In the first preseason poll of the season, Florida State checked in at No. 1 according to Athlon Sports. The Seminoles were followed by Texas, Miami, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Washington, LSU, Colorado, Michigan and Florida in the top 10. In addition, senior Brett Williams was named a 1st team preseason All-American and junior defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was listed on the 2nd team.

The publication also listed a preseason All-ACC team that included 10 Seminoles: QB Chris Rix, WR Anquan Boldin, OT Brett Williams, OG Montrae Holland, C Antoine Mirambeau, DT Darnell Dockett, DE Alonzo Jackson, LB Kendyll Pope and PK Xavier Beitia.

FSU finished the 2001 season with a final record of 8-4 after defeating Virginia Tech in the Gator Bowl. The Seminoles open the 2002 campaign against Iowa State in the Eddie Robinson Classic on August 24th in Kansas City.


Linebacker Kendyll Pope is a preseason All-ACC selection