Florida State Seminoles Open College Football Season Today vs New Mexico State at Doak Campbell Stadium

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The Florida State Seminoles will open the 2026 college football season tonight when they host the New Mexico State Aggies at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the game televised nationally on The CW. The matchup will mark the first meeting between Florida State and New Mexico State on the football field.

The season begins a critical year for head coach Mike Norvell, who enters his seventh season leading the Seminoles. FSU retained Norvell following the 2025 campaign, with the program pledging to make fundamental changes aimed at returning to its championship standard.

Florida State was selected to finish 11th in the ACC preseason poll, although the Seminoles received three first-place votes, reflecting the uncertainty and potential surrounding a reworked roster.

New Quarterback Leading FSU Offense

Transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels is expected to lead the Florida State offense after previous stops at Stanford and Auburn.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound veteran gives the Seminoles an experienced and mobile option at quarterback. Daniels will be surrounded by an intriguing collection of playmakers, led by senior wide receiver Duce Robinson.

The 6-foot-6, 230-pound Robinson enters the season as one of the most highly regarded receivers in the ACC. He was named to the Preseason All-ACC Team and earned spots on the Maxwell, Biletnikoff, Walter Camp Player of the Year and Wuerffel Trophy watch lists.

Florida State fans in Brevard County will also be watching former Cocoa Tigers standout Jayvan Boggs. The sophomore receiver is listed at 6-foot-1 and 209 pounds and could have an opportunity to earn a larger role in the Seminoles’ passing game.

Micahi Danzy, Tae’Shawn Gelsey and highly regarded freshman Jasen Lopez provide additional options in a deep receiving group. Landen Thomas and Chase Loftin headline the tight ends.

Seminoles Feature Talented Running Back Room

Florida State enters the season with several options in the backfield, including Texas transfer Quintrevion Wisner.

Wisner rushed for 1,064 yards and five touchdowns while earning third-team All-SEC honors at Texas in 2024. He also caught 44 passes, setting a Texas single-season record for a running back.

Wisner and sophomore Ousmane Kromah were both named to the Doak Walker Award watch list. Kromah is a powerful 6-foot-1, 216-pound runner capable of giving the Seminoles another explosive option.

Senior Samuel Singleton Jr., Zay Parks and Gemari Sands add depth to a position group that could become one of Florida State’s biggest strengths.

The offensive line will be crucial to the Seminoles’ improvement. The group includes experienced players such as Xavier Chaplin, Chimdia Nwaiwu, Luke Francis Jr. and Nate Pabst.

Defense Looks to Take Step Forward

Florida State’s defense features a mixture of returning talent and additions from the transfer portal.

Defensive linemen Mandrell Desir, Darryll Desir, Daniel Lyons and Kevin Wynn will be counted on to control the line of scrimmage. Transfers Deante McCray, Deamontae Diggs and Rylan Kennedy add experience to the defensive front.

Omar Graham Jr. and Blake Nichelson return at linebacker, while transfers Mikai Gbayor, Caleb LaVallee and Chris Jones provide additional depth.

The secondary could be one of the most talented areas of the roster. Ja’Bril Rawls enters the season on the Bednarik Award watch list, while Quindarrius Jones, Charles Lester III, Jamari Howard, Ricky Knight III and Jarvis Boatwright Jr. give the Seminoles several experienced defensive backs.

Florida State also added former Notre Dame defensive back Karson Hobbs and Duke transfer Ma’Khi Jones.

Challenging Schedule Awaits Seminoles

The opener against New Mexico State will give Florida State an opportunity to establish momentum before the schedule becomes considerably more difficult.

FSU will host SMU in its ACC opener on Labor Day night before traveling to Tuscaloosa for a rematch against Alabama on Sept. 19. The Seminoles defeated the then-No. 8 Crimson Tide 31-17 in the 2025 season opener.

The schedule also includes conference matchups against Virginia, Louisville, Miami, Clemson, Boston College, Pitt and NC State. Florida State will conclude the regular season against rival Florida on Friday, Nov. 27.

Tonight’s opener represents the first opportunity for the Seminoles to show that their offseason changes can translate into progress on the field.

Game Information

New Mexico State Aggies at Florida State Seminoles

•  Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
•  Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
•  Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee
•  Television: The CW

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