In the ever-passionate rivalry between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles, the scoreboard is only part of the story. The battle between these two powerhouses of college football rages year-round, with the offseason becoming just as competitive as the fall Saturdays when the two meet on the gridiron. Recruiting wars, transfer portal pickups, coaching changes, and spring practice reports—every detail counts in what has become a 12-month showdown.
On a recent episode of the Locked On Canes podcast, host Alex Donno posed a compelling question that’s been quietly bubbling beneath the surface in college football circles: Did Miami beat Florida State in the offseason?
At first glance, the answer may seem as straightforward as comparing win-loss records or 247Sports recruiting rankings. But as Donno explored during the podcast, the offseason battle between Miami and Florida State is far more nuanced. It’s about momentum, trajectory, perception, and the moves that could shape the future of each program.
Let’s dig into why the offseason might belong to the Miami Hurricanes—at least for now.
The conversation begins with the Hurricanes’ recruiting resurgence. After a disappointing 7-6 finish in 2024 that saw Miami fall short of expectations once again, the narrative could’ve easily turned bleak. But head coach Mario Cristobal, long known for his prowess on the recruiting trail, went to work in a way that shifted the balance of power in the Sunshine State. Miami’s 2025 recruiting class has not only impressed but also silenced many critics.
The Hurricanes have landed multiple blue-chip players, including five-star cornerback Bryce Fitzgerald and high four-star offensive tackle Samson Okunlola Jr., the younger brother of a former Cane. Perhaps most importantly, they did so while fending off aggressive pushes from the Seminoles and the Gators. The ability to win head-to-head battles for Florida’s elite talent speaks volumes about Cristobal’s recruiting machine.
Donno highlighted how these additions address critical needs for the Hurricanes. For years, Miami has struggled with offensive line depth and defensive back play. By filling those gaps with elite young talent, Miami isn’t just stacking stars for headlines—they’re addressing weaknesses and building sustainability.
Contrast that with Florida State, which despite coming off a stronger 2024 campaign and a College Football Playoff appearance, didn’t quite make the same splash in the 2025 cycle. While FSU did land some quality players, including four-star quarterback Kellan White and linebacker Jordan Greer, they failed to land several top-tier targets who ultimately committed elsewhere. Some even flipped to Miami late in the cycle.
Donno also emphasized the transfer portal as another battleground where Miami has made significant gains. While Florida State had its fair share of additions—bolstering depth on defense and adding a wide receiver or two—Miami landed several instant-impact players, most notably former Oregon wideout Darrian Franklin, a game-breaking threat who brings speed, experience, and the ability to stretch the field.
Franklin’s commitment sent a jolt through the Hurricanes’ fanbase and was widely seen as a statement move. Not only did Miami bring in a high-caliber talent, but they also reunited Cristobal with one of his former recruits, a win that underscores the long-term vision Cristobal is building.
Moreover, Miami’s transfer class didn’t stop at flashy skill players. The Hurricanes shored up their offensive line with former Alabama guard Elijah Pritchett, who brings SEC-level toughness and championship pedigree. That kind of presence in the trenches has been missing for the Canes in recent years and could be a difference-maker as they prepare to make a leap in 2025.
In contrast, Donno pointed out how Florida State suffered significant losses in the portal. Not only did the Seminoles lose veteran starters like safety Shyheim Brown and offensive tackle Bless Harris, but they also failed to fully replace that experience with equivalent talent. It’s not that Florida State’s roster is suddenly bare—but there’s a real sense that they didn’t capitalize on their momentum the way they could’ve.
Spring practices further amplified the offseason contrast. Reports out of Coral Gables have been optimistic, bordering on electric. Miami’s quarterback battle between Jacurri Brown and true freshman phenom Judd Anderson has created buzz, with both showcasing improved command, poise, and maturity. The defense, led by returning linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and incoming freshman Fitzgerald, looks faster, meaner, and more disciplined.
Donno noted that while there’s still much to prove, the vibes around Miami football are trending up—substantially. The Canes feel like a team that has weathered turbulence, refocused, and recommitted. The culture, often criticized in recent years, appears to be shifting toward a tougher, more accountable brand of football.
Meanwhile, the tone surrounding Florida State’s spring was murkier. Star quarterback Tate Rodemaker, expected to take over after Jordan Travis’s departure, has been inconsistent. The offensive line remains a question mark. And the defense, while talented, has seen leadership voids emerge with the graduation and departure of key veterans.
Perhaps most tellingly, Donno touched on the psychological and cultural battle between the programs. For so long, Miami has been chasing Florida State’s standard. But this offseason, there’s a noticeable shift in swagger. It’s subtle, but real. Miami isn’t just talking about catching up anymore—they’re moving like a program that expects to compete, to win, and to lead.
There’s also the matter of narrative. Public perception plays a bigger role in college football than many admit, and right now, Miami is controlling that narrative. With high-profile recruits choosing the Canes, transfers opting for Coral Gables over Tallahassee, and national outlets taking notice, it’s Miami—not Florida State—that’s generating offseason momentum.
None of this means the Hurricanes have overtaken the Seminoles on the field. The scoreboard still favors Florida State in recent meetings, and they remain a national contender under head coach Mike Norvell. But the offseason isn’t about wins and losses—it’s about trajectory. And Miami’s arrow is pointing up in a way that demands attention.
Donno was careful to temper expectations. He acknowledged that all the offseason buzz in the world won’t matter if Miami stumbles in the fall. Beating Florida State in recruiting battles is great, but it won’t erase a November loss in Doak Campbell Stadium. Still, the offseason matters. Culture is built in the spring and summer. Champions are shaped long before they’re crowned.
So, did Miami beat Florida State in the offseason?
If you judge it by recruiting victories, roster upgrades, portal power moves, and the intangible sense of optimism, the answer may very well be yes. The Hurricanes have made their move. They’ve stabilized. They’ve recruited with purpose. They’ve brought in the right pieces. And they’ve sent a message—not just to Florida State, but to the ACC and the country.
Now, all that remains is to prove it when it counts. The offseason may belong to Miami. The fall will tell if it was more than just a win in April.
