ESPN College GameDay analysts unanimously picked Miami to win at Florida State on Saturday night. Top ESPN College Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit did not pick the Miami at Florida State game as he will be on the call in Tallahassee on Saturday night.
ESPN College GameDay was live in Tuscaloosa for Vanderbilt at Alabama. Miami at Florida State was featured frequently throughout the iconic three hour pre game show. Nick Saban had a segment on what makes the Miami defense successful in 2025 and they interviewed Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
Sports handicapper Stanford Steve said to expect Florida State to keep the game close. Miami is a 4.5-point favorite at Florida State per the FanDuel Sportsbook. Saturday is the fourth consecutive game Miami is more than a field goal favorite after being an underdog in the season opener versus Notre Dame.
Miami and Florida State are playing for the first time since 2016 with both teams in the top 20. Eighth-ranked Florida State beat number 20 Miami 20-19 in 2016 when the Seminoles blocked the Hurricanes point after touchdown late in the game.
Clean sweep for the Miami Hurricanes on College GameDay against Florida State. pic.twitter.com/2QLDytH8mV
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) October 4, 2025
"Miami is the most complete team I have seen this season. I am going with the Canes. "Desmond Howard, ESPN College GameDay
Saban praised Miami for their discipline and physicality on defense. According to Saban, Miami has improved significantly in its defensive discipline, as he discussed the Hurricanes earlier on ESPN College GameDay. Later in the show, Saban chose Miami over Florida State.
Pat McAfee was succinct in his selection of Miami over Florida State. McAfee has frequently featured Miami on his eponymous show this season. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal joined McAfee live the day before ESPN College GameDay aired from Coral Gables.
Celebrity guest picker Theo Von also picked Miami. Von was frequently criticized as the choice by the Alabama fans. Von lives in Nashville, the home of Vanderbilt. Von is a noted Vanderbilt fan who has been seen attending Commodores' games.