THE FIRST CHAPTER

This historic photograph captures the birth of FSU football in 1947 — a season rooted in ambition, community pride and revival. On September 7, 1947, FSU announced plans to launch an intercollegiate football team under athletic director Ed Williamson, a former UF standout who also served as the team’s first coach. The Seminoles played their home games at Centennial Stadium and adopted the Garnet and Gold colors of Florida State College for Women. G Jack Tully made history as the program’s first captain, leading the team into its inaugural game on October 18, a 14-6 loss to Stetson in Tallahassee. Despite the result, FSU celebrated a milestone moment as E Charles McMillan caught the first touchdown in program history from QB Don Grant.