FSU Football Projected To Face Big Ten Program In Early Bowl Projection

The Florida State Seminoles have aspirations of returning to the postseason for the first time in three years.

After FSU fell flat on its face in 2024 and 2025, head coach Mike Norvell changed up the program this offseason, bringing in plenty of new faces to shore up the roster and coaching staff.

Though the Seminoles haven't committed at the financial level of top teams in the country, there's still an expectation that Florida State will remain competitive in the ACC. It is worth noting that they'll face some of the best squads in the conference this fall.

Despite the recent struggles, FSU is a popular candidate to qualify for a bowl game.

FSU Projected To Face Nebraska In Mayo Bowl

Dec 31, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule gestures against the Utah Utes in the first half during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With the season drawing closer, CBS Sports recently released preseason bowl projections.

Florida State made the hypothetical cut, with the outlet projecting the Seminoles to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Mayo Bowl.

Last season, Virginia Tech represented the ACC in the Mayo Bowl with a 6-6 record, which means Florida State would need to finish around the same mark. The Seminoles need at least six victories regardless to make it to any postseason game.

Obviously, there would be plenty of storylines if Florida State and Nebraska match up. The Seminoles hired a handful of their current staffers away from the Cornhuskers, including defensive coordinator Tony White, defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, and safeties coach Evan Cooper.

Plus, Nebraska landed UNLV quarterback transfer Anthony Colandrea, a player that FSU was quite interested in. Colandrea visited the Seminoles but the two parties couldn't come to an agreement on a financial package and he ultimately ended up in the Big Ten.

Not to mention, there's a long history between the two programs. Florida State upset No. 3 Nebraska in 1980.

The teams met again in the Orange Bowl over a decade later, with the Seminoles holding on for a 18-16 victory after Nebraska missed a field goal with one second remaining. The win secured Florida State's first national championship in program history.

If this prediction came to fruition, it would be the first time Florida State and Nebraska have faced off since then.

Eight teams on FSU's schedule were also included in the projection, with Miami and SMU making the College Football Playoff.

Florida State opens the season against New Mexico State on Saturday, August 29.

2026 Florida State Football Schedule:

Saturday, August 29 vs. New Mexico State - Tallahassee - 7:00 p.m. ET on The CW

Monday, September 7 vs. SMU – Tallahassee - 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Saturday, September 19 at Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Ala. - 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

Saturday, September 26 vs. Central Arkansas – Tallahassee (Family Weekend/Hall of Fame)

Saturday, October 3 vs. Virginia – Tallahassee (Cancer Awareness)

Friday, October 9 at Louisville – Louisville, Ky. - 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN

Saturday, October 17 at Miami – Miami Gardens, Fla.

Saturday, October 31 vs. Clemson – Tallahassee (Military Appreciation)

Saturday, November 7 at Boston College – Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Saturday, November 13 at Pitt – Pittsburgh, Pa. - 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN

Saturday, November 21 vs. NC State – Tallahassee (Homecoming/Seminole Heritage/Athlete Alumni Reunion)

Friday, November 27 vs. Florida – Tallahassee - 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

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