Five reasons FSU could struggle vs. New Mexico State

Florida State Seminoles football is set to kick off its 2026 season against the New Mexico State Aggies on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium. While the Aggies are coming off a disappointing season, they have proven to be a tough opponent, especially in Week 0 games where they have a 0-4 record and have been outscored 123-52 in their last four games since 2018.

However, FSU has a few reasons to be wary of this matchup. First and foremost, the Seminoles' offensive line will be without key players this season, with five new starters set to take the field, several of whom are expected to be transfers. This could pose a challenge for the Seminoles, particularly with Ashton Daniels' history of struggling under pressure.

Additionally, quarterback TK King will need to prove himself as an effective passer and make key plays with his legs, as the Seminoles rely heavily on his abilities to move the ball. New Mexico State's top receiver, TK King, will also be a threat in the return game and could change the game with a big return. Meanwhile, FSU's play-caller, Mike Norvell, may be a bit rusty after handing off the duties to Gus Malzahn last season, so he will need to get into a rhythm quickly to avoid costly mistakes.

Lastly, New Mexico State's defense had a strong turnover capability last season, forcing 24 turnovers, which could allow them to capitalize on any errors made by FSU's offense and defense.