Mike Norvell explains why Jordan Travis can win Heisman Trophy

Jordan Travis began his Heisman Trophy campaign back in January, and is now receiving his full endorsement from Florida State head coach Mike Norvell.

A few weeks separate Travis from being able to showcase why his team wants him to win college football’s top individual prize, but Norvell believes his QB1 is too talented to squander this type of opportunity — especially after last season’s breakout year.

“Don’t get me wrong, I want people to talk about Florida State, our players, each individual — I hope every player is up for a national award. It’s a celebration of how you’ve done, but ultimately, you have got to go do it and I’ll always watch it in the work,” Norvell said. “Jordan is one of the most humble people out there, as he has grown through this journey, seeing the outside world and being excited who I know that I get to coach — that is a good thing.”

That’s not to say Norvell isn’t trying to push Travis in the right direction. Before last season, Norvell told Travis to take a look at the Florida State trophy cases — particularly the three Heisman Trophies.

“I told him at that point, before we started a game last year, I believe you can win one. Now, that is a bold statement, but I believe in him. I believe in the growth that I’ve seen and the growth that I know is still ahead,” Norvell said of his QB. “It’s also one of those awards that it takes everybody.

“But when you watch him work, he has it [mentally] and he has it [in his heart]. It’s why people follow him, too.”

As Travis continues to grow in his rhythm, timing, confidence, among other traits — Norvell has nothing but confidence in his veteran QB heading into the 2023 college football season. Raving about his decision-making, accuracy and overall improvements since the end of last season, Norvell said that nothing Travis can do will surprise him at this point.

Norvell feels as though Travis is just scratching the surface of what he will ultimately become at Florida State and into the professional ranks. Now, it’s all about putting Travis in a position to believe that he can accomplish a rare feat such as winning a Heisman Trophy.

“He’s not in it alone, and it’s been a fun journey to watch,” Norvell said. “How he’s grown and developed — he is just getting started.”