Florida State Seminoles rank fifth in ESPN's Bottom 10 after Week 9

Florida State University sits at number five in ESPN's Bottom 10 rankings for college football following Week 9 of the 2026 season. The Seminoles hold a 3-5 record, a mark that places them behind several opponents with identical win-loss tallies.

The list features ten teams with poor records, most of whom are 1-7 or 0-8. Northern Illinois, the number one entry, has not won a game this season. UTEP ranks second with one victory and seven defeats. Akron sits at number three, also at 1-8, after a loss to East Carolina on Tuesday evening.

Rice University, listed as number four, is 1-7. The Owls lost to Florida Atlantic University in their most recent contest. Louisiana-Monroe holds the sixth spot with a 1-7 record. Sam Houston State, number seven, is 1-7 and prepares to face Jacksonville State. Washington State, eighth on the list, is 1-8. Temple University ranks ninth at 2-6, and Charlotte is tenth at 1-7.

The Florida State entry draws specific attention to administrative decisions. The source notes that the Seminoles fired their coach midseason. It also points out that the athletic director, typically responsible for hiring searches, was dismissed just before the school began looking for a replacement. The ranking suggests that administrators should coordinate these moves more carefully to avoid such outcomes.

Several teams on the list share similar win-loss records, creating a crowded middle of the rankings. UTEP, Rice, Louisiana-Monroe, Sam Houston State, and Charlotte all sit at 1-7. The source notes that head-to-head results can influence placement. Charlotte is ranked tenth despite having one fewer loss than Temple, which is ninth, because Temple lost to Charlotte earlier in the season.

The list includes a waiting group of teams that narrowly missed the main cut. These include Sacramento State, Kennesaw Mountain Landis State, and others. The source humorously notes that some fans are still putting up election signs from the previous day, a nod to the timing of the rankings release.

The rankings were released on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, following the CFP rankings reveal. The list covers games played through Week 9. Florida State's 3-5 record is the best among the top ten entries, yet it still lands in the bottom group due to the overall quality of play and results against other teams on the list.