• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 1, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Wants To Use $1M In State Funds to Sue the CFP

  • The budget did not specify what type of litigation FSU would pursue as a result of its playoff omission.
  • State legislators are also considering action, FOS previously reported.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has earmarked $1 million in case FSU wants to file a lawsuit against the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed that $1 million in state funds go toward a lawsuit against Florida State’s football team being left out of the College Football Playoff.

On Sunday, the CFP announced it awarded Alabama the fourth spot in the playoff in lieu of FSU, presumably due to strength of schedule and the loss of quarterback Jordan Travis, who broke his leg in November.

The 2024-25 budget, which was proposed on Tuesday and would still need to be approved by state legislators, did not specify what type of litigation would be pursued.

It’s unclear if FSU will use the money. An FSU spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether the school is considering a lawsuit.

“What we learned today is that you can go undefeated and win your conference championship game, but the College Football Playoff committee will ignore these results,” DeSantis tweeted following the CFP announcement on Sunday. 

DeSantis isn’t the only Florida lawmaker upset about the decision. 

Sen. Rick Scott sent a letter to the CFP asking for transparency and communications surrounding the decision. (As governor, Scott awarded the 2017 UCF Knights a football championship title after going undefeated.)

Multiple other lawmakers, including state senator and FSU football alum Corey Simon, also spoke out.
On Sunday, a source close to lawmakers told FOS that there was an appetite to consider legislation to protest the decision. Lawmakers were discussing a few different legislative options but had not announced a formal decision as of Tuesday afternoon.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Stanford

John Donahoe Taking Over Stanford Sports After Rocky Nike Tenure

John Donahoe will be Stanford’s AD after a four-year stint running Nike.
Troy Taylor

Ex-Stanford Coach Troy Taylor Sues ESPN for Defamation

Taylor was fired after a pair of 3–9 seasons.
NCAA Track

NIL Collectives Can Still Pay College Athletes, With Some Restrictions

NIL collectives will still play a pivotal role in recruiting.
Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.

Featured Today

2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Ryan Field Construction
exclusive
July 19, 2025

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Rutgers

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.
July 24, 2025

UNC’s Bill Belichick Brings His NFL Swagger to ACC Media Days

UNC is becoming one of the most interesting stories in college football.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
July 25, 2025

‘More Bark Than Bite’: What Trump’s Executive Order Means for College Sports

“This all comes down to Congress and the courts.”
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrouds.
July 24, 2025

Trump Signs Executive Order on College Sports Pay

The order marks Trump’s first foray into legislating college sports compensation.
July 24, 2025

ACC’s Phillips on FSU, Clemson: ‘It Can Never Be About a School..

The commissioner isn’t worried about more conference realignment.
Jul 22, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort.
exclusive
July 23, 2025

As Other Power Leagues Shy Away From PE, the Big Ten Continues..

Tony Petitti told FOS conversations were ongoing.
Bill Belichick
July 23, 2025

UNC Sells Out All Football Tickets for Belichick Debut Season

Consistent drama around Belichick’s first college season has only helped ticket sales.