Thursday, October 15, 2026

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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 9, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks off the field after a win over the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

BYU Outperforms Its Budget as Notre Dame Showdown Arrives

Cougars coach Kalani Sitake has openly pushed for more resources.
Head Coach Curt Cignetti heads in during The Walk before the Indiana versus North Texas football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Brian and Amy were the hosts, middle two in frame.

Indiana’s Title Windfall Meets Its Biggest Home Game in History

A new jersey patch extends Indiana’s run of sponsorship deals

Matthew Mayich’s Family Rips Coach Exit as ‘Negotiated Agreement’

Arizona State and Greg Powers “reached a mutual agreement to part ways.”
Oct 10, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) scrambles with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Keelon Russell Carries a Growing NIL Brand and Alabama’s Playoff Hopes

Following a loss to Georgia, Alabama faces Tennessee on Saturday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/15/26 – Blake Griffin on Clippers Fine, Buck-Aikman Booth Tension, Elle Duncan’s ‘Toxic’ WNBA Warning

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.
October 13, 2026

Ohio Gov. Issues Executive Order Challenging NCAA Eligibility Policy

The EO may not have teeth, but it could still impact eligibility.
Oct 10, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Zach Grace (44) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with offensive lineman Aliou Bah (55) and wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field.
October 14, 2026

SEC Accuses LSU of ‘Stubborn Refusal’ to Follow Rules

The conference argued the lawsuit against LSU is still relevant.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 13, 2026

Josh Pate, John Fanta Blast CFP Expansion: ‘Why Stop at 24?’

The deadline for College Football Playoff expansion in 2027 is Dec. 1, 2026.
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium
October 12, 2026

James Madison Joins the American Before Sun Belt Exit Fees Rise

JMU’s move beats a pending vote on higher Sun Belt exit fees.
October 12, 2026

Kentucky Will Pay LSU $500K SEC Field-Storming Fine

The SEC changed its fine policy ahead of the 2025 football season.
October 10, 2026

Belichick, UNC Score Biggest Win Yet After Rocky Offseason

Belichick’s revamped UNC roster is beginning to show signs of progress.