A game-by-game look at FSU’s schedule. How much can the Seminoles improve?
A transformational offseason followed a 2-10 season for the Florida State Seminoles.
The goal this season is to restore winning ways to a program that went 13-1 the prior season, won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and barely missed the then-four team College Football Playoff.
The Seminoles have shown gradual improvement in the past under sixth-year coach Mike Norvell, going from 3-6 to 5-7 to 10-3 to that ACC title season.
After last year’s collapse, how much better will Florida State be this season with a tough schedule which includes four opponents that are entering the season ranked in the top 15 in the nation.
Here’s a game-by-game look at the Seminoles’ schedule with predictions.
- Aug. 30 vs. Alabama (3:30 p.m., ABC): Norvell led the Seminoles against Notre Dame at home in its 2021 season opener and nearly knocked off the heavily favored Fighting Irish before losing in OT. FSU will be improved this season and competitive against another top-10 foe to kickoff a season. But it will take time for the Seminoles to completely round into form. Alabama 34, FSU 21.
- Sept. 6 vs. East Texas A&M (Noon, ACC Network): Following the clash with the Crimson Tide, this should be a bounce-back game for FSU and a chance to continue to evaluate its roster and develop its depth. FSU 42, East Texas A&M 7.
- Sept. 20 vs. Kent State (TBA): FSU can match its win total from a year ago by this point if it hasn’t already. It can also learn a valuable lesson about winning as a favorite against a Golden Flashes squad that has experience against Power 4 opponents having played at Pitt, Tennessee and Penn State a year ago. FSU 38, Kent State 14.
- Sept. 26 at Virginia (7 p.m., ESPN): The Seminoles went 0-5 last year away from Doak Campbell Stadium. A Friday night clash with the Cavaliers is a good early season gauge of how much they have learned to handle adversity. Virginia hasn’t had a winning season since 2019. The Seminoles win their first road game since Sept. 25, 2023. FSU 27, Virginia 20.
- Oct. 4 vs. Miami (TBA): The Hurricanes have aspirations of winning their first ACC football title after coming painfully short a year ago. Doak will be packed and the Seminoles will be eager to wrest back control of this long rivalry after last year’s 36-14 loss in Miami. But are they ready for a signature win this soon? Miami 31, FSU 21.
- Oct. 11 vs. Pitt (TBA): After getting so up for Miami, this is a dangerous spot and a potential turning point for FSU’s season. Pitt has a balanced offense led by quarterback Eli Holstein, which could create problems. Pitt 28, FSU 27.
- Oct. 18 at Stanford (10:30 p.m., ESPN): A long, west coast road trip has the potential to be a trap for most east coast teams. But FSU should win this on talent alone assuming it is not decimated by injuries or any unforeseen setbacks at this point. FSU 33, Stanford 14.
- Nov. 1 vs. Wake Forest (TBA): After healing up on the bye week, the Seminoles build some momentum and overmatch a conference foe with their running game and offense humming. FSU 38, Wake Forest 17.
- Nov. 8 at Clemson (TBA): FSU remains competitive and learns from its experiences earlier this season against Alabama and Miami. But trips to Death Valley aren’t easy to overcome, and the Tigers are looking like national title contenders again. Clemson 34, FSU 24.
- Nov. 15 vs. Virginia Tech (TBA): The Seminoles finally beat one of their longtime rivals. The Hokies have a lot of talent to replace this season coming off last year’s 6-7 campaign. This is a game where the Seminoles could impose their will up front and pull away in the second half. FSU 41, Virginia Tech 21.
- Nov. 21 at N.C. State (8 p.m., ESPN): Another Friday night road date, which will test the Seminoles resolve as they look to solidify bowl eligibility by this point if they haven’t already. FSU’s revamped special teams could prove to be the difference makers in this key conference clash. FSU 20, NC State 17.
- Nov. 29 at Florida (TBA): The site of the Seminoles’ last road win heading into this season. This one comes down to the health and depth of each roster. If Gators’ quarterback DJ Lagway is wrapping up a great season by this point, expect Florida to end the season on a high note. If not, this could be where the Seminoles pull off an upset. Florida 31, FSU 28.
This story was originally published August 21, 2025 at 9:02 AM.
Andre C. Fernandez
Miami Herald