It is nearly time for kickoff between the Florida State Seminoles and SMU Mustangs in Doak Campbell Stadium, and for the first time this year, FSU will be an underdog. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET as the two ACC rivals close out Week 1 of the 2026 season.
The betting line has moved slightly, but the Seminoles remain three-point underdogs in the game, according to BetMGM. They are now +125 on the money line, with the Mustangs now at -145 after opening at -160. The total has risen to 54.5 after starting at 53.5.
FSU will be shorthanded in the game, with the program releasing its final injury report Monday afternoon. The Seminoles have ruled out nine players already, including starting defensive end Darryl Desir, starting linebacker
Blake Nichelson, and safety K.J. Kirkland, three key pieces of the defense.
Stream FSU vs SMU on FUBO (Free Trial)
It was already going to be a tough task for FSU's defense to slow down SMU's offense and star quarterback Kevin Jennings, who is one of the most experienced players in college football and is one of the top players in the ACC. He now has a dynamic running back to work with in Kendrick Raphael, who transferred in from Cal.
FSU's offense will need to be better against an SMU defense that is old but has an entirely new starting defensive line. FSU's dynamic running back duo of Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. will look to take advantage of a group playing its first game of the season.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Seminoles close as underdogs against SMU
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Prediction Markets: Certain prediction markets are event contracts regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or other applicable regulatory authorities and are legally distinct from traditional gambling and sports betting. Eligibility requirements to participate in prediction markets differ from those for sports betting and gambling — you may be required to be 18 or older (or such other age as the applicable platform requires) and to satisfy other eligibility criteria established by the relevant platform and governing law. Prediction market trading involves financial risk and may not be available in all jurisdictions. The legal and regulatory status of prediction markets varies by jurisdiction and by platform. It is your sole responsibility to confirm that participation is lawful where you reside and to comply with all applicable laws and platform terms.
