A Grueling Road Ahead
Florida State’s 2026 football slate is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory, with the Seminoles slated to meet four preseason Top‑25 opponents during the regular season. The preseason AP poll underscores the difficulty, listing Clemson, Florida, Pitt and Virginia among the teams receiving the most votes outside the Top‑25, highlighting a crowded field of contenders that will test the Seminoles throughout the year.
The schedule’s toughest stretch begins on Labor Day, when the team travels to face No. 19 SMU before a week‑long road trip that takes them to Alabama, Louisville and Miami in consecutive weeks, presenting a gauntlet of elite competition.
Redemption and Revenge
A victory over Alabama last season, a 31‑17 win that showcased the Seminoles’ offensive firepower, adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming rematch, while the Miami matchup pits FSU against the preseason ACC favorite, a team expected to contend for the conference title.
Adding to the narrative, quarterback Kevin Jennings, who led the Mustangs to an ACC Championship Game and a College Football Playoff appearance, returns for his senior season, bringing experience and a strong arm to the Seminoles’ offense.