Florida State's season has wrapped up with an 18-15 record, far better than expected but also an early end as the team declined an NIT bid.

The Seminoles were projected to finish 15th in the ACC but earned the No. 8 seed in the ACC Tournament by winning 10 games in league play. They were expected to have an NIT bid offered up on Sunday night, but the players declined, a source confirmed to the Osceola.

Later on Sunday night, FSU coach Luke Loucks issued a statement about the decision.

"We have tremendous respect for the National Invitational Tournament and the role it has played in college basketball for many years," Loucks said. "When we were asked previously about the possibility of an NIT invitation, I meant it when I said Florida State would welcome the opportunity to compete. After our loss to Duke on Thursday night, I felt strongly that the players who carried this season – especially our seniors – deserved a voice in that decision. After everything they invested this year, it was important to me that they had ownership of how this season concluded.

"Our team ultimately chose not to participate, and I respect that decision. This group battled through adversity, exceeded every expectation and played some of the best basketball in the country over the final month of the season. Their character, courage and competitiveness were on full display in our one-point game against the nation's top-ranked team. While the result was heartbreaking, the fight and unity they showed in that moment is a powerful reflection of who they became as a team. For our seniors, that performance is a fitting final memory of a season defined by resilience, growth and pride in wearing Florida State across their chest."

Loucks was hired just over a year ago, hitting the transfer portal to land production and experience. He landed an impact guard in Robert McCray V, who developed into a point guard and a third-team All-ACC selection.

The FSU staff also landed transfers Chauncey Wiggins, Lajae Jones, Martin Somerville, Kobe MaGee, Alex Steen and Shah Muhammad.

Loucks and the coaches now look to rebuild around returning players Thomas Bassong, Can Miles, AJ Swinton, Alier Maluk and Somerville.

The FSU 2026 signing class includes center Marcis Ponder, forward Collin Paul and guards Brandon Bass Jr. and Jasen Lopez.