If you’re waking up in Tallahassee or just checking the scores from afar on this Friday, January 16, 2026, you're likely hunting for the Noles. Honestly, the mid-January stretch is always a bit chaotic for Florida State athletics. We are right in that weird pocket where football season is technically over—unless you're counting the heartbreak of the recruiting trail—and the spring sports haven't quite hit their full stride yet.
But if you are asking who Florida State play today, the answer isn't on the hardwood or the gridiron. It’s actually on the track.
Both the Men's and Women's Track and Field teams are heading over to Gainesville today for the Jimmy Carnes Invitational. It’s always a little spicy when FSU has to travel into Gator territory, even if it’s just for an indoor meet at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center.
The Friday Slate: Track and Field in Gainesville
It's easy to overlook track, but this meet is actually a pretty big deal for the indoor season. Coach Bob Braman usually uses these early January meets to see who actually stayed in shape over the winter break.
You’ve got the Noles competing against a field that includes Florida, Miami, and UCF. Basically, it's a "Who's Who" of the Sunshine State. If you're looking for results, keep an eye on the sprints and jumps; FSU has a history of showing out in those events even this early in the year.
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The meet kicked off its Division I section this morning. It’s a two-day event, but today is the heavy lifting for the collegiate squads.
What Happened to Basketball?
A lot of people searching for the schedule today are probably looking for Leonard Hamilton’s squad or the women's hoops team. You’re just a day off.
The Men’s Basketball team is currently prepping for a home stand. They don't play today, but they host Wake Forest tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. That tip-off is set for 6:00 PM. If you’ve been following this season, you know the Noles have had a rough go lately—coming off a tough 91-87 loss to Duke and a blowout against NC State. They desperately need that win against the Demon Deacons to keep their ACC head above water.
On the women’s side, Coach Brooke Wyckoff’s team is also off today. They just got back from a road trip to Pittsburgh yesterday (January 15). They’ll be back in the Tuck this Sunday, January 18, to take on North Carolina. That one starts at 2:00 PM, and given how the ACC standings look right now, that's a "must-watch" for anyone following the tournament bubble.
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Tennis and the Rest of the Weekend
If you missed the action yesterday, the Men's Tennis team actually took down the College of Charleston in Tallahassee. They have today off to recover before a double-header on Sunday against Alabama State and The Citadel.
The Women's Tennis team starts their weekend tomorrow, Saturday, with a big match against USF at noon.
Why the Schedule Feels Light Today
It’s Friday. In the world of college sports, Friday is usually the travel day or the "calm before the storm." Most of the big TV windows are reserved for Saturday football (in the fall) or Saturday/Sunday basketball.
Interestingly, the football world is buzzing today for a different reason. While FSU isn't playing, their arch-rival Miami is actually playing for a National Championship tonight against Indiana. It’s a weird sight for Noles fans to see a 10-seed Miami team in the final, especially after the Canes beat a struggling FSU team earlier in the season.
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Upcoming Key Dates for FSU Fans
If you're planning your month, here are the big ones coming up fast:
- January 17: Men's Basketball vs. Wake Forest (Home)
- January 18: Women's Basketball vs. North Carolina (Home)
- January 20: Men's Basketball at Miami (Away) - This is the big rivalry game.
- February 13: Baseball Opening Day vs. Notre Dame.
Baseball is the light at the end of the tunnel. We are less than a month away from Link Jarrett’s squad taking the field at Dick Howser. The 2026 schedule was just finalized, and opening with a conference opponent like Notre Dame is a bold move that should tell us a lot about the pitching depth early on.
Actionable Tips for Following the Noles Today
If you're trying to catch the track results or prep for tomorrow's basketball game, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Live Stats: For the Jimmy Carnes Invitational, the Delta Timing website usually has the most up-to-date heat sheets and live results.
- Grab Basketball Tickets Now: The Wake Forest game tomorrow isn't sold out yet, but Saturday night games in Tallahassee usually see a late surge in student attendance.
- Download the App: The official Florida State "Seminoles" app is actually better than the website for real-time score alerts, especially for non-televised sports like tennis and track.
- Watch the Weather: If you're heading to the tennis matches this weekend, Tallahassee is looking a bit brisk. Check the forecast before you commit to sitting at the Scott Speicher Memorial Tennis Center for four hours.
So, while there isn't a game on TV tonight that features the garnet and gold, the athletes are busy over in Gainesville. Rest up today—tomorrow is going to be a long one at the Tucker Center.