The Miami vs. FSU matchup is more than just a game. It’s where tradition meets history on the field. Since 1951, this rivalry has delivered unforgettable moments. Although Miami’s “The U” ruled the ’80s and early ’90s with swagger. But Bobby Bowden‘s FSU of the ’90s dominated with precision and power. This year, the stakes are even higher, because both teams are chasing glory and the chance to get into the playoffs. The excitement of the game has even caused the Florida governor to make his pick clear.

Right now, Miami is 4-0, dominating in the trenches, while FSU is 3-0, and lighting up the scoreboard. If the Noles get past Virginia next week, they’ll host Miami as a fellow undefeated team on October 4. After Miami finished off the Gators, their official handle on X put up a triumphant image of the final score with the caption, “It’s great to be a MIAMI HURRICANE!”

On September 21, Ron DeSantis joined the hype surrounding the Miami vs FSU rivalry. “If FSUFootball takes care of business in Charlottesville on Friday night,” he wrote on X, “the October 4th showdown in Tallahassee between the undefeated Canes and the undefeated Noles will be the biggest game we’ve had in the state in quite some time.” It looks like he’s leaning toward the Noles, but he didn’t hold back on hyping the atmosphere either. “Doak will be nuts!” added DeSantis, capturing the energy and anticipation building at Doak Campbell Stadium for this potential clash of titans. DeSantis’ three kids are all FSU fans due to their Tallahassee upbringing.

DeSantis has been involved in the college football being played in his state. He signed Florida’s SB 646 (“Intercollegiate Athlete Compensation and Rights”) in June 2020, which authorizes college athletes in Florida to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
He also signed related legislation in 2021 that made Florida the first state to allow college athletes to profit from their name/brand, calling the existing model “fundamentally unfair.”

In multiple public remarks, DeSantis has said he wants Florida universities, especially UF, FSU, and Miami, to “do better” in college football, blaming issues like excessive transfers and unregulated NIL for diluting competitiveness. He has pushed for the continuation of the FSU vs. Florida rivalry game, even when scheduling or conference issues threatened to cancel it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DeSantis met with Florida State University president John Thrasher, head coach Mike Norvell, and the players to discuss the viability of holding a 2020 college football season.

Carson Beck’s thoughts ahead of the FSU game

This season, FSU is back with a vengeance. After a dismal two-win 2024 season, the Seminoles began 2025 by shocking No. 14 Alabama with a two-TD victory. Then they steamrolled East Tennessee State and Kent State, combining for a staggering 143-13 scoreline. Now the team is chasing the dominance of FSU’s glory days, making it clear they want to match Miami’s fire this season. But for the Hurricanes, focus is the word of the week.

And that’s why Carson Beck and Mario Cristobal stressed that this is a time to work, not play. “Let’s get better at the things we need to get better at, so when we head into Tallahassee, we’re ready,” said Beck. Following that, RB Marty Fletcher Jr. stated the team must block out distractions.

Miami heads into its bye week fresh off a win over Florida, but all eyes are already on the big showdown with FSU. And who’s eagerly waiting for it? The Hurricanes’ new QB1, Carson Beck. “Excited for that matchup,” remarked Beck. “I’ve never played in that stadium. That’s the cool thing about being in the ACC, playing new teams, in new places. Really looking forward to it, really excited.”

While FSU still has to take on Virginia, Miami has already faced three in-state foes this season. “It’s really cool. We get USF, we get Florida, we get FSU. It’s kind of a round-robin of Florida teams,” stated Beck. Now, a win in Charlottesville for the Seminoles would pave the way for a blockbuster showdown in Tallahassee.