If you’re looking for the most recent Florida State football score, you won't find it on a bowl game scoreboard this January. That’s the cold, hard truth for the 2025-2026 cycle. While the rest of the college football world is obsessing over the expanded playoffs and the New Year’s Six, Tallahassee is surprisingly quiet.
The Seminoles finished their 2025 campaign with a thud.
Their final game—the one that still stings—was a 40-21 loss to the Florida Gators on November 29, 2025. It wasn't just a loss; it was the final nail in the coffin of a season that started with a massive upset of Alabama and ended with the Noles sitting at home for the holidays.
The Shocking Reality of the 2025 Final Standings
People are still scratching their heads. How does a team beat Alabama 31-17 in Week 1 and then fail to make a bowl game? Honestly, it’s one of those "only in college football" stories. Florida State finished the year with a 5-7 record.
That record is deceptive if you only look at the box scores. They were 2-6 in the ACC.
They actually started 3-0. Fans were booking flights to the ACC Championship. Then, the wheels didn't just come off; they basically disintegrated. A 2OT heartbreaker against Virginia (46-38) started a four-game losing streak that the program never truly recovered from.
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Breaking Down the Rivalry Heartbreak
The two games most fans care about—the ones that define a season regardless of the fl state football score against random MAC schools—were both losses.
On October 4, they hosted Miami. It was a dogfight. The final score was 28-22 in favor of the Hurricanes. Miami eventually went on to have a deep playoff run, but for FSU, it was a reminder of how thin the margin for error had become.
Then came the Florida game.
Gainesville was a nightmare for Mike Norvell’s squad. Jadan Baugh, the Gators' sophomore back, absolutely shredded the FSU defense for 266 yards. FSU kept it close for a bit—Tommy Castellanos found Micahi Danzy for a score to make it 10-7—but Florida responded with 17 unanswered points. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the score was out of reach.
Why the Scoreboards Stopped Lighting Up in December
You might be wondering why FSU isn't playing right now, especially since teams with 5-7 records sometimes sneak into bowls based on Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores.
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Here is the kicker: FSU actually turned down a bowl bid.
Because of a shortage of 6-6 teams, the Birmingham Bowl reportedly reached out to Florida State. The school looked at the decimated roster, the transfer portal entries, and the general state of the locker room and decided to pass. They chose to focus on the 2026 recruiting class and the "re-tooling" phase rather than playing a December game with a skeleton crew.
It was a controversial move. Some fans wanted the extra practice time. Others were just glad the season was over.
Key Scores from the 2025 Rollercoaster
- The High Point: FSU 31, Alabama 17 (Aug 30)
- The Turning Point: Virginia 46, FSU 38 (Sept 26)
- The Rivalry Loss: Miami 28, FSU 22 (Oct 4)
- The Season Ender: Florida 40, FSU 21 (Nov 29)
The Silver Linings (Yes, There Are Some)
It wasn't all bad news, though it feels that way when you look at the 5-7 record.
Mandrell Desir, the true freshman defensive lineman, was just named a Freshman All-American on January 14, 2026. He led all ACC freshmen with 6.5 sacks. That’s the kind of bright spot that keeps a fan base from totally losing hope.
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Also, the transfer portal hasn't been a total one-way street. While over 35 players left, the Noles landed veteran QB Ashton Daniels and running back Tre Wisner earlier this month.
What to Watch for in 2026
The focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 opener. Mike Norvell is staying—the university confirmed that—but the coaching staff has been shuffled significantly. Adam Scheier is in as the new special teams coordinator, and Kam Martin has taken over the running backs room.
If you're tracking the fl state football score for the future, the next time they take the field for a real game will be August 2026.
Expect a lot of noise about the "new-look" defense. With Mandrell Desir and Kevin Wynn (who just confirmed he's staying) anchoring the line, the talent is there. The question is whether they can find some consistency.
Actionable Next Steps for FSU Fans
- Track the Transfer Portal: The window is closing soon. Keep an eye on the defensive backfield, which is currently thin.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: FSU opens with a tough slate again. Knowing the dates now helps you plan for the Doak Campbell renovations, which are still impacting seating.
- Watch the NFL Draft: Despite the bad season, players like Duce Robinson (who is actually staying!) and others have major pro potential. Seeing where the 2025 seniors land can give you a sense of the talent gap that needs to be filled.
- Support the Hall of Famers: Peter Warrick was just announced as part of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class. It’s a good time to revisit some 1999 highlights to wash away the taste of the 2025 season.
The 2025 chapter is officially closed. No more scores to report until the spring game. For now, Tallahassee is a city of "wait and see."