Florida football will face Florida State on Nov. 27, 2026, in a Black Friday showdown at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on ABC, marking the first time the two rivals meet on the holiday schedule in over a decade.
A Rivalry Renewed
The series has been closely contested, with Florida holding a 39‑28 advantage overall and two games ending in ties. The Gators have won the last two meetings, including a 40‑21 victory in 2025 that showcased a breakout performance by sophomore running back Jadan Baugh, who rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns.
Baugh’s 266‑yard effort ranks as the second‑most single‑game rushing total in University of Florida history, trailing only Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, who logged 316 yards against New Mexico in 1989. Smith’s mark remains a benchmark for Gator backs, and Baugh’s surge has reignited discussions about the program’s rushing legacy.
Adding to the narrative, quarterback Jordan Travis is expected to anchor the Gators’ offense, bringing a blend of dual‑threat capability and poise under pressure. Florida State, meanwhile, will rely on a revamped defensive front hoping to reverse the recent trend of defeats against their in‑state rivals.
The matchup carries added weight as both programs jockey for positioning in the SEC and ACC standings, respectively. A win for Florida could solidify its conference championship aspirations, while a victory for the Seminoles would provide a morale boost heading into the final stretch of the season.
Fans can expect a festive atmosphere at Doak Campbell Stadium, where the Black Friday setting will mingle with traditional pageantry and a national audience tuned in on ABC. The game promises to be a marquee event for college football, blending historic rivalry with contemporary stakes.