Honestly, trying to track down exactly when is the fsu game feels like a moving target lately. Between the conference realignment rumors and the way TV networks flex kickoff times at the last second, being a Seminole fan requires a degree in logistics. But here we are in January 2026, and the dust is finally settling on what the upcoming schedule looks like for Mike Norvell’s squad.
The Noles are coming off a 5-7 season in 2025. Not great. But with the Desir Twins staying put and some serious NIL moves, the hype for 2026 is actually building faster than most people expected.
When Is the FSU Game This Week?
Since we are currently in the middle of January, you aren't going to find a live game on the calendar today. The 2025 season wrapped up with a tough 40-21 loss to the Gators back in late November. Right now, the team is neck-deep in winter conditioning and portal management.
If you’re looking for the next time the garnet and gold take the field, you’ve got two dates to circle. First is the Spring Game. While the athletic department hasn't stamped a specific time on it yet, these usually fall in mid-to-late April. Based on current ACC trends, look for a Saturday around April 11 or April 18 at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Then comes the real deal. The 2026 season opener is set.
Florida State will open the 2026 season at home against New Mexico State on Saturday, August 29.
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Breaking Down the 2026 Schedule
We actually know a lot more about the 2026 slate than we usually do this early. The ACC recently dropped the primary opponents, and the non-conference schedule is pretty much locked in stone.
It’s a weird mix. You’ve got the traditional heavyweights and a few "wait, we’re playing them?" games.
- August 29: New Mexico State (Home)
- September 19: Alabama (Away - Tuscaloosa)
- September 26: Central Arkansas (Home)
- November 28: Florida (Home)
The Alabama game is the one everyone is talking about. Heading into Tuscaloosa in Week 3 is a brutal test for a team trying to prove the 2025 slump was a fluke.
ACC Home and Away Matchups
For the conference games, the dates aren't fully pinned to the calendar yet—that usually happens in late January or February—but we know who they are playing.
At Doak Campbell Stadium:
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- Clemson
- NC State
- SMU
- Virginia
On the Road:
- Boston College
- Louisville
- Miami
- Pitt
The Miami game is always the pivot point. It doesn't matter if both teams are 10-0 or 0-10; that game determines the "vibes" of the fan base for the next 365 days.
Why Kickoff Times Are Always "TBA"
"When is the fsu game?" usually followed by "What time is kickoff?" is the most common question in Tallahassee.
Here is the frustrating reality of modern college football: we won’t know the exact kickoff times for the majority of these games until 12 days before they happen. Sometimes six days if the networks (ABC, ESPN, or ACC Network) want to wait and see how the previous weekend’s rankings shake out.
Standard windows usually follow this pattern:
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- Early: 12:00 PM ET
- Afternoon: 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM ET
- Night: 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM ET
If FSU is winning, expect more night games. If they struggle like they did last year, get used to those noon starts where the Florida sun melts the turf.
Getting Tickets and Travel Ready
If you are planning to travel for that Alabama game in September or the Miami game later in the fall, you basically need to book your hotels now. Tuscaloosa and Coral Gables get stupidly expensive the closer you get to game day.
For home games, Doak Campbell is still undergoing various renovations and seating adjustments. Check the official Seminoles.com portal for the updated 3D seating map because some sections that were there two years ago might look a little different now.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official FSU athletics site and use the "Add to Calendar" feature. It auto-updates when the ACC finally announces the specific dates for the Clemson and Miami games.
- NIL watch: Keep an eye on the "The Battle’s End" collective. In 2026, the roster you see in the spring might look very different by August based on how the portal moves.
- Check the Friday factor: FSU played two Friday games in 2025. Don't assume every game is on a Saturday. The ACC loves putting the Noles in a standalone Friday night window for TV ratings.
The 2026 season is a massive "prove it" year for Norvell. After the disappointment of 2024 and 2025, the grace period is mostly over. Watching how they handle that August 29 opener against New Mexico State will tell us everything we need to know about the internal culture.