Jeff HauserThu, November 27, 2025 at 2:10 AM UTC·1 min readFlorida vs. Florida State — Sunshine State Showdown enters a new era originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Florida-Florida State remains the Sunshine State’s best in the deep south.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFirst played 1958, the rivalry shapes recruiting leverage for trenches, receivers, defensive backs, and, most importantly, state pride. This has been built off two teams as national powerhouse programs.
The head-to-head battles with Steve Spurrier and Bobby Bowden were legendary. They brought some of the best memories to a mainstream audience at the end of the year. From the Seminole Chant to the Gator Chomp, both fan bases love this one. While Mike Norvell faces interim coach Billy Gonzales with no real hatred, this is still a showdown for the players in a recruiting hotbed.
Florida’s SEC East championship years often collided with Florida State’s ACC title decades, including 1996 and 1999 national title-era interruptions. Stadium noise rotates from The Swamp to Doak Campbell, each amplifying the identity of the rivalry. Signing Day ramifications outlive scoreboards and so do the wins. When Florida meets Florida State, the sport pauses for a state that never lets football sleep.
Florida State heads to The Swamp on Saturday (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
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