It’s hard to believe that under 20 months have been removed from Mike Nobel, the hottest coaching name in college football, thanks to the undefeated regular season at FSU, but like his arch rival in Gainesville, the Seminoles have improved significantly in 2025.
There is no rest for the tired people. FSU will open its season at home against Alabama. For obvious reasons, Crimson Tide is a heavy favorite to win the game. FSU’s coaching staff received a complete overhaul after last year’s nightmare 2-10 campaign. Former Auburn and UCF head coach Gus Malzahn entered his first year as FSU offensive coordinator. Malzahn is one of the few coaches with a record of offensive production against the Tide’s proud defense, but he starts with a clean slate compared to the season finals he faced with Alabama when he had full season information to evaluate at Auburn.
The starting quarterback for Florida for the 2025 season is senior Thomas (Tommy) Castellanos, who moved from Boston College and spent time at UCF. While pre-season power rankings bring FSU closer to the bottom of the ACC, optimism remains around wise planning and improved thinking. Early tests like Alabama and Miami in openers and early games tell us whether the Seminoles’ roster renovations are just as impressive as the Doak Campbell Stadium renovations.
In Gainesville, the 8-5 record and minor bowls were a major disappointment for the fan base where the team has not won a major bowl since 2009, when the Florida Gators finished over .500 last season.
A standout center and pre-season All-American, Jakes Lorter locks up combat-tested offensive lines and becomes a steady force that has Jadanbo built a breakout year, thriving the ground game, maintaining playoff range and continuing to compete in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, in Miami, the Hurricanes hope that yet another high-profile quarterback transfer will replicate Camward’s success during last year’s final season of Cane. Former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is an early favourite for winning the Heisman Trophy, but there is no guarantee that Miami will be able to avoid upset such as the losses he suffered against Georgia Tech and Syracuse in the final stretch of the 2024 regular season. Miami finished 2024 as a top-ranked attack nationwide, but avoiding losses in Pop Tart Bowl vs. Iowa was not enough. Mark Fletcher Jr.’s run is expected to step into the spotlight and get close to 1,000 yards and take over the strong backfield role. The defense has been overhauled under the new DC Corey Hetherman, with waves of transfer being injected secondary.
Ranked 10th preseason by several metrics, the Hurricane aims to translate offensive firepower into consistency. A solid defensive shift is the key to taking the next step. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal has six years left on the contract. He signed a 10-year contract in December 2021, but if the cane doesn’t reach the major bowl games or college football playoffs, don’t be surprised if rumors of a deal’s acquisition begin before the season ends.
Down in Orlando at Florida Central University was called Scott Frost and went home again. Frost, who led the knights to an undefeated season with his first stent at UCF, was unable to replicate his path to success when he returned to his alma mater, Nebraska. Despite his disappointing tenure with the Cornhuskers, many UCF fans are optimistic that Frost can build on the blueprint he spawned 10 years ago.
If early results work, it could stimulate reconstruction efforts, especially in the season-opening match against UNC with Bilberic Chick’s coaching. The Knights’ defensive stubbornness gives them a foundation, but the attack must quickly find its footing. The line of defense remains a pillar of strength under the supervision of Kenny Martin, featuring veterinarians such as John Walker, Horace Rockett and Nijarick Kelly.
However, the offensive line has been barely tested and requires cohesion, and Paul Rouvelt is among a few experienced returnees. National Outlook is mixed. He came in 74th in RJ Young’s “Ultimate 136”, earning a total projection of around 5-6 games.
