ESPN projects Florida State to face South Florida in bowl games

Florida State is projected to return to bowl eligibility for the 2026 season after missing the postseason in consecutive years. ESPN analysts Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach both anticipate the Seminoles will face South Florida, with Bonagura favoring the Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl in Maryland and Schlabach picking the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa. These projections highlight a potential revival for Florida State, which improved from a 2-10 record in 2024 to 5-7 in 2025. The matchup against South Florida, last played in 2016, could renew a dormant in-state rivalry. Both analysts expect FSU to achieve at least six wins and secure a bowl spot this season.

• 7:45 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN projects Florida State back into the bowl game conversation