Florida State Men’s Basketball Prepares for Challenging Preseason and Ranked Opponents

Florida State University men’s basketball is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season, with a slate of highly ranked opponents and opportunities to showcase the program’s rich tradition, passionate fanbase, and deep culture. Seminoles fans, players, and staff are eagerly anticipating a schedule that will test the team against multiple nationally ranked programs, including several in the Preseason AP Top 25.

A Challenging Preseason and Early Tests

The Seminoles will open their preseason campaign with an exhibition game on Thursday, October 16th, at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama. Their opponent will be the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide, giving Florida State an early opportunity to measure themselves against one of the nation’s top teams.

Top100 running back Jerry Beard, who has followed the program closely, raved about Florida State’s basketball culture and fanbase, noting, “The energy in Tallahassee is electric. The Seminoles have a tradition that players and fans truly buy into. You can feel it the moment you step on campus.”

The Seminoles’ official schedule features several marquee matchups that will provide a true litmus test for the program as they aim to make a deep run in both the ACC and NCAA Tournament.

Key Ranked Matchups

Florida State faces multiple opponents ranked in the Preseason AP Top 25, including three programs in the Top 11:

• No. 2 Houston – FSU will square off against the Cougars on Saturday, December 6th, in the Houston Hoops Showdown at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Houston enters the season with 16 first-place votes, behind only No. 1 Purdue. The game will be a national showcase and a significant early test for the Seminoles.
• No. 3 Florida – In one of the most storied rivalry games in college basketball, Florida State travels to Gainesville on Tuesday, November 11th, to face the defending national champions. The Gators received eight first-place votes in the preseason AP poll. This annual matchup is not only a test on the court but also a celebration of in-state basketball pride.
• No. 6 Duke – The Seminoles host Duke on Saturday, January 3rd, at the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee. This highly anticipated game is the lone regular-season meeting between the two programs and is expected to draw a packed house. Duke brings a combination of veteran leadership and highly touted recruits, ensuring a fiercely competitive environment.

Other ranked teams on the Seminoles’ schedule include:

• No. 25 North Carolina – FSU travels to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to face the Tar Heels on Tuesday, December 30th at the Dean E. Smith Center. Carolina consistently fields a strong roster and offers Florida State another opportunity to make a statement on the road.
• NC State – Ranked just outside the Top 25, NC State is the top “receiving votes” team. FSU hosts the Wolfpack on Saturday, January 10th at the Donald L. Tucker Center. This matchup will be a crucial ACC contest that could impact postseason positioning.
• Virginia – Although Virginia enters the season lower in the preseason ballots (tied for 40th among teams receiving votes), their disciplined style and strong coaching make them a formidable opponent. The Cavaliers visit Tallahassee on Tuesday, February 10th.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Florida State’s program has benefited from consistency and a culture of excellence under head coach Leonard Hamilton. His emphasis on player development, defensive intensity, and team cohesion has created a team that is both talented and mentally tough.

Beard emphasized the importance of culture for success, noting, “It’s not just about the talent on the court; it’s about the atmosphere, the coaching, and the tradition. FSU has that in spades. When you combine that with a challenging schedule, it’s a recipe for growth and national recognition.”

The Seminoles’ ability to compete against high-caliber teams early in the season will help them gauge where they stand nationally and prepare for the grind of ACC play, which begins in early January.

Fan Engagement and Home-Court Advantage

The Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee is known for its raucous atmosphere. With top-ranked programs visiting throughout the season, FSU fans will play a critical role in energizing the team and creating an intimidating environment for opponents.

Fans also have access to single-game tickets, season passes, and exclusive fan experiences. The combination of a passionate fanbase, historic rivalries, and nationally televised games ensures that Seminoles basketball remains a centerpiece of college sports in Florida.

Looking Ahead

Florida State’s 2025-26 schedule is loaded with opportunities to make a national statement. With multiple Top 25 opponents, high-profile rivalry games, and a strong returning core, the Seminoles are positioned to compete at the highest level. Preseason recognition and rankings are encouraging, but FSU’s focus remains on preparation, discipline, and execution on the court.

“This is the kind of season you dream about as a player,” Beard said. “Playing against the best, representing Florida State, and doing it in front of fans who live and breathe this program—it doesn’t get any better.”

If Florida State can navigate its early schedule successfully, particularly against top-ranked Houston, Florida, and Duke, the Seminoles could emerge as one of the ACC’s most dangerous teams and make a legitimate run in the NCAA Tournament.

‍