![Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) sacks Florida Gators quarterback Max Brown (17) at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 25, 2023 during the second half. Florida State won 24-15. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3742,h_2104/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/270/01krf91jtwqmbqc99mvc.jpg "Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) sacks Florida Gators quarterback Max Brown (17) at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 25, 2023 during the second half. Florida State won 24-15. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]")
Florida State football had a bad taste in their mouth to close the 2025 season, as they were defeated by the arch-rival Florida Gators by multiple scores. It was an embarrassing showing, as running back Jadan Baugh had over 200 rushing yards in a "grind it out " game for the Gators.
Florida let go of their head coach, Billy Napier, and welcomed in yet another interim coach. It was disappointing to see Mike Norvell and company lose to two of the Gators' interim coaches. Plus, to make matters worse, quarterback DJ Lagway was a liability throwing the football and he looked playable against Florida State.
The Gators are welcoming in new head coach Jon Sumrall and potential starting quarterback Aaron Philo, which opens a new era in Gainesville. Both programs have their shortcomings, and will be playing each other on Black Friday this season in Doak Campbell Stadium.
Florida State versus Florida kickoff for the 2026 season has been announced
The Seminoles have announced their kickoff time for the contest against Florida, which will be at 3:30 PM EST on ABC.
Mark your calendars 📆 for this fall in Doak
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) May 12, 2026
9/7 vs. SMU - 7:30 PM on ESPN
11/27 vs. Florida - 3:30 PM on ABC
🎟️ https://t.co/Ze4mq1Xtrq pic.twitter.com/n4UCBDav1A
This is not a kickoff start that many fans want, considering that Doak Campbell Stadium is a hostile environment at night. It takes me back to the 2022 meeting when Florida State and Florida played, when former quarterback Jordan Travis had one of the better performances of his career.
Even though it is November, the 3:30 PM kickoff could be faced with the Tallahassee sun. Nonetheless, I would have loved to have seen a night game. The Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State will be played on the same day at noon, so it won't take the eyes off the Sunshine Showdown.
I have to take my Garnet and Gold glasses off for a second to realize that the 7:30 PM EST matchup on Black Friday will be Texas versus Texas A&M. I remember a particular 2025 matchup that they had at 3:30 PM EST in Doak Campbell Stadium, and it turned out well for the Seminoles (Alabama opener).
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