Florida State finished the 2025 season with a 5-7 record, which was far below expectations after beating Alabama in the opener in the newly-renovated Doak Campbell Stadium.
Head football coach Mike Norvell had individuals thinking that his squad was a serious championship contender after dominating the Crimson Tide by two possessions. However, that proved to be fool's gold as they lost seven of their last nine games.
The start of their losing ways began on a Friday night road trip to Virginia, where the Seminoles had to travel to Charlottesville for an awkward showdown against a conference opponent that they don't play often anymore.
However, the Cavaliers played well in the contest, where they beat Florida State in double overtime by a score of 46-38. The field storming was difficult to watch for the fan base (especially for wide receiver Squirrel White, who people had to monitor to ensure that he was okay).
Quarterback Chandler Morris did not get his seventh season approved
One player who was a huge factor in the Cavaliers' victory was quarterback Chandler Morris, who completed 26 of 35 passes for 229 yards and five total touchdowns. Morris had the three interceptions, but did a solid job in managing the game with the running game.
It looked like a veteran that was under control, especially early in the game. Florida State will be getting its revenge against Virginia during the 2026 season in Doak Campbell Stadium, but the Cavaliers will likely be without veteran quarterback Chandler Morris.
NEWS: The NCAA has denied Virginia QB Chandler Morris a 7th season of eligibility, @PeteNakos reports.
— On3 (@On3sports) January 9, 2026
Morris plans to exhaust all options.https://t.co/xrgH0O11p6 pic.twitter.com/PYZWIvdyRO
The NCAA has denied Morris's eligibility. To be fair, the signal-caller has played college football for six seasons, and most individuals would mention the Indeed jokes to throw a jab at the quarterback getting a job.
In all seriousness, this is a positive update for the Seminoles in 2026 because the quarterback position will likely be worse for them. Plus, running back J'Mari Taylor will not be on the Cavaliers' roster in 2026 because he was a senior this year. He had 27 carries for 99 yards and one touchdown.
Florida State football needs all the help it can get next season to help it be successful.