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The Florida State Seminoles continue to face modest expectations from national media outlets entering the 2026 college football season. The latest example came from Athlon Sports, which released its preseason poll rankings and slotted Florida State at No. 48 nationally.
The ranking places the Seminoles in the middle tier of Power Four programs as head coach Mike Norvell attempts to guide the program back into ACC contention following a disappointing stretch after the team's undefeated regular season in 2023, which has him seated firmly on a hot seat.
FSU's placement reflects the uncertainty surrounding a roster that underwent significant changes during the offseason. The Seminoles were active in the transfer portal while continuing to add talent through high school recruiting, hoping to rebound after winning just three ACC games over the past two seasons combined.
While No. 48 is lower than where Florida State fans have grown accustomed to seeing the program, it also highlights the opportunity available entering the season. The Seminoles have one of the ACC's most talented rosters on paper and will be looking to prove they are capable of outperforming preseason projections.
Athlon's ranking mirrors a broader national sentiment surrounding Florida State entering 2026. Several preseason publications have taken a wait-and-see approach with the Seminoles, citing the need for the program to demonstrate improvement on the field before returning to the upper tiers of national rankings.
For now, Athlon Sports sees Florida State as the No. 48 team in the country—a ranking that underscores both the questions surrounding the program and the opportunity that awaits as the Seminoles begin another pivotal season under Norvell.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Football: Seminoles rank 48th in Athlon preseason poll
Continue reading...
The ranking places the Seminoles in the middle tier of Power Four programs as head coach Mike Norvell attempts to guide the program back into ACC contention following a disappointing stretch after the team's undefeated regular season in 2023, which has him seated firmly on a hot seat.
FSU's placement reflects the uncertainty surrounding a roster that underwent significant changes during the offseason. The Seminoles were active in the transfer portal while continuing to add talent through high school recruiting, hoping to rebound after winning just three ACC games over the past two seasons combined.
While No. 48 is lower than where Florida State fans have grown accustomed to seeing the program, it also highlights the opportunity available entering the season. The Seminoles have one of the ACC's most talented rosters on paper and will be looking to prove they are capable of outperforming preseason projections.
Athlon's ranking mirrors a broader national sentiment surrounding Florida State entering 2026. Several preseason publications have taken a wait-and-see approach with the Seminoles, citing the need for the program to demonstrate improvement on the field before returning to the upper tiers of national rankings.
For now, Athlon Sports sees Florida State as the No. 48 team in the country—a ranking that underscores both the questions surrounding the program and the opportunity that awaits as the Seminoles begin another pivotal season under Norvell.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Football: Seminoles rank 48th in Athlon preseason poll
Continue reading...
