Mike Norvell explains how House settlement changed offseason

This was a vital offseason for Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles coming off a 2-10 season. That coincided with the new House Settlement coming down, making for major changes that programs need to figure out how to deal with in the sport.

Luckily, coaches and administrators knew that House was on the horizon. That gave Florida State some time to prepare and get ready before it came down, as Norvell recently explained.

“I think we’re in a really good place,” Mike Norvell said. “Obviously, it was something that was anticipated of coming throughout the year, but until it was set and done, it was something we kind of had to work through and be prepared. Worked hand in hand with our general counsel, and I think that they’ve done an extraordinary job, poured in a lot of time, work.”

The House settlement took effect on July 1st, and schools around the country have had to quickly adjust. Notably, it allows for revenue sharing between schools and student-athletes of up to $20.5 million across sports, though at a school like Florida State, the majority is likely being directed to football.

Another major change that comes with House is an attempt to put guardrails on NIL, which coaches have long since asked for. That includes a new rule, which makes it so that NIL deals above $600 will need third-party approval and will be sent to a new clearinghouse called NIL Go. There is also a new enforcement agency in college sports, but how strong that enforcement arm is compared to the NCAA remains to be seen.

“This is an opportunity that’s really special for our student-athletes to be able to impact their futures. Obviously, all the things they’ve put themselves in a position to be able to do,” Norvell said. “And I feel really good about where we are and just all things as we get to kick off here tomorrow.”

There is an expectation that this has a major impact on recruiting. Florida State, for its part, finished with the 20th-ranked high school class in the 2025 cycle. The Seminoles also had the 36th-ranked transfer class in the 2025 cycle. Notably, however, all players were signed by the time the House Settlement went into effect.

That means, while it was an offseason of change around college sports, Mike Norvell and the Seminoles aren’t done battling change. This upcoming high school and transfer class will be the first that is recruited during the time the settlement is in effect, and there could be some major changes that come with that too.