• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

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

LSU Ends Brian Kelly Era, $53M Buyout Negotiations Underway

The Tigers fell to 5–3 after losing to Texas A&M.

CFB Revenue Era’s New Powers: Indiana, Georgia Tech, and Vandy

Indiana is the most notable, having ascended to No. 2.

Sarkisian, Kiffin Address Rumors As Coaching Carousel Spins Again

Reports are rampant about the coaches taking new jobs.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
Oct 11, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell after losing the game to the Pittsburgh Panthers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
October 23, 2025

CFB’s Chaotic (and Pricey) Coaching Carousel Only Getting Started

Firings have already accounted for roughly $116 million.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates following the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
exclusive
October 24, 2025

Diego Pavia Is Trying to Kill NCAA JUCO Eligibility Rules for Good

Vandy’s QB is amending his own lawsuit to encompass all NCAA athletes.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Jun 10, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; A NCAA logo flag at the NCAA Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
October 23, 2025

College Athletes Can Bet on Pro Sports Starting in November

An NBA player and coach were charged Thursday in a sports betting investigation.
Tony Vitello
October 22, 2025

Tony Vitello’s Stunning MLB Jump Comes With $3M Tennessee Buyout

Vitello heads to San Francisco after winning a national championship in 2024.
Texas Tech tortillas
October 22, 2025

Texas Tech Is Attempting a Tortilla Crackdown 

Rebellious students are known to smuggle the tortillas in their underwear.
Tom Izzo
October 22, 2025

Tom Izzo Rips ‘Ridiculous’ NCAA Move Allowing Former G Leaguers

Michigan State didn’t know an eligibility change had been made, he said.