Virginia Cavaliers vs Florida State Seminoles Picks and Predictions September 26th 2025

Seminoles Enter ACC Play on a High Note

Florida State has built momentum since its season-opening upset of Alabama. In the three weeks following that 31-17 victory, the Seminoles dismantled East Texas A&M and Kent State by a combined 143-13 margin, surging into the Top 10. Now ranked No. 8, Florida State (3-0, 0-0 ACC) turns its attention to Atlantic Coast Conference play with a Friday night road matchup against Virginia (3-1, 1-0).

This game marks the beginning of an eight-game ACC stretch that will determine just how far the Seminoles can go this season. Fans following the action can track updated scores and betting odds at NCAAF scores and odds

Quarterback Health a Major Factor

The central question for Florida State revolves around quarterback Tommy Castellanos. The dual-threat leader has totaled 594 passing yards, 139 rushing yards, and six touchdowns. He left last week’s game after a lower leg injury but has expressed confidence about his status. Head coach Mike Norvell noted Castellanos was able to practice in a limited capacity, leaving the final decision for game day.

If Castellanos is slowed or unavailable, the Seminoles can lean on their nation-leading ground game, which racked up a program-record 498 rushing yards against Kent State. Bettors evaluating player availability ahead of this matchup may find extra value by checking the latest college football picks

Latest Betting Trends

• Florida State has covered the spread in four of its last five games against ACC opponents.
• The Seminoles are 5-1 straight up in their last six road openers.
• Virginia has hit the over in three of its first four games this season, averaging 45.5 points per contest.
• The Cavaliers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games against ranked opponents.
• Florida State leads the nation in scoring offense (58 ppg) and has scored at least 40 points in every game this season.

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Virginia’s Offensive Firepower

Virginia comes into this game fresh off a 48-20 rout of Stanford in its ACC opener. The Cavaliers rank 11th nationally in scoring, averaging 45.5 points per game. Quarterback Chandler Morris, a transfer from North Texas, has been at the center of that success with 1,050 passing yards and eight touchdowns. Last week alone he accounted for four scores and 380 passing yards.

Wide receiver Trell Harris added 145 yards and three touchdowns in that win, proving the Cavaliers can stretch defenses vertically. For fans looking at upcoming matchups, detailed breakdowns are available on the college football previews page

Defensive Strength for the Seminoles

While Virginia boasts offensive firepower, Florida State brings one of the country’s most consistent defenses. The Seminoles rank 12th in scoring defense at 10 points per game and 21st in total defense at 248 yards per contest. Those numbers include their win over Alabama, when they limited the Crimson Tide to just 17 points.

Florida State’s ability to combine elite rushing production with a strong defensive front makes it one of the most balanced teams in the nation. More details on team performances can be found through NCAAF team pages

Key Returnees for Florida State

Beyond Castellanos’ health, the Seminoles expect to regain important offensive contributors. Tight end Randy Pittman and slot receiver Squirrel White, who have missed time due to injuries, are both on track to return. Their presence adds depth and versatility to an offense that already leads the nation in scoring at 58 points per game.

For bettors considering investments in this contest, expert insight can be accessed via the Sports Hub leaderboard

Outlook

The matchup sets up as a clash between Florida State’s balanced dominance and Virginia’s offensive explosiveness. If Castellanos is at full strength, the Seminoles’ offensive ceiling remains sky-high. If he is limited, their rushing attack will still present major challenges for Virginia’s defense.

With both teams averaging high point totals, this Friday night showdown in Charlottesville has all the makings of a season-defining battle in the ACC.