Sunshine Series NFL In-State Rivalries Highlight Florida Football Landscape

Florida's unique NFL landscape features three teams—the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars—whose in-state matchups, such as the Miami-Tampa Bay 'Sunshine Series,' generate significant fan engagement and statewide rivalry drama. Tampa Bay's offense, led by Baker Mayfield, remains one of the league's most potent, while Miami aims to rebound after missing the playoffs in 2024. Meanwhile, Arizona State football is poised for another strong season in 2025, building on an impressive 11-3 record with a largely returning starting lineup and a promising recruiting class highlighted by top prospects like Jake Fette. The Sun Devils are navigating key position battles, including at running back and wide receiver, which could determine their ceiling in the competitive Big 12. Their season opener against Northern Arizona continues a historical rivalry that has recently tilted heavily in ASU's favor. Across college football, other programs such as Purdue confront rebuilding challenges with new coaching leadership, highlighting the varied trajectories within the sport's landscape.