FSU Football Predictions for 2026 / Florida State Primetime LIVE 11

Episode Overview Host: Jacob Smith Episode: 11 Format: Solo show (quick tech hiccup at the start) Main Topic: 2026 FSU football schedule breakdown and win/loss predictions Tone: Honest, realistic, and fan-frustrated after recent 2-10 and 5-7 seasons. Jacob notes the schedule is tough with "no real breaks" except a few soft non-conference games. He emphasizes uncertainty for FSU fans but highlights spring progress and defensive praise from Tony White. Key Theme: Will FSU reach bowl eligibility (6+ wins), or is another sub-.500 season likely? Early optimism for 7 wins has been tempered. 2026 FSU Football Schedule & Jacob's Predictions Jacob walks through the schedule game-by-game, referencing recent opponent performances (mostly 2025 results). He calls the slate unforgiving outside of a couple of FCS/Group of 5 games. Confirmed 2026 Schedule (based on the episode and official details): Aug 29: vs New Mexico State (Home) — Win (confident; NMSU went 4-8 in 2025 with wins over weak FCS/G5 teams like Bryant, Tulsa, Sam Houston, UTEP; blown out by Tennessee). Sep 7: vs SMU (Home) — Loss (SMU was strong in 2025: 9-4 overall, 6-2 in ACC, playoff contender vibe in prior years; lots of winnable games on their slate). Sep 19: at Alabama (Away, Bryant-Denny) — Loss (Alabama has a gauntlet but remains an "institution"; no shot at Bryant-Denny). Sep 26: vs Central Arkansas (Home, FCS) — Win (decisive; not expecting a Jacksonville State-style scare). Oct 3: vs Virginia (Home) — Loss (Virginia was strong in 2025, reached ACC title game, won Gator Bowl; good non-con schedule in 2026). Oct 9: at Louisville (Away) — Loss (Louisville had an easy 2025 non-con but went 8-4 or 9-4; tough road game). Oct 17: at Miami (Away) — Loss (Miami has owned recent matchups; easy 2026 non-con for them). Oct 31: vs Clemson (Home) — Loss (Clemson had a down 2025 but still "owns" FSU historically; rebound expected). Nov 7: at Boston College (Away) — Win (BC projected as very weak, possibly 1-11 or 0-12). Nov 13: at Pitt (Away) — Loss (Pitt was competitive in 2025; road game in Pittsburgh swings it). Nov 21: vs NC State (Home) — Win (flip from earlier prediction; NC State seen as middle-of-the-road). Nov 28: vs Florida (Home, rivalry) — Loss (Florida had a rough 2025 but still favored; new QBs on both sides). Final Predicted Record: 5-7 (no bowl game). Wins: New Mexico State, Central Arkansas, Boston College, NC State (+1 more possible flip). Earlier prediction was also 5-7; spring scrimmage and transfer portal activity didn't change the overall outlook much, though Pitt was flipped to a loss and NC State to a win. Jacob notes only Pitt and Florida feel like true "maybe" games that could swing the season. A 3-win floor feels possible if things go poorly, but upside exists for 6-7 if spring momentum carries over. Overall Takeaways on Football: Schedule is brutal: Power opponents like Alabama, SMU, Virginia, Louisville, Miami, Clemson with few easy ACC games. Recent history (2-10, 5-7) creates low confidence, but "hope every year" for Noles fans. Encouraging notes: Spring scrimmage progress, Tony White's high praise for defense/offense, transfer portal activity. If 5-7 happens again, "it's over" for the current era/coaching staff (humorous Kawhi Leonard "It's over" meme graphic referenced). Advice to fans: Attend the blowout home games vs. New Mexico State or Central Arkansas for fun. Other FSU Sports Segments Basketball (Positive Outlook): Luke Loucks (new head coach) is building something strong. Recent transfer: Sean Abaiv (or similar spelling; former Cincinnati player, McDonald's All-American pedigree, 4-star transfer averaging solid minutes/points). Recruiting class: Ranked ~23rd nationally (or top 9-10 composite) with multiple 4-star transfers + high school talents like Jason Lopez (3-star dual-sport phenom). Surrounded by tournament teams in the rankings; Loucks prioritizing player health/well-being (declined NIT to avoid a deflating loss and focus on development). Projection: Minimum 20 wins next season feels realistic; NIT or better ACC tournament run possible. Long-term, FSU could shift toward "basketball school" vibes under Loucks—Jacob fully supports it. Baseball (Quick Recap): Currently strong vs. Stetson (9-2 lead mentioned). Recent tough loss to Georgia Tech (17-3). Upcoming: Favorable but not automatic (Notre Dame, North Florida, Stanford road trip, USF, Pitt, Jacksonville, Clemson, Miami). Projection: Likely NCAA Regionals; Super Regionals or College World Series possible but requires going 2/3 or better in most ACC series. Coach Link Jarrett trusted to keep them competitive. Closing Jacob thanks viewers, plugs his Twitter (@jsmith_sports or similar), and ends with "Go Noles!" Light-hearted moments: Tech issues, meme references, self-deprecating "do I know ball?" question to comments. Overall vibe: Realistic pessimism on 2026 football tempered by hope in roster building and non-football sports trending up. This episode serves as a thoughtful, fan-level schedule preview with balanced analysis rather than pure hype. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.