Florida State University basketball turned heads with a stunning road victory over the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, defying the odds as +8.5 underdogs. This win follows their triumph over Virginia Tech, yet skepticism lingered about FSU's recent performances.
Being marked as significant underdogs against Clemson highlighted the doubt, but the victory served as a strong testament to what head coach Luke Loucks is crafting. Now, FSU has a golden opportunity to solidify their reputation with a pivotal game against their rivals, the Miami Hurricanes.
FSU already pulled off an upset against Miami earlier this season, clinching a narrow two-point victory on the road. Achieving a season sweep against a top-tier ACC team like Miami would be monumental. Adding to the stakes, a highly-touted recruit will be in attendance for this matchup.
Four-star guard Martay Barnes, who recently announced his reclassification to the 2026 class, is considering both Auburn and FSU. He will visit FSU after witnessing Auburn's recent loss to Kentucky.
Currently, FSU boasts the 11th-ranked recruiting class for 2026, having already secured commitments from a couple of guards. Meanwhile, Auburn has only one signee so far.
Both programs are under the guidance of first-year head coaches, but Loucks brings a unique edge. Unlike Auburn's Steven Pearl, who inherited his role from his father, Bruce Pearl, Loucks has a rich background as a former FSU player, overseas professional, and NBA coach.
The upcoming clash with Miami is not just about bragging rights; a strong performance could be pivotal in securing Barnes' commitment.
FSU and Miami are set to tip-off at 9 p.m. on the ACC Network.