FSU football has much to prove in 2025 after only winning two games last year. Most FSU fans are in wait-and-see mode, and who could blame them when there was serious doubt they could beat Charleston Southern toward the end of last season?
I don't doubt that FSU will be better for a few reasons. They couldn't be any worse and made major changes to the coaching staff and the roster.
They also have a manageable schedule. They have what I'd call at least three guaranteed wins that could give FSU three extra bye weeks. Let's get into them below:
East Texas A&M
The Lions went 3-9 (2-4) last season. It's a perfect game to play after playing Alabama. It'll likely give FSU time to work out some kinks with the new staff and players, allow some younger guys to get some experience, and build some confidence.
Kent State
It's like having three consecutive bye-weeks, with FSU playing Kent State two weeks after facing East Texas A&M(FSU has a bye-week after the East Texas A&M game.
Kent State went 0-12 last year and 1-11 in 2023. It's great because it gives FSU ample time to prepare for the road game on a short week against Virginia. That game will be pivotal to FSU's season. It could give FSU some momentum going into the Miami game with a 3-1 record at minimum.
Wake Forest
Wake Forest has a new everything, head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators. The Demon Deacons went 4-8, 2-6 ACC last year and lost more talent than they brought in. I've been saying it, but the period Wake Forest took advantage of with all the super seniors is over. That should be an easy win the week before FSU travels to play Clemson.
Overall Thoughts
Some FSU fans will say they aren't counting any games as sure wins after last year. However, nearly all the guys responsible for that are no longer with the program, coaches included. I could probably throw Stanford in this list too, but it's an away game on the other side of the country. I gave my game-by-game predictions, and this is one of the reasons I have FSU winning at least eight games.