Florida State sets basketball game in Jacksonville. Here's the matchup

Florida State University's men's basketball team will face off against Houston in the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown on December 20th at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The specific start time for the game and broadcast details have yet to be determined. The event is organized by Chicago-based marketing agency Intersport. Florida State previously played Miami in the 2025 edition of the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown.

Coach Luke Loucks emphasized that such games provide valuable challenges, growth opportunities, and preparation for the upcoming season. Loucks, in his second season, led the Seminoles to an 18-15 record in his inaugural season, including a 10-8 mark in the ACC. The team has bolstered its roster with several transfers, including Anthony Robinson II from Missouri and Shon Abaev from Cincinnati, both McDonald's All-Americans.

Houston, the 2025 national runner-up, concluded the 2025-26 season with a 30-7 record, falling to Illinois in the NCAA Sweet 16. Florida State claimed a narrow 87-63 victory over Jacksonville University in a December 22, 2025 matchup. The Seminoles last hosted a men's basketball game in Jacksonville during the November 2021 Jacksonville Classic, where they won against Loyola Marymount and Missouri.

The Cougars lead the all-time series against the Seminoles with a 4-2 record, clinching the latest match-up 82-67 on December 6, 2025. Presale tickets for one-day game entry begin on October 20th at 11 a.m., with the general public sale starting on October 21st at 11 a.m.