Unranked Florida State Upsets No. 8 Alabama 31-17

Florida State stunned No. 8 Alabama with a 31-17 victory in their 2025 season opener, marking a dramatic turnaround from their 2-10 record last year. The Seminoles dominated with a powerful rushing attack totaling 230 yards, including a strong performance by new quarterback Tommy Castellanos, who rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Mike Norvell praised the team's heart, aggression, and the raucous home crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium, crediting these factors for disrupting Alabama's game and contributing to their penalties. This win ended Alabama's 23-game season opener winning streak and dealt a significant blow to second-year Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer, increasing pressure on him following a highly successful era under Nick Saban. Florida State's physical, smashmouth style and a 'one-play mentality' were key to overcoming Alabama, whose streak of regular season nonconference wins against unranked teams ended for the first time since 2007. Fans celebrated by storming the field, signaling renewed hope and momentum for the Seminoles as they look to build on this upset against upcoming, presumably easier opponents.