a liking for the Big 12 and maybe Utah won’t be docked for finding a way to win, much like Indiana (at Penn State) and Texas A&M (vs. South Carolina) weren’t for their respective escapes.

Michigan State

The Spartans were on their way to a surprise, first Big Ten win of the season. MSU led Iowa, 17-7 in the fourth quarter in Iowa City. And then it all went wrong. As Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press wrote: ‘In a year when everything seems to go wrong, Michigan State football’s latest loss unraveled in perhaps the worst way.’

MSU, riding an eight-game losing streak, is staring its first winless Big Ten season since 1958 if it doesn’t beat Maryland next week.

Keep up with the latest news and analysis from college football’s top two conferences: Check out our Big Ten Hub and our SEC Hub to get school-by-school coverage from across the USA TODAY Network.

This story was updated to change a video.

Mike Norvell will remain the Florida State football coach for the 2026 college football season, the school announced on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The Seminoles announced the decision to retain their head coach two days after a 21-11 road loss to North Carolina State that dropped them to 5-6 on the season. FSU has dropped 10 straight games away from Doak Campbell Stadium and has not won a road game since a win over in-state rival Florida on Nov. 25, 2023.

‘FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford, and I are in complete agreement that changes are needed for our program to improve,’ FSU President Dr. Richard McCullough said in a news release.

‘Coach Norvell embraces our support in that process and agrees that success must be achieved. He continues to demonstrate an unwavering belief in this program’s future, and so do we. This decision reflects a unified commitment to competing in the rapidly evolving landscape of college football, while maintaining continuity within the program.’

Norvell led the Seminoles to a 13-1 record and the ACC championship in 2023, but FSU was denied a berth in the then-four-team College Football Playoff field following an injury to quarterback Jordan Travis.

Alabama targeted Norvell as a potential replacement for Nick Saban, following the legendary coach’s abrupt retirement. The Crimson Tide eventually hired Kalen DoBoer, with Norvell signing a massive extension with the Seminoles.

However, FSU went 2-10 in 2024 following an exodus of talent to the NFL. Following a rough 2024, Norvell’s decision to hire Gus Malzahn (offensive coordinator) and Tony White (defensive coordinator) looked to be a smart move, as the Seminoles opened the season with a win over No. 8 Alabama. However, after a 3-0 start, Florida State saw its season sink, starting with an upset loss at Virginia on the road.

‘Our responsibility is to do what gives Florida State the strongest competitive position – not just today, but for years to come,’ FSU athletics director Michael Alford said. ‘Florida State has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its football program over the past few years with high expectations. Chairman Collins, President McCullough and I are aligned in partnering with Coach and improving our ability to compete for championships. Our mission is unwavering in putting Florida State football at the forefront of college athletics.’

However, the Seminoles believe Norvell can turn things around, as he did before the magical run in 2023.

‘In addition to addressing the reality that on-field results have been far from acceptable to the FSU standard, we also realize our responsibilities as stewards of program revenues and how to best allocate those dollars to compete at an elite level – something we will not compromise,’ said Collins. ‘Throughout the assessment, one goal will remain beyond all others – achieving sustained championship-level success. We will address performance deficiencies in the program. These deficiencies may include structural changes to the very large and complex program FSU football has become, and these areas are where we will focus and invest.’

FSU closes out the 2025 regular season against rival Florida in Gainesville, Florida, on Saturday, Nov. 29. The Seminoles need a win to avoid missing a bowl game for the second straight year and the fourth time in six years under Norvell.

Mike Norvell buyout

If FSU had fired Norvell, it would have owed Norvell a little over $59 million in buyout money as of Sunday, Nov. 23, according to contract information obtained by the USA TODAY Network. His contract is set to run through Dec. 31, 2031.

Mike Norvell record at Florida State

In his six seasons under Norvell, Florida State has a 38-33 overall record and a 22-26 mark in ACC play. The Seminoles have finished with just two winning seasons during his tenure, which include a 13-1 record and an ACC championship in 2023.

‘This program has been built on belief, sacrifice, and putting the team first,’ Norvell said. ‘That set of values has always guided my actions, and those of our players. The driving motivation behind this is to make certain that we are doing everything properly to obtain and retain elite players, add critical pieces, and sustain long-term success. I love Florida State, and I am fully committed to this program, and our shared goals.’

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of how FSU fared under Norvell:

• 2020: 3-6, 2-6 ACC
• 2021: 5-7, 4-4 ACC
• 2022: 10-3, 5-3 ACC
• 2023: 13-1, 8-0 ACC
• 2024: 2-10, 1-7 ACC
• 2025: 5-6, 2-6 ACC

This story was updated to change a video.