A Milestone Meeting in Tampa
Florida State basketball enters the 2026‑27 season with a sense of optimism after a strong campaign that left the program eager to build on its momentum. The Seminoles have set their sights on taking the next step, and the opening game against Florida A&M promises to be a pivotal moment.
The matchup, scheduled for a Tuesday night in Tampa, marks the first regular‑season meeting between the two schools since 1991. It will be part of a doubleheader that also features the Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes, turning the city into a showcase for Florida college basketball.
Florida State holds a perfect record against Florida A&M, remaining undefeated against the Rattlers since the 1949‑50 season. The last encounter in 2025 ended in an 88‑54 victory for the Seminoles, underscoring the historical edge they carry into this new chapter.
Beyond the Seminoles, the Tampa doubleheader will see the Gators and Hurricanes also in action, adding depth to the slate of games and drawing attention from fans across the state. The events are being positioned as a celebration of Florida’s rich basketball tradition.
Leading the Rattlers is Charlie Ward, a former Florida State two‑sport phenom who excelled in both football and basketball before forging a Hall of Fame career in the NBA. Ward’s presence adds a narrative layer to the game, as he now guides Florida A&M with the experience of a true Seminole legend.