The Florida State Seminoles may be packing their bags for the Big Apple—at least according to one of college football's most trusted voices. On3's Brett McMurphy released his post-spring bowl projections for 2026, and he's forecasting a Pinstripe Bowl showdown between FSU and the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
For a program that has endured two grueling seasons, this projection feels like a breath of fresh air. The Seminoles stumbled to a 5-7 record in 2025, following a disastrous 2-10 campaign in 2024—their worst since 1974. McMurphy's projection implies that Florida State will snap a two-year bowl drought by winning at least six games in 2026. That's no small feat for a team that's been searching for its footing.
The Pinstripe Bowl has long been a staple of the ACC vs. Big Ten matchup, offering a unique setting in one of baseball's most iconic venues. But for Florida State, the path to that December trip runs through one of the most critical off-seasons in recent memory.
Head coach Mike Norvell, entering his seventh season, has wasted no time shaking things up. The roster and coaching staff have seen sweeping changes, with Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels taking over at quarterback. Daniels inherits an offense that returns just six starters and features a completely rebuilt offensive line. The team's fate will hinge on how quickly this new-look unit gels, the strength of the schedule, and whether the defense can hold up its end of the bargain.
The last time the Seminoles tasted bowl action was after the 2023 season—a campaign that saw them go 13-0 in the regular season before a controversial College Football Playoff snub. A return to a bowl game, even one as modest as the Pinstripe, would signal that the program is finally turning the corner. For Norvell and his staff, it would be the first step in a longer climb back toward ACC relevance.
Whether McMurphy's projection becomes reality or remains a hopeful forecast, one thing is clear: Florida State fans have reason to keep an eye on the road ahead.