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Former FSU football stars sound off as fans melt down over loss to Florida Gators

With the loss, the Seminoles finish the 2025 season 5-7 and out of bowl game contention.
Robert Malcolm|
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive end Kamran James (24) reacts after a tackle in front of Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive end Kamran James (24) reacts after a tackle in front of Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

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Florida State Seminoles

Following a blowout 40-21 loss to the Florida Gators, the disaster that was the 2025 football season for the Florida State Seminoles is now over. Despite a strong 3-0 start, highlighted by a dominating win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Seminoles failed to show signs of progress, winning just two of their final nine games, including an 0-5 record on the road, and losses to both in-state rivals.

While the Seminoles kept the game close going into halftime, the Gators' dominant run game, with the help of poor offensive execution from FSU, allowed UF to quickly take control of the game, outscoring FSU 23-7 in the second half.

READ MORE: FSU football loses to Florida in embarrassing fashion, 40-21

As Florida State now heads into the offseason, failing to meet the six-win threshold required for bowl season contention, many fans are expecting major changes within the program, both on and off the field, in order to once again deliver the "standard" so constantly preached by the coaching staff.

This marks the fourth time in head coach Mike Norvell's six-year tenure leading the program that the Noles failed to play in the postseason. Since 2018, the Seminoles have played in just three bowl games; prior to that, the Noles held a 36-year streak where they saw bowl eligibility.

The loss to Florida should be more than just another blowout road loss, but rather a much-needed wake-up call. After going 2-10 last season, changes were made, and in all fairness to Norvell, improvements were as well. Despite that, a 5-7 record in year six at Florida State is unacceptable for the fans, former players, and all others who carry the legacy of FSU football.

Following the conclusion of the game, the FSU fanbase didn't shy away from sharing their thoughts regarding the current state of the program, as well as expectations for the future, while highlighting the disappointment that came with the loss to UF.

Reactions Below

DJ Lagwa
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws the ball under pressure from Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Amaree Williams (40) and Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman James Williams (10) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Former FSU and Pittsburgh Steelers star safety Bryant McFadden isn't thrilled by the Seminoles' performance against the Gators

Former Florida State defensive tackle Dontavious Jackson was disappointed in Florida State's poor finish to the season

2013 FSU football national champion Nile Lawrence-Stample shouts out sophomore WR Lawayne McCoy following his big game

Former Florida State QB and CBS sports analyst Danny Kanell saddened by Florida State's rivalry loss to Florida

Former FSU cornerback Antonio Cromartie shares what he thinks of the current state of Florida State football

More fan reactions below

Sam Singleton J
Florida State running back Samuel Singleton Jr. (28) gains yards against Florida defensive end Kamran James (24) during the first half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun] | Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

READ MORE: FSU football's bizarre special teams chaos defies explanation: 'once in a lifetime'

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Robert Malcom
ROBERT MALCOLM

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