Florida State basketball is getting a new look for 2026-27, and it comes with a corporate name attached.
Reliaquest, the AI-powered cybersecurity company that already has an ongoing partnership with the university, will add a brand patch to the Seminoles’ jerseys beginning that season. The move builds on a broader agreement that includes a $1.5 million investment in Florida State focused on AI and cybersecurity.
Earlier this year, Reliaquest made what the source described as the largest gift so far that directly supports AI and cybersecurity at FSU. The company’s CEO, Brian Murphy, is a Florida State alum and serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.
“This partnership will allow us to continue to push what’s possible for AI in cybersecurity,” Murphy said. “Bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application during one of the most important times in our industry.”
That money will support the Reliaquest Innovation Challenge, aimed at encouraging research into ways AI and cybersecurity can work together. It will also help create the Reliaquest Interdisciplinary Digital Badge Program, a curriculum centered on cybersecurity powered by AI.
The jersey patch announcement arrives as Luke Loucks heads into his second season leading Florida State. The former Seminoles guard finished 18-15 overall and 10-8 in ACC play in his first year, then watched Florida State fall 80-79 to No. 1 seed Duke in the ACC tournament. The Seminoles later turned down an invitation to the NIT.
Loucks will get his team on the floor for three exhibition games before the season starts, facing Mississippi State on Oct. 10, Auburn on Oct. 14 and LSU on Oct. 24.
The patch trend is becoming more visible across college sports, especially in football. The source noted that 25 football programs will wear partnership patches this season, including Notre Dame and SoFi in a deal worth $18-$20 million, along with Florida on Nov.
10, Tennessee on Dec. 1 in the ACC/SEC Challenge, Texas A&M in Houston on Dec. 12, Jacksonville on Dec.
16, Houston on Dec. 20 and Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 22.
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