TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Michael Alford might have the best seat in college athletics. From a field-level box that he personally reimagined at Dick Howser Stadium, Florida State’s athletic director might be sitting closer to the batter than either dugout-bound coach. Alford is able to watch this weekend’s NCAA baseball super regional surrounded by food, drink, boosters and praise.
This is part of the third-year AD’s kingdom. As the baseball season winds down, the former Mississippi State outfielder is basking in more than sunlight. Mike Norvell has stopped by, a sign that football is back but also a reminder of the hurt that still lingers from being left out of the College Football Playoff following the 2023 season.
“It just wasn’t right,” Alford grumbles between pitches.
It wouldn’t be fair to label Alford as the primary force behind Florida State’s push to exit the ACC, but he is the leader of a powerful athletic brand making news almost daily at this point. And Alford, thankfully, has been available on the subject since the exit attempt became public during a live-streamed board of trustees meeting in February 2023.
Since then, Florida State has arguably committed enough words, effort and documents to provide a legal walk-through for any school that wants to follow its path.
“I’d say there’s a lot of people interested in the formula, the blueprint,” Alford told CBS Sports. “[There have been] a lot of questions about how we got to this point. It’s really looking at the analytical side of where this business is going, making sure we are positioning ourselves for the future.”
That formula/blueprint is still in the development. FSU sued the ACC last December. Clemson followed with its own suit in March. The ACC has counter-sued.
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