Florida State Seminoles 2026 Season Preview: Navigating a Challenging Schedule
The Florida State Seminoles, fresh off an ACC Championship win in 2023, had high expectations for the 2024 season with double-digit wins. However, their 2025 season started with an over-under win total of 7.5. The upcoming 2026 season projects the Seminoles to finish with 6.5 wins, facing tough opponents like Miami, Florida, and Alabama.
The rivalry between Florida State and Florida has always been significant, with contrasting programs like "Jorts to Jameis" defining their matchups. ESPN's Josh Pate and FanDuel's Mike Raffensperger discussed what would happen if the teams swapped schedules. Raffensperger predicted that if FSU had Florida's schedule, their win total would drop to 4.5, making them just shy of bowl eligibility.
Florida has a challenging schedule in 2026, ranked No. 5 in strength of schedule, with games against Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma. On the other hand, Florida State's schedule is ranked at No. 45, featuring matchups against top teams like Louisville, SMU, Alabama, and Miami. The Seminoles' season opener is against New Mexico State on August 29, followed by ACC play against SMU on September 7.
The 2026 season for Florida State includes exciting matchups against top-ranked teams and traditional rivals. With a mix of home and away games, the Seminoles will face tough competition throughout the season. The clash between the Seminoles and the Gators will be a highlight of the season, taking place on November 27 in Tallahassee.
In conclusion, the 2026 season for the Florida State Seminoles promises to be challenging yet thrilling, with key matchups against top teams and traditional rivals. The Seminoles will need to bring their A-game to navigate through a tough schedule and aim for success in the upcoming season.