Florida
‘Back on the map’: How Florida State baseball clinched first College World Series berth since 2019
Omaha, Nebraska, is a place that Florida State baseball hasn’t been since 2019. Until now. The Seminoles clinched a berth in the 2024 College World Series with an NCAA Super Regional sweep over UConn.
FSU baseball talks first trip to Omaha since 2019
FSU baseball talks first trip to Omaha since 2019, win over UConn in Super Regional
Florida State baseball is returning to a place it hasn’t been for half a decade.
Omaha, Nebraska.
The Seminoles (47-15) clinched a spot in the College World Series with a sweep over the UConn Huskies (35-26) in the NCAA Tournament’s Tallahassee Super Regional, ending with a 10-8 win in 12 innings in Saturday’s game two.
Since FSU’s last College World Series appearance in 2019, reaching the eight-team tournament in Omaha was only a dream in the Seminoles locker room.
Now, it’s a reality.
“Just being able to be part of putting Florida State baseball back on the map has been a wild ride,” said FSU’s James Tibbs III, who slammed three home runs against UConn Saturday.
“We’ve had conversations about being the next Omaha team. Words can’t describe how thankful I am and how cool this is. It’s perfect. It’s exactly how I want it to be.”
FSU baseball coach Link Jarrett last reached the College World Series in 2022, leading the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the second round. His success at Notre Dame parlayed him into getting the coaching job at his alma mater, FSU, ahead of the 2023 season, which saw the Seminoles miss the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977.
“As you move to different programs, they need different assets and tweaking to get the roster and the program how you want to construct it,” Jarrett said. “I reflect on how challenging that is ― especially in this day and age. There’s a lot that goes into it.
“And I’m proud. It’s not easy to go there. I’m so excited for these guys.”
The College World Series begins on Friday, June 14, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska.
FSU will meet the NCAA Super Regional series winner between Tennessee and Evansville in the first round of the eight-team double-elimination College World Series tournament. Tennessee and Evansville will play a winner-takes-all game on Sunday at 6 p.m.
“[FSU’s] a very good team and going to make some noise in Omaha,” said UConn’s Matt Malcom, who homered at the bottom of the ninth inning to force extra innings.
FSU baseball’s experience at the College World Series matches up with top sports environments
Jarrett went to Omaha thrice (1991, 1992, 1994) as the Seminoles’ starting shortstop.
As a head coach, Jarrett is entering his second College World Series.
Jarrett didn’t hoist the trophy in any of his five appearances.
However, his experience with the double-elimination tournament has provided him with knowledge as he leads his Seminoles to where only eight teams in the nation get to go.
“There’s a lot of things that come at you in Omaha,” Jarrett said of the College World Series. “The opening weekend in Omaha is right up there, with an experience at an NFL Super Bowl, playoff-type game, the Final Four, and Augusta ― it’s that.
“And they’re going to feel it. And I’m probably more prepared for it now because of what I had to go through.”
To open the FSU-UConn series on Friday, the Seminoles scored the most runs ever in an NCAA Super Regional game in their 24-4 win. FSU and UConn went down to the wire on Saturday in extra innings.
The two games gave UConn head baseball coach Jim Penders an idea of how FSU can fare in the College World Series, regardless of who they match up with.
“They should feel very confident heading to Omaha. It’s something to have to do in front of those people. There’s pressure there,” Penders said of FSU.
“Congratulations to Florida State. We hope they go on to win it all.”
Experiencing loss moves FSU baseball to its 24th College World Series appearance
Last season, FSU endured one of its worst seasons in recent memory, finishing 23-31 and missing the entire postseason.
However, the Seminoles’ success this season was something the Omaha-bound squad envisioned when preseason camp began.
“It’s so surreal,” said FSU relief pitcher Conner Whitaker, who notched the save in the Seminoles win over the Huskies Saturday.
“From day one, when we got here in the fall, you could feel the new vibe and the culture we needed here. We have such good chemistry and compete for each other and our coaches. We love being together every single day.
“We just want to win at the end of the day.”
As Jarrett coached his Seminoles to their first College World Series appearance since 2019, he always recalled lessons learned from his college coach, Mike Martin.
Martin, the last to coach FSU to the College World Series before Saturday, passed away from Lewy body dementia last February.
Now Jarrett, standing where Martin once stood, looks to finish the story in capturing FSU’s first national championship at the College World Series.
“He means so much to me. I think about him all the time and how he would handle a situation in a game,” Jarrett said of Martin. “He was a remarkable man — Father figure. I’m proud of what he helped me learn along the way.
“There’s one more thing that I want to do. And we all know what that is. This is a step towards that ultimate quest. The mindset is to go finish it off for him.”
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
STARKVILLE — Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin is going to try to be a regular dad for a bit.
Then he’ll make the choice currently tearing him apart.
Ole Miss won one of the most important Egg Bowls in school history on Nov. 28. And yet, the next 24 hours may matter more to Ole Miss than what happened at Davis Wade Stadium.
The No. 6 Rebels beat the Bulldogs 38-19. It’s the third consecutive Egg Bowl win for Ole Miss (11-1, 7-1 SEC), cements the Rebels as first-time CFP participants and erases MSU’s (5-7, 1-7) path to a bowl game.
The positive momentum in Oxford could be shattered in one day. It’s up to Kiffin, who said postgame he needs to decide whether to depart for LSU or Florida on Nov. 29. That’s been Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter’s deadline since last week.
“These are hard decisions,” Kiffin said. “You guys have them all the time. You guys (reporters) have to make decisions about jobs you take, where you move. All those things. We get paid a lot so I know ours is under a different spotlight and scrutiny but, you know, a lot of people that are critical of it are the same people that do it all the time.”
Lane Kiffin’s schedule before picking between Ole Miss, LSU or Florida
Kiffin was headed straight from Starkville to Tupelo. In his words, the most important game of his day kicks off at 7 p.m.
Kiffin’s son, Knox, is starting for Oxford High in the MHSAA Class 7A state football. The game starts at 7 p.m.
Kiffin said he lives a day-to-day life. He’ll watch Knox play and leave the decision about his future until later. Sometime after that Kiffin will have to choose what offer to take.
LSU is a big brand with a recent national championship. Florida is where his coaching idol Steve Spurrier became a star, although reports indicated that the Gators are prepared to search elsewhere. Ole Miss is home.
Kiffin will become one of the sports highest-paid coaches regardless. Maybe $13 million, maybe closer to $15 million.
He knows he can’t be just another dad watching his son in Tupelo. Other dads don’t have million-dollar salaries. Other dads don’t generate headlines with their family takes trips to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Gainesville, Florida.
“In other professions it’s a little easier because you get to go to places,” Kiffin said. “You go for a week, see all the schools. The neighborhood and stuff. Then you make the decision. Our jobs are more difficult that way, but I’m not complaining about it.”
Kiffin said he’s found himself missing his father, Monte, who died in 2024. He posted a picture of him on social media on Nov. 27 with he caption “Hero.” He wishes he could ask his dad for advice for his looming decision.
Kiffin doesn’t waver from his early morning hot yoga. It’s likely one of the last things he’ll before his big decision. He has long said it’s the hardest thing he does each day. Until Nov. 21, when he told the Clarion Ledger that it hasn’t been lately.
“Yeah, usually,” Kiffin said Nov. 21. “For most people. Except when you’ve had days like mine lately.”
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
Florida
Chaminade-Madonna vs. True North Classical Academy: Where to watch live Florida high school football playoffs (11/28/2025)
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The road to the 1A state championship runs through Hollywood this Friday night as the upstart True North Classical Academy Titans (10-2) travel to face the perennial powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna Lions (9-2) in a much-anticipated regional final matchup at Zappone Field.
The Titans enter riding high after an explosive 62-28 rout of Saint Andrew’s in last week’s semifinals, showcasing an offense firing on all cylinders at the perfect time.
Meanwhile, the host Lions dispatched Edison 47-18 in their semifinal contest, continuing their quest for another state title to add to their decorated trophy case.
With both teams demonstrating dominant offensive performances in their previous outings, this clash promises to be a high-scoring affair that will test True North’s Cinderella story against Chaminade-Madonna’s championship pedigree in what could be the most exciting 1A playoff game of the season.
Opening kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 28 with a live TV broadcast on NFHS Network.
• WATCH: Chaminade-Madonna vs. True North Classical Academy football is livestreaming on NFHS Network
High school championships on NFHS Network
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How to watch Chaminade-Madonna vs. True North Classical Academy football livestream
What: True North Classical Academy looks to continue Cinderella run against powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna in 1A regional final
When: Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 28
Where: Zappone Field | Hollywood, Florida
Watch live: Watch Chaminade-Madonna vs. True North Classical Academy live on the NFHS Network
It will be rivalry weekend in the Swamp as the Florida State Seminoles (5-6, 2-6 ACC) take on the Florida Gators (3-8, 2-6 SEC) this Saturday. The FSU vs. UF game will always draw national attention, but this time for reasons different from those in the past.
READ MORE: As draft buzz builds, FSU star Duce Robinson keeps his focus on the Florida Gators
As the ‘Noles kick off at 4:30 p.m. EST, bowl eligibility will be on the line as underdogs for another Sod Game.
Regardless of a Florida win, it would be the first time in more than six decades that both programs finished with losing records and missed a bowl game, a scenario that hasn’t happened since 1961. The Gators are currently 1.5-point favorites in the bout and will be led onto the field by interim head coach Billy Gonzales and quarterback DJ Lagway, who has 2,096 yards, 13 touchdowns to 13 interceptions on the season.
Meanwhile, FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos has led one of the nation’s most explosive offenses and leads the ACC in explosive plays, although they’ve had their own struggles on the road, which makes the contest an intriguing one given the two powerhouses’ history.
From the infamous “Choke at the Doak” showdowns to Sugar Bowl rematches, Warrick Dunn’s “spiritual sequel” in 1998 in a game that felt like a return to the same hard-nosed, bruising football that he helped define in the previous years for Florida State.
Emmitt Smith and Deion Sanders to Dalvin Cook and Jameis Winston, the rivalry has showcased Hall of Famers, first-round draft picks, and era-defining stars. It’s the kind of matchup that still draws national eyes, with fans set to tune in on ESPN this Saturday.
Records may fade, but the stakes, pride, and audience never do.
Here is how to watch:
Game Information: Florida State Seminoles vs. Florida Gators
Current Records: Florida State (5-6, 2-6 ACC) vs. Florida Gators (3-8, 2-6 SEC)
Date/Time: Saturday, November 29, at 4:30 p.m. EST
Where: Gainesville, Florida – Ben Hill Griffen Stadium (88,548)
TV/Streaming: ESPN2
Commentators: Play-by-Play: Jay Alter, Analyst: Rocky Boiman, Sideline: Marilyn Payne
Radio: Seminole Sports Network channel No. 117 or No. 194/SXM App
Tallahassee – 94.9 FM – WTNT
Ft. Walton Beach – 1400 AM – WFDM
Jacksonville – 690 AM – WZNZ
Tampa – 1010 AM – WHFS
Tampa – 92.1 FM – WHFS
Bainbridge, Ga. – 101.9 FM – WBGE
Brunswick, Ga – 790 AM – WSFN
Waycross, Ga. – 1350 AM – WFNS
Lake City – 1340 AM – WDSR
Marianna – 100.9 FM – WJAQ
Melbourne – 1060 AM – WIXC
Miami/West Palm Beach – 850 AM – WFTL
Orlando – 660 AM – WDYZ
Panama City – 94.5 FM – WFLF
Pensacola – 92.3 FM – WNRP
Port St Lucie – 1590 AM – WPSL
Spread: FSU +1.5 (-120), UF -1.5 (+100)
Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-112), Under 50.5 (-108)
Moneyline: FSU (-108), Florida (-112)
Series History: Florida holds a 38-28-2 lead in the all-time series. Since 2010, Florida State is 9-5 against the Gators and has taken five of the last seven meetings played in Gainesville.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
READ MORE: FSU football’s bizarre special teams chaos defies explanation: ‘once in a lifetime’
Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the 2025 season
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