Florida State is rebooting after a disastrous 2-10 season, leaning on a flood of fresh talent and a retooled coaching staff to chart a new course in 2025. The Seminoles open the year with a high-profile showdown against No. 8 Alabama on August 30, a 3:30 p.m. kickoff broadcast on ABC, as Doak Campbell Stadium reopens after a renovation. With 49 new players and coordinators Gus Malzahn on offense and Tony White on defense guiding the unit, coach Mike Norvell has reshaped nearly every facet of the program in hopes of turning the page from last year’s struggles.
Season predictions
– The network’s ACC beat reporters foresee a rebound year for FSU, with projected finishes ranging from 7-5 to 9-3 overall, and 5-3 to 6-2 in the conference. This places the Seminoles in a much more competitive position than 2024, though actual outcomes will hinge on early results and how quickly the new system gels.
2025 schedule highlights
– Aug. 30: Alabama at Doak Campbell Stadium, 3:30 p.m., ABC
– Sept. 6: East Texas A&M, Noon
– Sept. 20: Kent State, time TBA
– Sept. 26 (Friday): at Virginia, 7 p.m.
– Oct. 4: Miami, time TBA
– Oct. 11: Pittsburgh, time TBA
– Oct. 18 (Friday): at Stanford, 10:30 p.m.
– Nov. 1: Wake Forest, time TBA
– Nov. 8: at Clemson, time TBA
– Nov. 15: Virginia Tech, time TBA
– Nov. 21 (Friday): North Carolina State, 8 p.m.
– Nov. 29: Florida, time TBA
What to watch
– The biggest story is the overhaul: a large influx of players and a fresh coaching staff underscored by Malzahn’s heavy-offense approach and White’s defensive plans. How quickly the offense can translate new schemes into productivity, and how stout the defense proves under White, will shape the early months.
– The opener against Alabama serves as a defining moment—an opportunity to set the pace for the season and demonstrate that the program’s reset is on the right track.
– Doak Campbell Stadium’s renovation adds a new backdrop for the team’s first home tests and could provide an energy boost as players acclimate to the revamped environment.
Outlook
– With a talent influx and a clear strategic reset, Florida State enters 2025 with tangible upside. If the offense finds cohesion quickly and the defense minimizes big plays, the Seminoles could quickly climb from last year’s nadir to a competitive 7- or 8-win season, with a real shot at contending in the ACC picture.
Summary and context
– Florida State’s 2025 campaign is built around a reset: a large roster turnover, a reimagined coaching staff, and a fresh calendar beginning with a marquee non-conference test against Alabama. The path to a successful season hinges on early chemistry, disciplined play, and the ability to execute under the new system while navigating a schedule that mixes high-profile games with key ACC tests.
Additional note
– The early-season matchup with Alabama will set the tone for how quickly the program can translate offseason changes into on-field results. Fans have reason to be hopeful, but much will depend on execution, health, and how well the new pieces integrate from game one.