Florida State continues its 2026 season this weekend, welcoming the Central Arkansas Bears to Tallahassee for the first time in a homecoming-type game for Mike Norvell.
Central Arkansas is an FCS program that competes in the United Athletic Conference. Prior to that, the Bears have won three national championships at the NAIA level.
There's a history here
From 2001 to 2005, head coach Mike Norvell played wide receiver for the Bears, which spawned an old photo of him that, as much as he would like to forget, will never be forgotten.
Norvell is tied for second in program history in pass receptions with 213 for 2,611 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 2005 season saw him help the Bears to a Gulf South Conference championship as well as a berth in the Division II playoffs, where
they made it to the quarterfinals.
Parting thoughts
This FSU team will take care of business against Central Arkansas handily. Barring another Jacksonville State-style collapse, it will not be close. The Seminoles are simply on another level.
Florida State kicks off versus Central Arkansas on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on the ACC Network.
It's a Homecoming for Coach Norvell when he faces his alma mater Central Arkansas on Saturday
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) September 22, 2026
Episode 4 of Inside Seminole Football is now on the Seminoles Unconquered App & airs on WTXL in Tallahassee at 7 PM
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: What's the history between Mike Norvell and Central Arkansas?
