Florida State Seminoles 2026-2027 Season Outlook: Schedule, Odds & Tickets

Coming off a disappointing 2–10 campaign in 2024, the Florida State Seminoles entered 2025 expecting a “bounce-back” season that would re-establish them as an ACC contender. Instead, the Seminoles finished 5–7.

Florida State began the season 3–0, with its biggest win coming against then-No. 8 Alabama in the opener. The season quickly unraveled as offensive inconsistencies and poor special teams play emerged, particularly on the road. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos recorded a 197.51 passer rating in wins compared to 125.2 in losses, while his 118.0 passer rating on the road was a legitimate concern compared to his 176.6 rating in home games. Castellanos also averaged 10.8 yards per passing attempt at home compared to 7.3 on the road. As a team, Florida State scored just 93 points on the road compared to 294 points in Tallahassee, highlighting the dramatic decline in offensive production away from home. The Seminoles converted just 12 of 19 field-goal attempts (63.2%) last season, ranking 125th nationally. Missed field goals also proved costly in several games, as two misses derailed Florida State’s momentum against NC State while a missed kick by Jake Weinberg proved costly in a double-overtime loss to Virginia.

Tim Harris Jr. was promoted to offensive coordinator after Gus Malzahn retired in February 2026. Harris previously served as Florida State’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach after spending three seasons on UCF’s coaching staff, including time as the program’s offensive coordinator. He helped oversee an offense that led the ACC in total offense, rushing offense, third-down offense and yards per completion. Harris Jr. sees tight ends playing a major role in the offense, with Chase Loftin providing a versatile option who can line up on the perimeter and contribute to the passing game. Austin Tucker was promoted to quarterbacks coach, while Ernie Sims will oversee the linebackers.

Former Florida Atlantic head coach Tom Herman was hired as an assistant to head coach Mike Norvell. Herman will also work closely with defensive coordinator Tony White as an “offensive sounding board for the DC,” helping devise different looks tailored to opposing offensive schemes. Other hires included Kam Martin as the running backs coach, Nick Williams as a pass-rush specialist and Blue Adams as the cornerbacks coach.

One Florida State player was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, while three others signed as undrafted free agents. Defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round, where he will join former teammate Azareye’h Thomas. Jackson Jr. totaled 45 tackles and three sacks in his final season with Florida State. Wide receiver Squirrel White signed with the Chicago Bears before stepping away from football 16 days later. Defensive back Jerry Wilson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, while offensive lineman Jacob Rizy signed with the New England Patriots.

Running back Gavin Sawchuk rushed for 486 yards and eight touchdowns, while Ousmane Kromah added 408 rushing yards. Deuce Robinson led the receiving corps with 1,081 receiving yards and six touchdowns, earning first-team All-ACC honors. Micahi Danzy and Lawayne McCoy combined for 967 receiving yards and six touchdowns to complement Robinson in the passing attack. Safety Earl Little Jr. led the defense with four interceptions and 76 tackles before transferring to Ohio State in January 2026. Defensive lineman Mandrell Desir’s 6.5 sacks ranked ninth in the ACC, and he finished second in ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind California’s Luke Ferrelli. 

Florida State’s 2026 transfer class was ranked 28th nationally and fifth in the ACC by 247Sports. Following Weinberg’s departure to Miami, Oklahoma State transfer Gabe Panikowski is projected to be Florida State’s starting kicker in 2026. Although Panikowski did not appear for Oklahoma State, he was a reliable kicker at Idaho State, converting 15 of 15 field-goal attempts and 44 of 47 extra-point attempts in 2024. Offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin transferred from Auburn to provide the Seminoles with an immediate upgrade on the offensive line. Chaplin surrendered just three sacks last season and was named a third-team All-American in 2023 after allowing only five sacks across 813 snaps. Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner transferred to Florida State to replace some of the production lost from last season’s rushing attack, while Mikai Gbayor will provide depth at linebacker. Florida State also lost key contributors to the transfer portal, including safety Edwin Joseph, linebacker Justin Cryer and tight end Randy Pittman Jr.

The Seminoles’ schedule is the 22nd-toughest nationally, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. Their slate is highlighted by a marquee road matchup at Alabama, home games against SMU and Clemson, and visits to rivals Miami and Florida. Florida State will face a talented Alabama team featuring Ryan Williams and Yhonzae Pierre in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide look to avenge last year’s loss in Tallahassee. Miami is also a pivotal matchup, as the Seminoles will face an aggressive defensive unit and a Hurricanes squad looking to return to the National Championship. Florida State’s Halloween night matchup against Clemson comes shortly after its game against Miami, creating a demanding stretch against two of the ACC’s top programs. The quick turnaround could test the Seminoles physically, while Florida State has lost nine of its last 10 matchups against Clemson. Florida made significant changes to its program, most notably hiring head coach Jon Sumrall and retaining star running back Jadan Baugh. ESPN Analytics gives the Seminoles a 42.9% chance to win despite playing the game at home. 

Florida State is projected to finish as a middle-of-the-pack ACC team based on roster turnover, a tough schedule and recent struggles on the road. The Seminoles’ quarterback room is ranked 12th in the ACC, giving Ashton Daniels an opportunity to lead the offense under Mike Norvell’s system after Castellanos was denied an extra year of eligibility. Despite bringing in reinforcements, Florida State still has question marks along the offensive line and at linebacker because of uncertainty surrounding the units’ returning production and depth. It remains uncertain whether Norvell can help Florida State get over the hump, as the Seminoles must overcome significant questions across the roster while navigating one of the ACC’s more challenging schedules. Some analysts project Florida State to finish with between four and six wins in 2026.

Fanduel Sportsbook lists Florida State at +2000 to win the ACC Championship and +50000 to win the National Championship.

Florida State Seminoles 2026-2027 Schedule & Tickets:

Sat, Aug 29	vs New Mexico State	7:00 PM	The CW Network	Tickets as low as $23
Mon, Sep 7	vs SMU	7:30 PM		Tickets as low as $36
Sat, Sep 19	@ Alabama	3:30 PM		Tickets as low as $56
Sat, Sep 26	vs Central Arkansas	TBD		Tickets as low as $47
Sat, Oct 3	vs Virginia	TBD		Tickets as low as $45
Fri, Oct 9	@ Louisville	7:00 PM		Tickets as low as $41
Sat, Oct 17	@ Miami	TBD		Tickets as low as $217
Sat, Oct 31	vs Clemson	TBD		Tickets as low as $76
Sat, Nov 7	@ Boston College	TBD		Tickets as low as $28
Fri, Nov 13	@ Pittsburgh	7:00 PM		Tickets as low as $44
Sat, Nov 21	vs NC State	TBD		Tickets as low as $45
Fri, Nov 27	vs Florida	3:30 PM		Tickets as low as $139