Ultimate Guide to Florida’s Football Season: Schedules, Watch Parties, and Tips

Image from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (UF stadium)

From college rivalries to NFL action, Florida loves football whether you’re tailgating in Gainesville, bar-hopping in Central Florida, or catching the game on a 25-foot Jumbotron in the Panhandle. With teams spread across the state and passionate fanbases fueling game-day traditions, there’s no shortage of places to watch, cheer, and celebrate. This guide breaks down Florida’s college and professional football teams, game schedules, and the best places to watch from every region — so you never miss a snap this season.

Florida’s College Football Teams

University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights

Location: Orlando, FL

Conference: Big 12

Stadium: FBC Mortgage Stadium (“The Bounce House”)

Known For: 2017 “National Championship” claim, fast offense, rising power.

Rivals: USF, Cincinnati, Houston

Schedule Snapshot:

  • First Frost Aug. 28 vs. Jacksonville State (Home)
    • 7:00 p.m. ET
  • UCF Salutes and Family Weekend Sept. 6 vs. North Carolina A&T (Home)
    • 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Big 12 vs. ACC Sept. 20 vs. North Carolina (Home)
  • Sept. 27 at Kansas State
  • Big 12 Opener Oct. 4 vs. Kansas (Home)
  • Oct. 11 at Cincinnati
  • Homecoming Game Oct. 18 vs. West Virginia (Home)
  • Nov. 1 at Baylor
  • Mission IX Space Game Nov. 7 vs. Houston (Home)
  • Nov. 15 at Texas Tech
  • Senior Night Nov. 22 vs. Oklahoma State (Home)
  • Nov. 29 at BYU

Watch Party Spots:

  1. Pour Choice Taphouse: 1225 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
  2. Jax 5th Ave Lake Mary: 951 Greenwood Blvd., Lake Mary, FL 32746
  3. Rock ‘N Rev Ocoee: 8969 W. Colonial Dr., Ocoee, FL 34761
  4. Rock & Brews: 7131 Red Bug Lake Rd., Oviedo, FL 32765
  5. RockPit Brewing: 10 W. Illiana St., Orlando, FL 32806
  6. Canoe Creek Sports Tavern: 2911 Canoe Creek Rd., St. Cloud, FL 34772

University of Florida (UF) Gators

Location: Gainesville, FL

Conference: SEC (Southeastern Conference)

Stadium: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp”)

Known For: National championships, Tim Tebow, fast-paced offenses, rowdy home crowd.

Rivals: FSU, Georgia, LSU, Miami

Schedule Snapshot:

  • Community Day Aug. 30 vs. LIU (Home)
    • 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Championship Reunion Weekend Sept. 6 vs. South Florida (Home)
    • 4:15 p.m. ET
  • Sept. 13 at LSU
    • 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Sept. 20 at Miami TBA
  • Family Weekend Oct. 4 vs. Texas (Home)
    • Flex window
  • Oct. 11 at Texas A&M
  • Homecoming Oct. 18 vs. Mississippi State (Home)
    • 3:30 — 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Nov. 1 vs. Georgia (Jacksonville)
    • 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Nov. 8 at Kentucky
  • Nov. 15 at Ole Miss
  • Saluting Those Who Serve Nov. 22 vs. Tennessee (Home)
    • Flex window
  • Senior Night Nov. 29 vs. Florida State (Home)
    • Flex window

Watch Party Spots:

  1. The Swamp (Restaurant),1104 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
  2. Gator’s Dockside, 4200 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne
  3. Maverick’s Hangar Bar & Grill, 1132 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach
  4. Food+Beer (Gulf Gate), 6528 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231
  5. Mutts & Martinis, 2900 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Florida State University (FSU) Noles

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Conference: ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference)

Stadium: Doak Campbell Stadium

Known For: Bobby Bowden era, Heisman winners, iconic war chant.

Rivals: UF, Miami

Schedule Snapshot:

  • Sept. 6 vs. East Texas A&M (Home)
  • Sept. 20 vs. Kent State
    • 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Sept. 26 vs. Virginia
    • 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Oct. 4 vs. Miami FL (Home)
  • Oct. 11 vs. Pittsburg (Home)
  • Oct. 18 vs. Stanford
    • 10:30 p.m. ET
  • Nov. 1 vs. Wake Forest (Home)
  • Nov. 8 vs. Clemson
  • Nov. 15 vs. Virginia Tech (Home)
  • Nov. 21 vs. NC State
    • 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Nov. 29 vs. UF

Watch Party Spots:

  1. American Social (locations in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale)
  2. Proof at FSU, 75 N Woodward Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32313
  3. Bullwinkle’s Saloon, 620 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304
  4. Dolphins Mall, 1401 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172

University of South Florida (USF) Bulls

Location: Tampa, FL

Conference: American Athletic Conference (AAC)

Stadium: Raymond James Stadium (shared with Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Known For: Young program with strong regional fanbase, rivalry with UCF

Rivals: UCF

Schedule Snapshot:

  • Back in Black Aug. 28 vs. Boise State (Home)
    • 5:30 p.m .ET
  • Sept. 6 vs. UF
    • 4:15 p.m. ET
  • Sept. 13 vs. UM
    • 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Bay Day Sept. 20 vs. South Carolina State (Home)
    • 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Flashback Friday Oct. 3 vs. Charlotte (Home)
    • 7:00 p.m .ET
  • Oct. 10 vs. North Texas
    • 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Homecoming Oct. 18 vs. FAU (Home)
  • Oct. 25 vs. Memphis
  • Salute to Service Nov. 6 vs. UTSA (Home)
    • 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Nov. 15 vs. Navy
    • 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Nov. 22 vs. UAB
  • Senior Day Nov. 29 vs. Rice (Home)

Watch Party Spots:

  1. Big Whiskey’s, 4599 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328
  2. District Tavern, 116 N 12th Street, Tampa, FL 33602
  3. Buffalo Wild Wings, 1940 Wells Rd, Orange Park, FL 32073
  4. Rock and Brews, 6897 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822
  5. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, 25526 Sierra Center Blvd, Lutz, FL 33559
  6. Glory Days Grill, 3790 Lakeside Village Ct, Lakeland, FL 33803

University of Miami (UM) Hurricanes

Location: Miami, FL

Conference: ACC

Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium (shared with Miami Dolphins)

Known For: Swagger, NFL talent, historic 80s/90s dominance, The Turnover Chain.

Rivals: FSU, UF, Virginia Tech

Schedule Snapshot:

  • Sept. 6 vs. B-CU (Home)
  • Sept. 13 vs. USF (Home)
    • 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Sept. 20 vs. UF (Home)
  • Oct. 4 vs. FSU
  • Oct. 17 vs. Lousville (Home)
    • 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Oct. 25 vs. Stanford (Home)
  • Nov. 1 vs SMU
  • Nov. 8 vs. Syracuse (Home)
  • Nov. 15 vs. NC State (Home)
  • Nov. 22 vs. Virginia Tech
  • Nov. 29 vs. Pittsburg

Watch Party Spots:

  1. Grails Wynwood (Miami), 2800 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Florida NFL Teams

Florida isn’t just a college football state—it’s also home to three NFL franchises. Whether you’re watching on Sundays or attending a game live, Florida’s NFL teams offer high-level football, passionate fanbases, and unforgettable moments.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Founded: 1995

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Stadium: EverBank Stadium (formerly TIAA Bank Field)

Colors: Teal, Black, Gold

Known For:

  • Underdog spirit & loyal Northeast Florida fanbase
  • Frequent games in London (NFL International Series)
  • Exciting new talent and young stars like QB Trevor Lawrence

Rivals: Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans (AFC South)

Preseason:

  • Aug. 9 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

    • 7 p.m. ET (Home)

  • Aug. 17 at New Orleans Saints

    • 1 p.m. ET

  • TBD at Miami Dolphins

    • Date TBA

Regular Season:

  • Week 1 – Sept. 7 vs. Carolina Panthers

    • 1 p.m. ET, FOX

  • Week 2 – Sept. 14 at Cincinnati Bengals

    • 1 p.m., CBS

  • Week 3 – Sept. 21 vs. Houston Texans

    • 1 p.m., CBS

  • Week 4 – Sept. 28 at San Francisco 49ers

    • 4:05 p.m., FOX

  • Week 5 – Oct. 6 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

    • 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC (Monday Night Football)

  • Week 6 – Oct. 12 vs. Seattle Seahawks

    • 1 p.m., FOX

  • Week 7 – Oct. 19 vs. Los Angeles Rams

    • in London, NFL Network

  • Week 8 — Bye

  • Week 9 – Nov. 2 at Las Vegas Raiders

    • 4:05 p.m., FOX

  • Week 10 – Nov. 9 at Houston Texans

    • 1 p.m., CBS

  • Week 11 – Nov. 16 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
    • 1 p.m., CBS

  • Week 12 – Nov. 23 at Arizona Cardinals

    • 4:05 p.m., CBS

  • Week 13 – Nov. 30 at Tennessee Titans

    • 1 p.m., CBS

  • Week 14 – Dec. 7 vs. Indianapolis Colts

    • 1 p.m., CBS

  • Week 15 – Dec. 14 vs. New York Jets

    • 1 p.m., CBS

  • Week 16 – Dec. 21 at Denver Broncos

    • 4:05 p.m., FOX

  • Week 17 – Dec. 28 at Indianapolis Colts

    • 1 p.m., FOX

  • Week 18 – TBD vs. Tennessee Titans

Watch Party Spots:

  1. Lemon Bar, 2 Lemon St, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 (Sept. 14)
  2. Mr. Chubby’s Wings, 11043 Crystal Springs Rd, Unit 12 Jacksonville, Florida 32221 (Sept. 28)
  3. Mr. Chubby’s Wings, 150 Valley Cir, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (Nov. 2)
  4. Mr. Chubby’s Wings, 2349 Village Square Pkwy #101, Fleming Island, FL 32003 (Nov. 30)

Miami Dolphins

Founded: 1966

Location: Miami Gardens, FL

Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium

Colors: Aqua & Orange

Known For:

Rivals: New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets (AFC East)

Preseason:

  • Sun, Aug 10 – @ Chicago Bears (Soldier Field)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET — CBS Miami

  • Sat, Aug 16 – @ Detroit Lions (Ford Field)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET — CBS Miami

  • Sat, Aug 23 – vs Jacksonville Jaguars (Hard Rock Stadium)

    • 7:00 p.m. ET — CBS Miami

Regular Season:

  • Week 1 – Sun, Sept 7 — @ Indianapolis Colts (Lucas Oil Stadium)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET — CBS

  • Week 2 – Sun, Sept 14 — vs New England Patriots (Hard Rock Stadium)
    • 1:00 p.m. ET — CBS
    • Home Game Theme: White Out / Rivalries
  • Week 3 – Thu, Sept 18 — @ Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium)
    • 8:15 p.m. ET — Prime Video
  • Week 4 – Mon, Sept 29 — vs New York Jets (Hard Rock Stadium)
    • 7:15 p.m. ET — ESPN
    • Home Game Theme: Football Unites

  • Week 5 – Sun, Oct 5 — @ Carolina Panthers (Bank of America Stadium)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET* — FOX

  • Week 6 – Sun, Oct 12 — vs Los Angeles Chargers (Hard Rock Stadium)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET* — CBS

    • Home Game Theme: Crucial Catch (Cancer Awareness)

  • Week 7 – Sun, Oct 19 — @ Cleveland Browns (Cleveland)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET* — CBS

  • Week 8 – Sun, Oct 26 — @ Atlanta Falcons (Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET* — CBS

  • Week 9 – Thu, Oct 30 — vs Baltimore Ravens (Hard Rock Stadium)

    • 8:15 p.m. ET — Prime Video

    • Home Game Theme: Salute to Service

  • Week 10 – Sun, Nov 9 — vs Buffalo Bills (Hard Rock Stadium)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET* — CBS

    • Home Game Theme: Aqua Sunday

  • Week 11 – Sun, Nov 16 — vs Washington Commanders (Madrid, Spain – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium)

    • 9:30 a.m. ET — NFL Network

    • International Game (First NFL regular-season game in Spain)

  • Week 12 – BYE WEEK

  • Week 13 – Sun, Nov 30 — vs New Orleans Saints (Hard Rock Stadium)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET* — FOX

    • Home Game Theme: Home for the Holidays

  • Week 14 – Sun, Dec 7 — @ New York Jets (MetLife Stadium)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET* — CBS

  • Week 15 – Mon, Dec 15 — @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Heinz Field)

    • 8:15 p.m. ET — ESPN/ABC

  • Week 16 – Sun, Dec 21 — vs Cincinnati Bengals (Hard Rock Stadium)

    • 8:20 p.m. ET — NBC

  • Week 17 – Sun, Dec 28 — vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Hard Rock Stadium)

    • 1:00 p.m. ET — FOX

  • Week 18 – Jan 3 or 4 — @ New England Patriots (Gillette Stadium)

    • Time TBD — Network TBD

Watch Party Spots:

  1. Grails Wynwood, 2800 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127
  2. CityPlace, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
  3. OFFICIAL BAR NETWORK LOCATIONS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Founded: 1976

Location: Tampa, FL

Stadium: Raymond James Stadium (with a full-size pirate ship!)

Colors: Red, Pewter, Black

Known For:

  • 2× Super Bowl champions (2002, 2020)
  • Tom Brady led them to their most recent title in 2020
  • Wild game day experience (canons, pirates, tailgates)

Rivals: New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons (NFC South)

Preseason:

  • Sat, Aug 9 – vs Tennessee Titans (Raymond James Stadium)

    • 7:30 p.m. ET – Play Football theme (NFL initiative)

  • Sat, Aug 16 – @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Acrisure Stadium)

    • 7:00 p.m. ET

  • Sat, Aug 23 – vs Buffalo Bills (Raymond James Stadium)

    • 7:30 p.m. ET – fans receive Buccaneers-themed foam fingers

Regular Season:

Note: All times are ET and may be adjusted via flex scheduling in mid- to late-season.

  • Week 1 – Sun, Sept 7 – at Atlanta Falcons

    • 1:00 p.m., FOX

  • Week 2 – Mon, Sept 15 – at Houston Texans

    • 7:00 p.m., ABC (MNF)

  • Week 3 – Sun, Sept 21 – vs New York Jets

    • 1:00 p.m., FOX – 50th Season theme

  • Week 4 – Sun, Sept 28 – at Philadelphia Eagles

    • 1:00 p.m., FOX

  • Week 5 – Sun, Oct 5 – at Seattle Seahawks

    • 4:05 p.m., CBS

  • Week 6 – Sun, Oct 12 – vs San Francisco 49ers

    • 1:00 p.m., CBS – Crucial Catch theme

  • Week 7 – Mon, Oct 20 – at Detroit Lions

    • 7:00 p.m., ESPN/ABC (MNF)

  • Week 8 – Sun, Oct 26 – at New Orleans Saints

    • 4:05 p.m., FOX

  • Week 9 – Bye Week

  • Week 10 – Sun, Nov 9 – vs New England Patriots

    • 1:00 p.m., CBS – Salute to Service theme

  • Week 11 – Sun, Nov 16 – at Buffalo Bills

    • 1:00 p.m., CBS

  • Week 12 – Sun, Nov 23 – at L.A. Rams

    • 8:20 p.m., NBC (Sunday Night Football)

  • Week 13 – Sun, Nov 30 – vs Arizona Cardinals

    • 1:00 p.m., FOX – Ring of Honor theme

  • Week 14 – Sun, Dec 7 – vs New Orleans Saints

    • 1:00 p.m., CBS – She Is Football theme

  • Week 15 – Thurs, Dec 11 – vs Atlanta Falcons

    • 8:15 p.m., Prime Video (Thursday Night Football) – Creamsicle theme

  • Week 16 – Sun, Dec 21 – at Carolina Panthers

    • 4:30 p.m., FOX (flex)

  • Week 17 – Sun, Dec 28 – at Miami Dolphins

    • time TBD regional

  • Week 18 – Sun, Jan 4 – vs Carolina Panthers

    • time TBD – Inspire Change theme

Watch Party Locations: 

  1. The Sail Plaza, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 3360

Tips to Maximize the Season

Here are strategies so you get the best fall football experience in Florida:

  1. Track Weather Closely

    • Florida fall still has heat & high humidity, especially early in the season. Bring sun protection, stay hydrated.

    • Hurricane season runs through Nov. Be aware of weather alerts and possible postponements.

  2. Plan for Travel & Traffic

    • Big games (Florida vs FSU, Florida vs Miami, Gators home games) bring big crowds. Leave early. Parking can fill up fast.

    • If heading down south, plan the drive (tolls, traffic) especially for games in Miami or Tampa.

  3. Check TV / Streaming Rights

    • Many games are on ESPN/ABC, SEC / ACC networks (for college), Fox, NBC etc.

    • For NFL, prime time and regional games matter: some games might be blacked out locally if not carried by your provider. Have alternate streaming options ready.

  4. Watch Party Logistics

    • Arrive early to grab good seating. Big venues fill fast.

    • Know the menu: many places have “game specials” during big matchups.

    • Bring fan gear. Some parties may give away freebies. If it’s a rivalry game, dress the part.

  5. Rivalries & Marquee Matchups to Prioritize

    • UF vs FSU

    • UF vs Miami

    • Any night game / prime time game for the NFL teams

    • Jacksonville vs. national-name opponent (Chiefs, etc.)

  6. Ticket Strategy (if attending games)

    • Buy early. Prices tend to pop for marquee matches.

    • For big neutral-site games (UF vs Georgia in Jacksonville, etc.), hotels may fill up; plan lodging in advance if you’re traveling.

With this guide, you’ve got everything you need to make the most of the season: key matchups, where to watch, what to bring, and how to dive into Florida’s one-of-a-kind football culture. So grab your jersey, fire up the grill (or find a good tailgate), and get ready to cheer like a local—because in Florida, football isn’t just a game. It’s a way of life.

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