Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU football receives disappointing kickoff time against Alabama

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated May 13, 2025 12:10 PM ET

Since the home-and-home series was announced in 2019, Florida State and Alabama fans have been buzzing surrounding the high-profile non-conference matchup. The intrigue has only continued to grow as of late with the Seminoles set to debut a renovated Doak Campbell Stadium when the Crimson Tide travel to Tallahassee on August 30.

Plus, the two programs look a lot different going into 2025. Florida State is coming off a 2-10 campaign and needs a major rebound as head coach Mike Norvell enters his sixth season. On the other side, Alabama brought in Kalen DeBoer to replace the legendary Nick Saban following the conclusion of the 2023 season. DeBoer led the Crimson Tide to a 9-4 mark last fall and will have to field a new starting quarterback after Jalen Milroe moved on to the NFL.

The season-opener is an opportunity for both teams to make a statement and get off to a strong start.

On Tuesday, the kickoff time for Florida State's tilt against Alabama was announced. The Seminoles and Crimson Tide won't be facing off in primetime.

According to Action Network's Brett McMurphy, Florida State and Alabama are set to put toe to leather at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. This is obviously a somewhat disappointing revelation for Seminole fans as they won't get to experience a night game in a new-look stadium to open the season.

Based on the announcement, Clemson-LSU got the night spot (7:30 p.m., ABC) over Florida State-Alabama. Clemson and LSU are projected to be top-10 teams when the season begins while the Seminoles will more than likely be unranked.

Regardless, there will still be plenty of excitement when Florida State and Alabama meet in late August.