The 2026 college football rivalry between the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles will culminate on November 27 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, a game that will be televised nationally by ABC. Both programs enter the matchup with clear objectives: Florida hopes to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season, while Florida State looks to end a two‑game skid against its in‑state rival.
A New Era for the Gators
Jon Sumrall, who previously guided Troy and Tulane to conference championships, begins his first season as Florida’s head coach after the dismissal of Billy Napier. Sumrall brings a 43‑12 career record and a reputation for defensive acumen developed during stints at Kentucky, Troy and Tulane, positioning him to stabilize a Gators squad that finished 4‑8 last year.
Florida must replace key offensive contributors, including quarterback DJ Lagway, who threw for 2,264 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025, as well as wide receivers J. Michael Sturdivant and Eugene Wilson III, both of whom signed with NFL teams. To address the gaps, the Gators added quarterback Aaron Philo from Georgia Tech and a host of transfer players, aiming to restore balance on that side of the ball.
Seminoles Aim to Break a Streak
Florida State’s coach Mike Norvell enters the 2026 season under heightened scrutiny after two consecutive defeats to Florida, the most recent a 40‑21 loss on November 29, 2025. Despite the setbacks, the Seminoles return a strong front seven anchored by linebackers Jayden Woods and Myles Graham, and running back Jadan Baugh, who amassed 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns last year.
The schedule also tests the Seminoles with matchups against Alabama, Miami, Clemson and NC State, but the November 27 showdown against Florida remains the centerpiece. Defensive additions such as Emmanuel Oyebadejo from Jax State and Mason Clinton from Southern Miss bolster a unit eager to reclaim bragging rights in the rivalry.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the immediate contest, both teams view the game as a barometer for their broader 2026 campaigns. For Florida, a victory could signal a turnaround under Sumrall; for Florida State, a win would cement momentum heading into the final stretch of the season and reinforce the program’s national relevance.