Florida State is just days away from opening its 2026 season against New Mexico State, and the bowl chatter is already starting to swirl around the Seminoles.
ESPN added to that conversation on Saturday when Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach released their preseason bowl projections. Both had Florida State ending up in a postseason game, and both landed on the same opponent: USF.
The disagreement came with the destination. Schlabach projected the Seminoles to head to Tampa for the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, a game at Raymond James Stadium - the same building where Florida State currently plays its home games. Bonagura, meanwhile, pegged FSU for the Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland, at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Neither bowl has ever been part of Florida State’s history.
If the Seminoles are going to reach either one, the path probably starts with getting to at least 6-6. That would mean ending a bowl drought that has lasted since 2023.
Last season, the ACC sent Pittsburgh to the Military Bowl and NC State to the Gasparilla Bowl; Pittsburgh lost and NC State won. Based on that setup, Florida State would likely need to be around 7-5 to stay in the mix.
USF makes for a notable matchup either way. Florida State owns a 3-1 edge in the all-time series, though the Bulls’ lone win came in the first meeting in Tallahassee. The teams have not played since 2016, when the Seminoles won 55-35.
The Bulls are also in the middle of their own transition. Alex Golesh left for Auburn, and USF turned to Ohio State’s Brian Hartline to take over the program. Former Florida State quarterback Luke Kromenhoek is on the roster, though he is expected to open the season as a backup.
For Florida State, any postseason return would count as a step toward getting back on track.
The Seminoles’ 2026 schedule begins Saturday, August 29 against New Mexico State in Tallahassee at 7:00 p.m. ET on The CW.
They follow that with SMU on Monday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, then travel to Alabama on Saturday, September 19 for a 3:30 p.m.
ET kickoff on ABC.
Florida State also has Central Arkansas at home on Saturday, September 26, Virginia at home on Saturday, October 3, a Friday night trip to Louisville on October 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, a road game at Miami on Saturday, October 17, Clemson in Tallahassee on Saturday, October 31, Boston College on the road on Saturday, November 7, Pitt on the road on Saturday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m.
ET on ESPN, NC State at home on Saturday, November 21, and Florida at home on Friday, November 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
In Other News...
Florida State's Backup QB Battle Just Took A Surprising Turn
Florida States backup quarterback picture is suddenly a little more interesting, and Malachi Marshall is right in the middle of it. Mike Norvell said the JuCo transfer has added 18 pounds and improved his strength, signs that he has handled the physical transition well enough to put himself in position to help this season. Behind starter Ashton Daniels, the Seminoles are sorting through a competition that also includes second-year quarterback Kevin Sperry, and the job carries real importance given how quickly a season can change at the position.
Norvells history developing quarterbacks has often been a point of scrutiny, which is part of why this battle matters beyond simple depth-chart housekeeping. If Daniels were to go down, Florida State needs someone who can step in without the offense losing its footing, and Marshalls size gain has made him an intriguing option in that role. Sperry remains in the mix, but Marshalls recent progress gives this competition a different feel than it had a few weeks ago. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State May Be Stuck With Mike Norvell Longer Than Fans Want
Mike Norvells seat has been a talking point in Tallahassee for months, and it is not hard to see why. Florida State has piled up 17 losses over the past two seasons, leaving plenty of fans frustrated and wondering how much longer the university will stand behind a coach who once looked like a long-term answer.
Even so, firing him would not be simple. Florida State would be staring at a buyout estimated in the $45 million to $50 million range, and the Seminoles are about to face a brutal stretch with SMU and Alabama on the schedule. Those games will shape the mood around the program, but they also may determine whether the conversation around Norvell turns into real movement or just more uneasy waiting. [Read more 🡒]
FSUs Backup QB Picture Just Got More Interesting Behind Ashton Daniels
The backup quarterback race at Florida State has taken on a little more shape, and Malachi Marshall is right in the middle of it. Since joining the program, he has drawn praise from the coaching staff for the progress he has made, including added weight and a better grasp of the offense. Mike Norvell has pointed to that development as a reason Marshall has become a real factor behind starter Ashton Daniels, alongside Kevin Sperry.
The new NCAA 5-for-5 eligibility rule only adds another layer to Marshall's standing in the room. Because he can play without burning a redshirt, Florida State has more flexibility in how it uses him if the need arises, which makes his growth even more relevant to the depth chart. For a team that wants reliable options behind Daniels, Marshall's rise is one of the more interesting subplots to watch. [Read more 🡒]