Florida State Football Draws Big Numbers, Faces Big Questions as December Heats Up
Florida State has always been a brand that moves the needle in college football, and this fall was no different. Averaging 4.46 million viewers per game, the Seminoles ranked as the ninth-most-watched program in the country through Week 13, according to Nielsen ratings. Whether fans were tuning in to cheer them on or watch them stumble, one thing’s clear - FSU was a must-watch team this season.
And when the lights were brightest, the viewership followed. The Seminoles’ marquee win over Alabama in Week 1 pulled in a massive 10.7 million viewers, making it their most-watched game of the year.
That kind of national attention isn’t easy to come by, especially in a crowded college football landscape. Even in defeat, the ‘Noles drew eyes - their rivalry loss to Miami still drew 6 million viewers, another top-tier number that speaks to the program’s enduring relevance.
But while the numbers on the screen are impressive, the numbers on the recruiting board tell a more complicated story.
With the early signing period kicking off tomorrow, all eyes are now on the 2026 recruiting class. Currently ranked 15th nationally, Florida State’s class has potential - but it’s still a work in progress.
The coaching staff, led by Mike Norvell, knows what’s missing. The trenches need reinforcements.
If the ‘Noles can land a few key offensive linemen and edge rushers before the ink dries, this could end up being Norvell’s most complete class - not just in terms of raw talent, but in addressing critical needs on both sides of the ball.
One name to watch: Xavier Lherese out of Melbourne, Florida. FSU is still in the hunt to flip the highly-touted prospect from Oregon. That would be a major win on the recruiting trail and a sign that Norvell and his staff are still capable of pulling off high-stakes moves when it matters most.
December isn’t just about recruiting, though. It’s shaping up to be a packed month for Florida State across the board.
On the hardwood, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are gearing up for key matchups against Georgia - the men on Tuesday, the women on Wednesday. Then, the women’s squad will return home to host 18th-ranked Notre Dame on Sunday in what should be a high-energy showdown with major implications.
So while the football season may be winding down, there’s no slowing down in Tallahassee. Between recruiting battles, primetime basketball, and the ever-churning buzz around the program, the Seminoles are keeping the spotlight firmly on them as the calendar flips to December.