Florida Gators Kick Off 2025 Campaign This Thursday in Fierce Sunshine Showdown Against Preseason No. 3 Florida State Seminoles
Florida soccer opens the 2025 season Thursday at preseason No. 3 Florida State in what promises to be an electrifying kickoff to the year for the Gators. Based in Gainesville, Florida, the Gators will travel to Tallahassee to take on the Seminoles at the Seminole Soccer Complex on Thursday, August 14 at 7 p.m. ET, with the match televised on the ACC Network and announced by Jenn Hildreth and Kacey White.
This showdown marks only the fourth time in both programs’ 31‑season histories that they’ve met to open the campaign, the last time being in 2000. Historically, Florida holds an all‑time series advantage of 21‑13‑? (though specifics above indicate 17‑13, which may be a subset), but in openers vs. top‑20 teams, the Gators are 2‑3‑2 overall.
FSU enters the season ranked No. 3 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top‑25 poll, joining a strong ACC presence that includes No. 1 North Carolina, No. 2 Notre Dame, and No. 4 Duke.
The Seminoles are coming off a 2024 season in which they posted a 15‑2‑4 overall record, tied for second place in the ACC regular season with a 7‑2‑1 mark, and captured their 11th ACC Tournament title by defeating eventual national champion North Carolina 3‑2. FSU’s top returning scorers are All‑American Jordynn Dudley and sophomore Wrianna Hudson, each with nine goals. Addie Todd, the returning starting goalkeeper, posted a 0.98 goals‑against average in 21 starts last season. Additionally, preseason All‑ACC selections include Dudley and senior defender Heather Gilchrist. Coach Brian Pensky enters his fifth season leading the Seminoles.
Florida, meanwhile, enters 2025 with momentum from two successful exhibition wins: a 1‑0 victory over Florida Atlantic and a 4‑1 win at South Florida. The Gators bring 28 players to the season, including six freshmen and five transfers, along with 17 returners from 2024, where the team went 4‑8‑6. Leading returning scorers are Lena Bailey and Delaney Tellex, while senior Njeri Butts returns after leading the team with three assists. Goalkeeper duties are expected to be shared between redshirt junior Jayden Emmanuel and redshirt sophomore Paloma Peña. The Gators also look to capitalize on their strong preseason, carrying forward the cohesion and performance that earned the praise of Coach Samantha Bohon following the USF match.
A broader look at FSU’s early season schedule shows they opened with an exhibition against Alabama on August 8, before welcoming the Gators on August 14. After the opener, FSU hosts FIU on August 17, then travels to Kansas on August 28 for its only early‑season away tilt before returning to Florida for a game against Stetson on September 4 and going away to play Florida Atlantic on September 7. These matchups give FSU a mix of in‑state and out‑of‑conference tests before ACC play begins.
Florida State will appear on national television five times during the regular season—all on the ACC Network—with four matchups featuring preseason top‑15 opponents. This includes their opener against the Gators, and an early ACC collision against No. 1 North Carolina on September 17 in Chapel Hill.
Let’s consider the stakes and narratives surrounding this opening clash:
This season opener is a grudge match, a marquee in‑state rivalry featuring the state’s two flagship universities kicking off their seasons against each other. The atmosphere around this Sunshine Showdown will be electric, heightened by the high television profile on ACC Network, and the history of both programs.
FSU enters as a powerhouse returning elite scorers, a confident coach entering his fifth year, and a target on their back following their ACC Tournament win. Florida, contrastingly, is building momentum—it’s looking to claim their spot with a rejuvenated squad bolstered by transfers and new talent, seeking to break the opening‑game jinx against a top‑ranked opponent.
With FSU holding the rank and pedigree, this opener is an immediate test for Florida’s growth and potential. For Florida, a victory would be a major statement—a signal of coming into their own under Coach Bohon’s leadership. It would reinforce that the Gators are moving from preseason promise into competitive legitimacy.
Key players to watch include FSU’s Dudley and Hudson, whose scoring threat underpins the Seminoles’ attack, as well as Florida’s Bailey, Tellex, and Butts, who provide offensive creativity and leadership. The goalkeeping matchup may well determine the match’s flow—FSU’s Addie Todd versus Florida’s Emmanuel or Peña.
The venues also speak volumes: this game will be played at Seminole Soccer Complex, where FSU has enjoyed a significant home success streak. Their familiarity with the pitch and local support can be decisive. Florida, meanwhile, must adapt quickly to the road environment and hostile atmosphere.
Looking at the broader arc: both programs need a strong opening. For FSU, it’s about starting where they left off—competing for another ACC title and potential national runs. For Florida, it’s about setting a foundation for improvement, leveraging the fresh faces and preseason momentum to establish themselves as one of the better squads in the SEC and beyond.
Previewing the match from a strategic standpoint, Florida will likely aim to control tempo, test FSU’s defense early, and capitalize on set‑pieces and quick transitions. FSU will probably rely on their experienced scorers to create chances, using their continuity and confidence to pressure Florida early.
In conclusion, Thursday’s matchup is more than just a game—it’s a defining moment for both teams. Florida hopes to kick off their season with a bold statement, while Florida State looks to affirm their elite status and launch a championship‑caliber season. With star power, high stakes, and longstanding rivalry woven into this opener, it promises to be a captivating spectacle for fans and an emotional kick‑off to the 2025 season.
