This season, Florida State isn’t playing around. After a 3-1 start and starting the year off with a win against number 10 Alabama, the Seminoles are a completely different team that knows how to end games after the chaotic, up-and-down season of the previous year.

While the 2024 season had its exciting moments, it was often defined by crash landings: inconsistent offense, a defense that faltered late, and the fans left Doak with more moans than smiles. It wasn’t the type of football that is consistent with FSU’s illustrious past.

Now, things are different. In general, Florida State is tougher, deeper, and sharper in 2025. For the first time in a long time, coaching feels consistent, the defense finally closes rather than crumbles, and the quarterback is displaying genuine improvement. In a nutshell, the Noles are outperforming the team from last year.

Interceptions killed drives last year. The quarterback spreads the ball, reads better, and is more composed this year. In fact, wideouts are becoming more rhythmic, which is converting third downs into first downs rather than punts. The offense appears quicker as well, putting together lengthy drives that wear down defenses and consume the clock, in addition to depending on huge plays. This squad is closing quarters stronger and converting in the red zone more frequently than they did in 2024, when the offense would stop after halftime.

The defense in 2024 appeared formidable for the first three quarters before crumbling in the fourth. Late in games, opponents understood they could steal them. The secondary has learned to hold their own, though, and the pass rush is vicious now. Linebackers are reducing the large “chunk” plays that cost them last season by flying to the ball and tackling more effectively in space. The Noles are making significant progress in controlling opponents on third down and giving up fewer points each game. FSU can truly rely on its defense to seal victories rather than trying to outscore everyone.

Coaching stability has been equally transformative. Previously, coaching turnover caused chaos. Too little trust, too many changes. The players bought in, and the staff has maintained consistency this year. Game planning appears tighter, practices are more structured, and execution is more precise. The team appears confident even when they are behind, and the play caller doesn’t freak out when things go wrong. It’s evident to fans as well—this team seems to know who it is. Since consistency is what distinguishes the great from the good in college football, that cultural change may be the greatest victory of all.

Without a doubt, Florida State still has difficult games to come. This club is usually put to the test by ACC rivals, and their schedule won’t help them much. However, the distinction is obvious. This isn’t the team from last year. It appears that this team has finally figured out how to play Nole football the way it should be played: fast, aggressive, and unrelenting.