Florida State Surges Into Matchup With Miami

Seminoles look to continue hot streak against Hurricanes

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:25am

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Florida State has turned its season around, winning six of its last seven games after a slow start. The Seminoles will host rival Miami on Tuesday, looking to continue their recent success against the Hurricanes, who are coming off a close loss to Virginia. Florida State has dominated the series in recent years, winning the past six meetings and 15 of the last 16.

Why it matters

This in-state rivalry matchup between two ACC teams has major implications for both programs' postseason aspirations. Florida State is looking to build on its recent surge and keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive, while Miami is aiming to bounce back from a tough loss and solidify its position in the conference standings.

The details

Florida State turned its season around starting with a 65-63 win over Miami on Jan. 20, sparking a 7-2 stretch. The Seminoles are led by Robert McCray V, who has averaged 19.9 points since that first Miami game. Miami (21-6, 10-4 ACC) has generally had a strong season under first-year coach Jai Lucas, but is coming off an 86-83 loss at Virginia in which the Hurricanes' three-headed scoring attack of Malik Reneau, Tre Donaldson and Shelton Henderson all scored 16-plus points.

  • Florida State defeated Miami 65-63 on January 20.
  • The Seminoles have won six of their last seven games since that first matchup with the Hurricanes.

The players

Robert McCray V

Florida State's leading scorer, who has averaged 19.9 points per game since the first matchup with Miami.

Malik Reneau

One of Miami's top scorers, who had 16 points in the Hurricanes' loss to Virginia.

Jai Lucas

First-year head coach of the Miami Hurricanes.

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What they’re saying

“He was a grown man. He put the team on his back and really did what I, the coaching staff and his teammates expect of him. He won the game for us.”

— Luke Loucks, Florida State Head Coach

“It's one possession here or there that kind of changed the game. It's nothing really to be upset about because my team played good. I'm just more frustrated we weren't able to pull it out in the end.”

— Jai Lucas, Miami Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of Tuesday's matchup between Florida State and Miami will take a big step towards improving their postseason positioning in the ACC.

The takeaway

This in-state rivalry game between two teams headed in opposite directions this season will be a crucial test for both programs as they look to solidify their standing in the ACC and make a push towards the NCAA Tournament.