The Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles will meet on the Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. in Tallahassee, marking a rare regular‑season Friday night showdown that draws the attention of college‑football fans across the country.
The game will be televised live on ABC, giving the in‑state rivalry a national platform and promising a high‑stakes atmosphere under the lights of Doak Campbell Stadium.
A Tale of Two Coaches
Both programs arrive with question marks after a lackluster 2025 campaign. Florida finished a season that left fans yearning for a turnaround, while the Seminoles also fell short of expectations, setting the stage for a pivotal 2026 clash.
Florida’s sideline will be manned by first‑year head coach Jon Sumrall, who brings a fresh offensive philosophy after a successful stint at Tulane, where he helped revitalize the Green Wave's attack.
In contrast, Mike Norvell of Florida State finds himself on the hot seat, with the pressure mounting as the team looks to prove the resilience of his program and avoid another season of missed opportunities.
The matchup will take place at Doak Campbell Stadium, a venue that has witnessed countless memorable moments in the rivalry’s history, and the outcome could shape the early narrative of the ACC race.