Florida State Will Host Central Arkansas on September 26
Head coach Mike Norvell prepares to lead his team against his alma mater this Saturday in Tallahassee.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Football
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Florida State is set to host Central Arkansas for a football game at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 26 at 3 p.m. The matchup features Florida State head coach Mike Norvell facing his former collegiate team.
Why it matters
The contest highlights the career trajectory of coach Mike Norvell, who played wide receiver for Central Arkansas and began his coaching tenure as a graduate assistant at the institution.
Mike Norvell recorded 213 career receptions for 2,611 yards and 15 touchdowns while playing for Central Arkansas. During his tenure there, the program finished the 2005 season with an 11-3 record and a Gulf South Conference championship.
The players
Mike Norvell
He serves as the head coach for the Florida State football team and is a former wide receiver for Central Arkansas.
The details
Coach Mike Norvell remains linked to his time at Central Arkansas through both his playing career and a viral photograph showing him with cornrows, a style he adopted after losing a bet at a youth football camp. Norvell discussed the origin of the image during an ESPN radio appearance in 2019.
Timeline
In 2005, the team won the Gulf South Conference championship.
During 2019, Norvell explained the cornrows photograph on ESPN radio.
On September 23, 2026, Mike Norvell spoke about the upcoming matchup.
The football game is scheduled for September 26, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Season Trajectory
This non-conference matchup serves as a bridge to the past for coach Mike Norvell, highlighting his development from a player in the 2005 Gulf South Conference championship season to a major program leader. The outcome will influence Florida State's momentum as they navigate their early season schedule.
Fans in Tallahassee should anticipate a 3 p.m. kickoff time at Doak Campbell Stadium this Saturday. The schedule placement provides an opportunity to evaluate Florida State's roster depth against the Central Arkansas program.
The takeaway
This game underscores the personal history of coaching staffs as they face the programs that helped shape their development. Spectators can use this context to appreciate the journey of players and coaches across different tiers of college football.
Further reading
For more on local gridiron developments, visit the Football section.
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