Stanford Heads to Tallahassee Looking to Close Florida Swing on a High Note
Stanford wraps up its Sunshine State road swing this Saturday with a visit to Florida State, tipping off at 3 p.m. PT (6 p.m.
ET) on the ACC Network. Coming off a hard-fought loss to Miami earlier in the week, the Cardinal will be looking to bounce back and secure a split on their two-game Florida trip - something they've already done once this season on the ACC trail.
Let’s take a closer look at where Stanford stands heading into this matchup and what fans should be watching for as the Cardinal continue to make noise in their first ACC campaign.
Stanford’s Resume Is Taking Shape
At 14-7 overall, Stanford is quietly building a profile that deserves attention. The Cardinal already boast four quadrant-one NET wins - no small feat - and have taken down some of the ACC’s top-tier squads, including ranked victories over North Carolina, Louisville, and Virginia Tech. That’s a statement stretch, especially for a team navigating the challenges of a new conference.
What’s more, Stanford has shown it can win away from Maples Pavilion. The Cardinal are 5-2 in games played outside of Palo Alto, including a perfect 3-0 in neutral-site contests.
That includes a title run at the Acrisure Invitational in Palm Desert, where they knocked off Minnesota and Saint Louis, capped by Benny Gealer’s buzzer-beating heroics on Nov. 28.
Ebuka Okorie Is the Real Deal
If you haven’t been paying attention to Ebuka Okorie yet, now’s the time. The freshman phenom is averaging 21.5 points per game - good for 13th nationally and third among all freshmen. That puts him in elite company alongside Duke’s Cameron Boozer and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa as the only first-year players averaging north of 21 a night.
Okorie’s scoring prowess hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s landed top-10 recognition in national freshman of the year rankings from ESPN, Bleacher Report, Field of 68, and Hoops HQ.
And it’s not just the numbers - it’s how and when he gets them. Okorie has already delivered multiple 30-point performances, including a clutch game-winner at Virginia Tech.
He’s not just a rising star - he’s already a centerpiece.
Benny Gealer Finding His Groove
While Okorie has been the headliner, Benny Gealer is stepping up in a big way. He matched his season high with 17 points in the Miami game, knocking down five triples to keep Stanford in the fight. Gealer’s confidence from deep is growing, and his ability to stretch the floor gives the Cardinal another dynamic scoring option.
His big moment this season came at the Acrisure Invitational, where his buzzer-beater sealed the title. But it's his consistency and poise in big moments that are starting to shine through - something Stanford will need as the ACC grind continues.
A Look at the Matchup: Stanford vs. Florida State
This will be the third all-time meeting between Stanford and Florida State, and the second since both became ACC foes. Stanford has taken the first two - a 70-60 win at the 2022 Orlando Invitational and a 78-71 victory in last season’s conference clash.
Despite the setback against Miami, Stanford’s road résumé remains solid. They’ve gone 3-0 in neutral-site games and 2-2 in true road contests, with wins over Virginia Tech and San Jose State. The Cardinal are proving they can travel well, and a win in Tallahassee would mark another step forward in their evolution as a tough, road-tested squad.
Cardinal in the Pros: Raynaud, Jones, and More Making Waves
Stanford’s recent success isn’t limited to the college hardwood. Maxime Raynaud, who graduated in 2025 after one of the most prolific seasons in program history, is now suiting up for the Sacramento Kings. The former All-American is averaging 9.4 points per game, and that number jumps to 11.0 in his 24 starts - a strong start to his pro career.
Spencer Jones is also making his mark, starting 30 of his 42 games for the Denver Nuggets this season and averaging 6.3 points per contest. Add in Brook Lopez and Ziaire Williams - both of whom have posted 20-point games in the NBA since Dec. 1 - and it’s clear Stanford’s pipeline to the pros is alive and well.
What’s at Stake
A win over Florida State would give Stanford another ACC road win and a second straight road split - not to mention continued momentum heading into the heart of conference play. With Okorie leading the charge, Gealer heating up, and a team that’s proven it can win in tough environments, the Cardinal are positioning themselves as a dangerous out in the ACC.
Saturday’s matchup offers another opportunity to prove it.