The Florida State Seminoles will open the 2026 college football season on Monday night with a primetime showdown against the No. 19 SMU Mustangs at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. The matchup, slated for the first week of the schedule, sets a high‑energy tone for the Seminoles as they aim to make an early statement.
Recruiting Spotlight
Four‑star safety Kamarion Johnson, a top‑rated recruit who has already pledged to the Florida Gators, was originally slated for an official visit to Florida State but called it off after his commitment. Johnson downplayed the visit, saying it was mainly to spend time with friends and watch the game, yet the Seminoles see the encounter as a chance to sway his decision.
Coach Mike Norvell and his staff have emphasized that an upset victory over SMU would provide a compelling platform to showcase the program’s depth and ambition, potentially tipping the balance in Johnson’s recruitment calculus.
FSU already bolstered its secondary with two committed safeties: four‑star Ta'Shaw Pooole and three‑star Jemari Foreman, the latter ranked No. 412 overall and No. 47 among Georgia prospects in the 247Sports composite. Their presence adds depth and experience as the Seminoles look to strengthen a defense that could be pivotal in the upcoming game.
If the Seminoles manage to pull off an upset, the momentum could ripple beyond the field, influencing Johnson’s final choice and reinforcing Florida State’s recruiting narrative as the season unfolds.