Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is no stranger to the big stage. He’s played under the lights of primetime games at Clemson, faced off with top-ranked opponents, and shouldered the weight of sky-high expectations since his high school days. But when the news broke that Florida State’s highly anticipated season-opening showdown with Alabama would kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET, not under the lights of primetime as many hoped, the reaction from the Seminoles’ leader was direct, confident, and unmistakably clear.
“I don’t care if we’re kicking off at noon, midnight, or three in the morning,” Uiagalelei said with a smirk after practice in Tallahassee. “If Alabama’s on the schedule, I’m going to be ready. We’re going to be ready.”
That mindset is exactly what Seminole fans hoped to hear. In a matchup that many expect to set the tone for both teams’ 2025 College Football Playoff aspirations, the timing of the kickoff may be unconventional for such a marquee clash — especially when fans and analysts alike had envisioned a Saturday night showdown under the lights. But for Uiagalelei and the Seminoles, the message is simple: the time of day doesn’t determine the fight. They do.
Florida State and Alabama haven’t met since 2017, when the Crimson Tide took down the Seminoles 24-7 in Atlanta in a game that derailed FSU’s season and ultimately led to Jimbo Fisher’s departure. Now, nearly a decade later, the programs meet again — both in transition, both with something to prove. For Alabama, it’s the first full season under new head coach Kalen DeBoer following Nick Saban’s retirement. For Florida State, it’s a continuation of the Mike Norvell renaissance, made even more compelling with the arrival of Uiagalelei, who transferred in from Oregon State after two rollercoaster seasons at Clemson and a bounce-back campaign in Corvallis.
Uiagalelei’s poise in response to the noon kickoff news is reflective of the maturity he’s gained throughout his journey. He knows what it’s like to carry the burden of national scrutiny. He’s felt the sting of criticism and the thrill of redemption. This latest twist — an earlier-than-expected kickoff against a perennial powerhouse — isn’t rattling him in the slightest.
“Honestly, I kind of like it,” Uiagalelei continued. “It means we don’t have to sit around all day waiting for the game. We wake up, we eat, we go to war.”
The noon start may not be ideal for fans hoping for a primetime spectacle, but the game will still be nationally televised on ABC and is expected to draw a massive audience. The decision to play at noon was largely dictated by television scheduling logistics and the desire to feature the game as a standalone event, free from overlapping with other major matchups. While not the traditional time slot for such a heavyweight showdown, the early kickoff guarantees an all-eyes-on-us environment — something both programs can embrace.
For Florida State, that spotlight couldn’t come at a more opportune moment. The Seminoles are looking to build off a strong 2024 campaign that saw them reach the ACC Championship Game but fall just short of a playoff berth. With Uiagalelei now under center, flanked by returning playmakers and a defense that prides itself on physicality and speed, the team believes it has the tools to contend with anyone — including the Crimson Tide.
Uiagalelei’s presence in the locker room has already had a noticeable impact. Teammates rave about his leadership, his work ethic, and the calm confidence he brings to every meeting and practice. Veteran offensive lineman Darius Washington said the quarterback’s reaction to the kickoff news was exactly what the team needed to hear.
“He doesn’t flinch,” Washington said. “That’s the kind of guy you want leading your offense into a game like this. He’s not worried about the time — he’s worried about the task.”
And the task is monumental. Alabama may no longer have Nick Saban on the sidelines, but the Crimson Tide remain one of the most talent-rich rosters in the country. Under DeBoer, they are expected to maintain the same high standards that defined the Saban era — physical dominance, efficient execution, and relentless pressure. The game will be a test of FSU’s maturity, depth, and ability to execute in high-stakes moments. It will also serve as a benchmark for how well Uiagalelei can perform when the stage is brightest — even if it’s not at night.
“Look, we know what Alabama brings to the table,” Uiagalelei said. “They’re tough. They’re well-coached. They’ve got dudes all over the field. But we’re not backing down. This is why you come to Florida State. This is what we live for.”
Uiagalelei’s words echo a broader sentiment emerging from the program: that Florida State is ready to reclaim its place among the nation’s elite. The quarterback’s confidence isn’t just a media soundbite — it’s something his teammates believe in, something they’re drawing strength from as the countdown to kickoff continues.
Wide receiver Hykeem Williams, one of the top young pass-catchers in the country, said Uiagalelei’s attitude has “galvanized the whole room.”
“He’s not just talking — he’s showing it every day,” Williams said. “He’s in the weight room early. He’s watching film late. When he says it doesn’t matter what time we play, we believe him, because he’s preparing like it’s the national championship.”
That belief — that conviction — is what makes Florida State such a dangerous team heading into 2025. The Seminoles have the talent, the coaching, and the culture. Now, they have a quarterback who’s been through adversity and come out stronger, one who understands what it takes to win on college football’s biggest stages.
The noon kickoff may have ruffled some feathers among fans expecting a primetime spectacle, but internally, Florida State is unfazed. In fact, they’re embracing it. A morning meeting, a quick walkthrough, and then straight into battle — no waiting, no distractions, no wasted time.
Coach Norvell, when asked about the kickoff, was quick to downplay any concern.
“We play the game when they tell us to play the game,” he said. “We’re going to be ready — sunrise, sunset, or anytime in between. I love the energy our guys are bringing, and I love the focus I’m seeing from DJ. He’s got that fire.”
That fire will be crucial when the clock strikes noon on game day. Alabama will come out swinging — they always do. But Florida State, anchored by a quarterback with something to prove and a team hungry for national relevance, won’t be caught off guard by the timing. In fact, they might just thrive in it.
“It’s football,” Uiagalelei said. “The field’s the same size. The ball’s the same shape. Whether it’s noon or nine o’clock, we’re going to go out there and give everything we’ve got.”
Those words, delivered with a calm assurance, are resonating far beyond the locker room. Fans, while initially disappointed by the early kickoff, are rallying behind their quarterback and his no-excuses attitude. Social media lit up after his comments, with hashtags like #HighNoonHitSquad trending in Tallahassee and beyond.
For Uiagalelei, this game is more than just a new beginning at a new school. It’s a statement — an opportunity to remind the college football world that he’s not just a former five-star flameout or a transfer looking for a fresh start. He’s a leader. He’s a competitor. And he’s ready for whatever challenge comes his way — even if that challenge starts before lunch.
As the countdown to the Alabama clash continues, one thing is clear: DJ Uiagalelei doesn’t care what time the game kicks off. He cares about the result. And if his preparation, mindset, and presence are any indication, Florida State may be in for something special — no matter what the clock says.
In a sport driven by narrative and spectacle, it’s easy to fixate on the optics. Noon kickoffs don’t always scream “Game of the Year.” But football isn’t won under the lights or by the glare of camera lenses — it’s won in the trenches, in the huddle, and in the minds of players who refuse to let external factors dictate internal outcomes.
That’s the mentality Uiagalelei is bringing to Tallahassee. That’s the message he’s sending to his teammates, his coaches, and anyone who’s watching. Alabama may be the opponent, the stage may be early, but the opportunity remains the same — to compete, to conquer, and to confirm that Florida State is back.
And if DJ Uiagalelei has anything to say about it, time won’t be a factor.