Mike Norvell's faith in Luke Kromenhoek was unwavering. As Kromenhoek recounted in his February newcomer interview, "Florida State was my first offer. It was truly a surreal moment. I remember my dad getting a bit emotional." The quarterback expressed his deep gratitude for Norvell's belief in him when he had yet to take a high school snap.

The Impact of the Transfer Portal on College Football

Initial Offer and Emotional Impact

Mike Norvell's early recognition of Luke Kromenhoek set the stage. Kromenhoek's story became one of unexpected opportunities and emotional connections. His first offer from Florida State held a special place, as he and his family cherished the moment. This early support laid the foundation for what was to come.

Norvell's decision to take a chance on an untested quarterback showed his vision and willingness to invest in talent. It was a moment that not only impacted Kromenhoek but also set a precedent for the team.

The emotional aspect was palpable, with Kromenhoek's father tearing up. This small detail added a human touch to the story, making it more than just a football recruitment. It showed the significance of these decisions on the lives of the players and their families.

One Season and the Decision to Leave

However, just one season and six games later, Kromenhoek made the difficult decision to leave Tallahassee. The linchpin of the 2024 recruiting class, his departure raised questions about the future of the team.

Reports by various sources indicated that money was a significant factor. In the era of NIL, where money is flowing into college sports at an unprecedented rate, players are now considering their financial worth. If Kromenhoek believed he could earn more on the market or get paid like a starter while the coaching staff saw him as a backup, it was a decision he had to make.

Norvell should be respected for standing his ground and not being held hostage. It was a tough situation for both parties, but in today's college football landscape, these circumstances are not uncommon.

Transfer Quarterback Pursuit and Future Implications

The Seminoles found themselves in a similar situation to the last off-season, with a win-now mentality. But this time, they decided to go after a transfer quarterback.

On3 reported that FSU will go "all out" for Boston College's Thomas Castellanos, who played under Gus Malzahn at UCF. Castellanos will visit campus tomorrow, and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter has also been linked to Florida State.

The move raises questions about the staff's decision-making. After a 2-10 season with a fanbase demanding results, Norvell couldn't afford to take risks on young quarterbacks. He needed proven talent to bring immediate success.

If the pairing with Castellanos or Salter works out, the benefits are clear. Castellanos fits the prototype of a quarterback in Gus Malzahn's offense, bringing playmaking ability on the ground. This is a skillset that the team lacked this year and could significantly improve their offense.

However, if Kromenhoek departs, it could have long-term implications for Florida State. With both Castellanos and Salter having only one year of eligibility, the team may need to rely on the transfer portal again. Opposing staffs could use this turnover at the position as a negative in future recruitments.

The transfer portal has become a double-edged sword for Norvell and Florida State. It offers opportunities but also comes with risks. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, teams like Florida State must navigate these waters carefully.