Saturday night’s ACC clash between No. 3 Miami and No. 18 Florida State carries College Football Playoff implications and plenty of emotion. The Hurricanes, led by transfer quarterback Carson Beck, enter unbeaten at 4-0 after an offseason transfer from Georgia.
Florida State, meanwhile, enters at 3-1, still stinging from a stunning upset loss at now-No. 24 Virginia in double overtime. The Seminoles will now need a bounce-back performance under the lights in Tallahassee, with a charged crowd expected to pack the stadium for the annual rivalry.
Legendary Coach Jimbo Fisher’s Emotional Return Sparks Mixed Reactions
The pregame buildup took an unexpected twist as former Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher returned to Tallahassee in a new role as an analyst for ACC Network’s “ACC Huddle.”
Fisher, who led the Seminoles to a national championship in 2013 before leaving for Texas A&M in 2017, found himself back in front of the same fans who once celebrated his success and later lamented his abrupt exit.
When Fisher took the stage during “ACC Kickoff” coverage, fans warmly greeted him, chanting his name and joining in the iconic war chant. The moment overwhelmed him, leading to an emotional response.
All the emotions for Jimbo Fisher as he’s welcomed back to Tallahassee with love @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/mPuiVmh88a
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) October 4, 2025
“It brings tears to my eyes. Your family growing up here and hearing that chant, and when you heard it, something took off. I love that. It’s Miami Week! Damn!” Fisher said, visibly moved.
Fans Don’t Hold Back After Jimbo Fisher’s Emotional Return
While Fisher’s tearful reaction drew sympathy from some, many Florida State fans quickly turned social media into a mixed bag of nostalgia and resentment. One fan bluntly reminded everyone why Fisher’s departure still stings, writing, “How we forgetting bro left us with zero recruits, dude cooked us.”
Another mocked the emotion on display, calling it a publicity act rather than genuine, “On the remorse tour.”
Some Seminoles were simply glad to have moved on from the drama altogether. “Glad he left,” one commenter said. While others were still frustrated by how abruptly Fisher exited in 2017, saying he left the program in chaos, “So we are just going to forget he stopped recruiting for us for a whole year, left in the middle of the night, and didn’t tell anyone.”
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A few fans voiced mixed emotions, acknowledging Fisher’s success but questioning his motives, “Should’ve never left — chasing money, now he sad — but thanks for the championship.”
Not everyone was critical, though. One fan showed genuine appreciation for Fisher’s impact on the program, saying, ” TBH, he was a great coach, should’ve never left.”
The tension reflects Fisher’s complicated legacy at Florida State. During his eight-year tenure, he compiled an 83–23 record, won three ACC titles, four Atlantic Division crowns, four top-10 finishes, and the 2013 BCS National Championship.
Still, the abrupt move to Texas A&M on a then-record 10-year, $75 million contract in December 2017 left scars that have yet to fully heal.
Jimbo Fisher Weighs In on Miami vs. Florida State
Fisher also shared his perspective on how Saturday’s rivalry could unfold. Reflecting on Florida State’s defensive struggles in their loss to Virginia, he said, “Florida State’s gonna have to stop the run. Miami’s going to make them prove it. And when they do, Miami does a good job off their play-action. They got to play.”
He emphasized the importance of FSU’s offensive rhythm to avoid letting Miami dictate the game on the ground. “I think Florida State can get off to a good start on offense, and I say keep the score even to ahead, where Miami can’t dictate the game by the pound and ground and eat the clock a little bit, which they can definitely do,” Fisher added.
As kickoff approaches, Fisher’s complicated return has only added to the intensity surrounding one of college football’s most heated rivalries. Whether his former team can overcome last week’s stumble and prove themselves against an unbeaten Miami could shape the ACC title picture and the Seminoles’ postseason hopes.
Kickoff for this matchup is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. ET, and it will be televised on ABC.
