GAINESVILLE - It was the end of the road in 2025 for Florida State football.
In front of nearly a capacity crowd of 90,007 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, FSU failed to capture its sixth win to become bowl eligible. The Seminoles were dominated by their in-state Florida, 40-21, ending their season 5-7 and without a road win for the second year in a row.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFlorida finished its season 4-8, disrupting the Seminoles' opportunity to earn a bowl bid. While UF searches for a new head coach, FSU announced last week it had retained Mike Norvell for next year.
In a disappointing way to go out, here's how the Seminoles were graded in their loss to the Gators.
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Tommy Castellanos: C-
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) during the second quarter against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn ImagesTommy Castellanos was pressured from start to finish, holding the ball too long at times (sacked four times) and fumbling twice. One turned into a recovery by Florida's Caleb Banks.
Still, Castellanos took what the defense gave him. He made necessary plays when needed with his arm and his legs.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCastellanos completed 17 of 28 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. He was also FSU's leading rusher with 77 yards and a rushing TD. His rushing TD made it a one-score game, 17-14 at the half, following a turnover by the defense.
Florida's defense did everything in its power to make sure Castellanos was limited in what he could do on the ground and through the air.
Offense: D+
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Micahi Danzy (19) turns the corner during the second quarter against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn ImagesAfter getting blanked in the first quarter, the FSU offense finally got going in the second quarter. The Seminoles struggled to fund an open hole in their running game, however.
Running back Samuel Singleton Jr sparked the FSU offense in the second quarter with a 21-yard run. It set up a pass-play to speedster Micahi Danzy, where he dragged four UF defenders to the end zone.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe running game as a whole was a non-factor.
Castellanos was the top rusher at 77 yards on 19 carries. Ousmane Kromah, who started for FSU, only had five carries for 27. Offensive didn't give much push against UF's massive defensive front.
On the positive side, Lawayne McCoy had a career night as he finished with five catches for 109 yards and a touchdown. Danzy had four catches for 49 yards and a TD. Duce Robinson had three catches for 53 yards.
Defense: F
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn ImagesFSU's defense didn't have an answer against UF's rusher Jaden Baugh. It was a record-breaking night for the true sophomore as he rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries. He manhandled FSU's 3-3-5 defense as he averaged seven yards a carry.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBaugh also opened the passing lanes for DJ Lagway as the Gators led 17-14. The best defensive play made by the Seminoles was an interception by Edwin Joseph that set up a touchdown drive.
The Gators were successful in four red-zone drives. Lagway, who had his fair share of pressure, threw for three touchdowns, and the Gators led the entire game.
Special teams: F
Jake Weinberg missed a 42-yard field goal. It was his fourth straight game with a missed a field goal. A score could have put the Seminoles down by two possessions.
Coaches: F
Gus Malzahn was aggressive with his play-calling, but it wasn't in FSU's favor. The Seminoles were outgained 440-407 and only converted 5-of-12 third downs. They also went 2-of-4 on fourth downs, with their two failed conversions result in UF scores.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe game plan was solid, but wasn't executed with its run plays and deep shots downfield. And defensive coordinator, Tony White and his defense failed to stop the run, which had been the main issue all game, by one running back.
It all came down to which team was the most physical, and it clearly went in the Gators' favor. The second time this season, FSU has been outcoached by a team without a head coach.
Losing is one thing, but losing all of the road games has been the demise of the Seminoles. With Norvell returning for another season, he will have to shake things up in the program, starting with his staff.
More: FSU football vs Florida predictions, picks, odds. Who wins rivalry game?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFlorida State football 2025 schedule
Aug. 30, Alabama, W, 31-17
Sept. 6, East Texas A&M,W 77-3
Sept. 20, Kent State, W, 66-10
Sept. 26, at Virginia L 46-38 double OT
Oct. 4, Miami, L, 28-22
Oct. 11, Pittsburgh, L, 34-31
Oct. 18, at Stanford, L, 20-13
Nov. 1 Wake Forest, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Clemson, L 24-10
Nov. 15 Virginia Tech, W, 34-14
Nov. 21 at North Carolina State, L, 21-11
Nov. 29 at Florida, 4:30 p.m.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football grades vs Florida, Seminoles fail to get physical
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