See the record CBS Sports predicts FSU football to have in 2026

July 16, 2026 - 23:01

CBS Sports has released its early projections for the 2026 college football season, and the outlook for Florida State is middling at best. The outlet predicts the Seminoles will finish with a 6-6 record, a mark that would leave them squarely in the middle of the ACC standings.

This forecast comes after a turbulent few years for the program. Following a breakout 2023 season that saw FSU go undefeated in the regular season and win the ACC championship, the team stumbled to a 2-10 record in 2024. The 2025 season showed signs of recovery, but the projected 6-6 finish for 2026 suggests the program is still in a rebuilding phase rather than a return to national prominence.

The prediction reflects the tough schedule ahead and the ongoing roster turnover. Florida State will need to replace several key players who are expected to depart for the NFL after the 2025 season. the Seminoles face a challenging non-conference slate and road games against traditional ACC powerhouses.

For head coach Mike Norvell, a 6-6 record would be a step forward from the disaster of 2024 but still far from the expectations of a fanbase hungry for a return to the glory days. The margin for error in 2026 will be thin, and any slip-ups could push the team below .500. Whether the Seminoles can exceed this projection will depend heavily on player development and how quickly the new talent can gel.