Seminole Sunday Sauce — Aug. 3, 2025: FSU Football Picked 7th in ACC
Only three more weekends stand between us and the start of Florida State football’s 2025 season. Earlier this week, the Seminoles were picked to finish seventh in the ACC by the conference’s media members.
After winning the ACC two years ago, FSU limped to its worst season in a half-century last year, finishing 2-10 overall and with just one win in ACC play. As it enters its sixth year under head coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles will feature a new-look roster that includes Tommy Castellanos at quarterback, Duce Robinson at wide receiver, center Luke Petitbon, James Williams at defensive end and linebacker Stefon Thompson among others.
Tight end Landen Thomas, defensive tackle Darrell Jackson and safety Shyheim Brown are among the key returners. Jackson was named to the Preseason All-ACC team.
Despite being picked seventh in the ACC, FSU did receive four first-place votes. Only Clemson and Miami received more first-place votes. Picked in front of the Seminoles (in order) were reigning ACC champion Clemson, Miami, SMU, Louisville, Georgia Tech and Duke.
FSU will open the season with three straight home games, beginning on Aug. 30 against Alabama. The Seminoles begin ACC play at Virginia on Sept. 26.
FOOTBALL
Record: 0-0
Ranking: N/A
Upcoming: vs. Alabama (Aug. 30)
Recognitions: Tommy Castellanos, QB (Maxwell Award watch list); Richie Leonard, OL (Wuerffel Trophy watch list); Darrell Jackson, DT (Preseason All-ACC)
Commitments: None
Decommitments: None
2026 Recruiting Class Rank: No. 14 nationally*, third in ACC (22 total commitments)
Wrap-up: FSU was projected to finish seventh in the ACC in 2025.
Soccer
Record: 0-0
Ranking: No. 3 United Soccer Coaches
Upcoming: vs. Florida (Aug. 14)
Wrap-up: FSU soccer will kick off the new athletics year in less than two weeks.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Commitments: Marcis Ponder, 4-star C* (No. 71 overall*)
Decommitments: None
2026 Recruiting Class Rank: No. 2 nationally*, second in ACC (2 total commitments)
Wrap-up: FSU made a huge splash this week with 4-star center Marcis Ponder. The Seminoles now have one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.
*Recruiting rankings according to the 247Sports Composite rankings
- Mike Ferguson is the lead writer for Double Fries No Slaw. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson. For all of his work, “Like” or “Follow” Mike on Facebook.
