Florida State football hasn’t just been losing—it’s been falling apart. After an undefeated season ended in a shocking playoff snub in 2023, the Seminoles completely collapsed in 2024, going from feeling slighted by the committee to being humbled on the field. A disastrous 2-10 record, an ACC basement finish, and a coaching shake-up that felt more like a crime scene investigation than a strategic rebuild. And just when the offseason seemed like it couldn’t get any messier, one of Mike Norvell’s newest transfers decided to stir the pot—with Alabama, no less.
James Williams, a former Nebraska defensive end, wasted no time making headlines after transferring to Florida State. On Tuesday, he boldly declared, “I’m here to dominate against Alabama,” a statement that quickly caught attention and made its way to every bulletin board in Tuscaloosa. It’s a strong claim, especially from a player joining a team that just finished dead last in the ACC. If you’re going to talk big before ever playing a snap in garnet and gold, you better have more than just words—something the Seminoles sorely lacked last season.
Williams’ comments may have put more pressure on Mike Norvell than on himself. Alabama doesn’t forget slights, and new head coach Kalen DeBoer won’t let this one slide. The Crimson Tide don’t rebuild; they reload, and you can bet their offensive line has already taken note of the challenge. Meanwhile, Florida State has enough problems without giving Alabama extra motivation.
The Seminoles already suffered a major coaching loss when offensive coordinator Alex Atkins left for LSU—a move that feels more like a gift to Brian Kelly than a simple transition. Atkins wasn’t just a play-caller; he was a key recruiter, and his departure immediately cost Florida State a prized 5-star offensive line commit, Solomon Thomas. Norvell brought in Gus Malzahn from UCF to fill the OC role, but replacing Atkins’ recruiting influence will be no small task.
As for Williams, his confidence is notable, but his production at Nebraska was modest—18 tackles and seven sacks over two seasons. While his 6’6”, 250-pound frame brings potential, Florida State fans have seen plenty of hype before without the results to match. Big talk is one thing; proving it on the field, especially against Alabama, is another.
To make matters worse, Williams didn’t just fire up the Crimson Tide—he also took a subtle shot at Wake Forest. In his comments, he made it clear that his focus is on marquee matchups, saying, “I’m not just here to be a recruiting face—I’m here to dominate against Alabama. I want to make sure I’m not just good against Wake Forest—I’m ready for Clemson, Miami, and Florida at the end of the year.”
If you’re a Wake Forest fan, that one stings. The Demon Deacons may not be a powerhouse, but they’ve won three of their last four meetings against Florida State. They didn’t play in 2024, but you can bet they’ll have this quote in mind when the teams face off in 2025.
Meanwhile, Alabama opens its 2025 season in Tallahassee, and thanks to Williams, the Tide will be more motivated than ever. For Norvell and Florida State, the talk is over—it’s time to prove they belong back among college football’s elite.
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