No surprises in the coaches poll yesterday. Shouldn’t be any when the AP comes out either. It will mark being an afterthought in the national landscape 6 of the last 8 years at the time the season kicks off. pic.twitter.com/uEESJXoYL7
The annual ranking recognizes film schools that prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry through innovative programs, accomplished alumni and hands-on learning. FSUFilm moved up from No. 14 overall last year.
“The Hollywood Reporter’s recognition reflects the extraordinary creativity of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and Florida State University’s continued commitment to providing an exceptional film education,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “As we enter the fourth year of our MFA Feature Film Program and introduce the M3 Project, we’re continuing to build on the innovation that has helped FSUFilm, as The Hollywood Reporter noted, ‘punch above its weight’ while preparing students for successful careers in the industry.”
In its 2026 ranking, the Hollywood Reporter highlighted FSUFilm’s accomplished alumni, affordable tuition and innovative curriculum. The publication recognized the college’s optional third-year MFA Feature Film Program, now entering its fourth year, which gives graduate students the opportunity to pitch, direct and complete a fully financed feature film while second-year students gain professional production experience before graduation.
This year, the college is also introducing the M3 Project, which gives graduate students the opportunity to explore serialized storytelling while building filmmaking skills in virtual production.
The publication also noted the success of “NoSeeUms,” the first feature produced through the MFA Feature Film Program. The film is represented internationally by Odin’s Eye, secured domestic distribution through Quiver and is now streaming on Apple TV and Amazon.
Among the recent alumni highlighted by the Hollywood Reporter were Academy Award winner Adele Romanski, producer of “Sorry, Baby;” Max Allman, an associate producer on the Best Picture Oscar nominee “Marty Supreme;” and Alex Ullom, whose directorial debut, “It Ends,” was acquired by Neon after its premiere at SXSW.
Beyond the classroom, FSUFilm continues to expand opportunities for students through the Torchlight Studios Center for Cinematic Innovation. Renovations are underway on a new 43,242-square-foot facility that will house theaters, soundstages, virtual production space, post-production facilities and other resources supporting the college’s growing programs.
FSUFilm also continues to offer one of the nation’s lowest costs of attendance among top-ranked film schools. Tuition includes access to industry-standard production equipment and expendable materials, allowing students to complete films without the additional production fees common at many film schools.
Founded in 1989, the College of Motion Picture Arts has earned an international reputation for preparing students for careers in filmmaking through an intensive, collaborative curriculum centered on storytelling and hands-on production.
For more information about the College of Motion Picture Arts, visit film.fsu.edu.
Together, we generated more than $106 million in pledges and $86 million in cash contributions, setting new organizational records and creating a stronger future for Florida State Athletics. 🍢
Florida State supporters came together to give more than $106 million in pledges and eclipse $86 million in cash contributions, both all-time organizational records, in Fiscal Year 2026, it was announced Monday.
"Florida State has entered a new era of momentum this year, and the credit belongs to the thousands of Seminole supporters whose generosity powered the most successful fundraising year in Seminole Boosters history," Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said. "We have set ambitious outlooks for all of our programs, invested in facilities and continued to enhance opportunities for our student-athletes. Our ability to provide elite experiences for our student-athletes and fans is a testament to what a unified Florida State fan and alumni base can accomplish when it invests in something it believes in. I'm incredibly grateful for the support of the individual Seminole Booster supporters who have invested in our vision for Florida State athletics."
In the 2025-26 athletics year, Florida State completed its renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium that positioned the historic venue to remain among the best experiences in collegiate athletics well into the future while also opening the Dunlap Football Center, a 150,000-square-foot operations building that not only brought more efficiency and productivity to the football team's daily tasks but also opened up space inside the Moore Athletics Center to better serve FSU's other sports. Florida State also launched its women's lacrosse program and the Seminole Lacrosse Complex, one of only two women's lacrosse-only stadiums in the country. Women's soccer won the program's fifth national championship, and third in the last five years, and conference championships were earned by men's indoor track and field, softball and beach volleyball.
FY26 was one of the most successful fundraising years in Seminole Boosters history. In addition to the record totals in pledges and contributions, Seminole Boosters reached 600 Bowden Society members, representing 15.6% year-over-year growth, and saw more than 90% of Bowden Society members become first-time major gift donors. Seminole Boosters also grew Coaches Club giving from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase, launched the Seminole Business Network, secured two transformational bequests exceeding $10 million each, and continued investing in championship-caliber facilities and programs. These record-breaking results were fueled by broad-based donor engagement and investment, demonstrating the strength, loyalty, and commitment of Seminole supporters and positioning Florida State Athletics for sustained success in the years ahead.
"These numbers represent people, not just totals," Seminole Boosters President and CEO Stephen Ponder said. "Every gift, from a first-time donor joining the Seminole Athletic Fund or the Bowden Society to a family establishing a legacy bequest, is impactful to our mission to support Florida State Athletics. This year proved that our Seminole Boosters community loves the Noles and they love being part of the fabric that supports FSU Athletics."
Seminole Boosters provides the resources needed for more than 500 student-athletes across 21 sports to compete at the highest level. For more information, visit boosters.fsu.edu.
Seminole Boosters FY26 Fundraising Year Highlights FY26 was one of the most successful years in Seminole Boosters history, delivering record-breaking fundraising results and demonstrating the strength, loyalty, and commitment of the Seminole Community. Fueled by broad-based donor engagement and investment, the organization achieved historic milestones across fundraising, facilities, donor growth, stewardship, and strategic initiatives, positioning Florida State Athletics for continued success.
Record-Breaking Fundraising Performance
Received more than $106 million in pledges, the highest total in Seminole Boosters history.
Generated $86.3 million in cash contributions, an all-time organizational record.
Delivered one of the most successful fundraising years in organizational history through broad-based donor engagement and support.
Secured two transformational bequests, each exceeding $10 million, highlighting the continued growth and impact of legacy giving.
Increased the diversity of support through a broader mix of donors, gift types, and giving vehicles.
Leadership Giving Growth
Reached 600 Bowden Society members, representing 15.6% year-over-year growth.
Continued to strengthen FSU Athletics' premier leadership-giving society and major gift pipeline. More than 90% of Bowden Society members are first-time major gift donors.
Expanded engagement among high-capacity donors through enhanced cultivation and stewardship efforts.
Coaches Club & Sport-Specific Giving Success
Coaches Club giving grew from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase year-over-year, representing one of the most significant growth stories across Seminole Boosters fundraising initiatives.
Generated increased donor investment across multiple athletic programs.
Transformational Facilities & Program Investments
Opened the Renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, creating a best-in-class experience for fans, donors, and student-athletes.
Opened the Dunlap Football Center (DFC), further enhancing recruiting, development, and student-athlete support.
Launched Women's Lacrosse, while continuing investment in facilities and program development.
Organizational Growth & Innovation
Launched the Seminole Business Network (SBN), creating a new platform for business engagement and support of Florida State Athletics.
Expanded national fundraising reach through the out-of-market initiative, strengthening Seminole Boosters' presence in key growth markets continuing to broaden the organization's donor base and national footprint.
A Support Base That Keeps Growing Donor participation both grew and broadened. The Bowden Society, Seminole Boosters' premier leadership-giving society, welcomed new members at a rate of 15.6% year-over-year growth, reaching 600+ members total. More than 90% of those Bowden Society members are first-time major gift donors, meaning most of this year's major-gift support came from Seminoles stepping up for the first time, a sign of a support base that is expanding. Additionally, the support lifeblood, annual Booster membership (season ticket giving) exceeded $30 million for the second consecutive year.
Sport-Specific Passion on Display Fans rallied behind individual programs in a way that reshaped Coaches Club giving, which grew from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase, as donors directed support toward the coaches and teams they follow most closely. Two donor families also made transformational commitments through bequests exceeding $10 million each, ensuring their support for Florida State student-athletes will carry on for generations.
Turning Generosity into Impact Because donors showed up, Florida State Athletics opened the renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, the Dunlap Football Center, while also launching Women's Lacrosse as the newest addition to the athletics program. Donor investment also launched the Seminole Business Network, a new way for businesses across the Seminole Boosters community to engage with and support Florida State Athletics and fueled an expanded out-of-market initiative, Seminoles United, that is bringing Seminole Boosters closer to Seminoles everywhere.
The 2026 fiscal year also saw the Seminoles program reach 600 Bowden Society members, a group of individuals recognized for commitments of $50,000 or more. Contributions rose from $3 million to $11.1 million for the Seminoles Coaches Club, a 270% increase. The Coaches Club allows boosters to directly donate to a sport of their choosing.
Seminole Boosters fundraising highlights
Information provided by FSU
Record-Breaking Fundraising Performance
Received more than $106 million in pledges, the highest total in Seminole Boosters history.
Generated $86.3 million in cash contributions, an all-time organizational record.
Delivered one of the most successful fundraising years in organizational history through broad-based donor engagement and support.
Secured two transformational bequests, each exceeding $10 million, highlighting the continued growth and impact of legacy giving.
Increased the diversity of support through a broader mix of donors, gift types, and giving vehicles.
Leadership Giving Growth
Reached 600 Bowden Society members, representing 15.6% year-over-year growth.
Continued to strengthen FSU Athletics' premier leadership-giving society and major gift pipeline. More than 90% of Bowden Society members are first-time major gift donors.
Expanded engagement among high-capacity donors through enhanced cultivation and stewardship efforts.
Coaches Club & Sport-Specific Giving Success
Coaches Club giving grew from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase year-over-year, representing one of the most significant growth stories across Seminole Boosters fundraising initiatives.
Generated increased donor investment across multiple athletic programs.
Transformational Facilities & Program Investments
Opened the Renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, creating a best-in-class experience for fans, donors, and student-athletes.
Opened the Dunlap Football Center (DFC), further enhancing recruiting, development, and student-athlete support.
Launched Women's Lacrosse, while continuing investment in facilities and program development.
Organizational Growth & Innovation
Launched the Seminole Business Network (SBN), creating a new platform for business engagement and support of Florida State Athletics.
Expanded national fundraising reach through the out-of-market initiative, strengthening Seminole Boosters' presence in key growth markets, continuing to broaden the organization's donor base and national footprint.
Fan sites and their communities are the foundation of college sports. Our team has spent decades tracking, interviewing, recruiting, and evaluating every major market in the industry. Here are my rankings of the 25 largest subscription fan sites as of August 2026. pic.twitter.com/BxOZqx1dMv