Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Thursday, Seminole!

Here’s the docket for you as we approach our final weekend without FSU football:

🏌️‍♂️ FSU Golfers Clanton and Woad Top World Amateur Rankings 🏌️‍♀️
FSU's Luke Clanton and Lottie Woad make history, both achieving the No. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Their stellar performances are a testament to FSU's top-tier golf program.

🏈 Mastromanno Earns Preseason First-Team All-American Honors 🏈
FSU punter Alex Mastromanno garners another accolade, named to the preseason first-team All-American by Sporting News, reinforcing his status as one of the nation’s top specialists.

🏈 ACC Power Rankings: Florida State Remains on Top 🏈
As the 2024 season approaches, FSU continues to dominate the ACC Power Rankings, holding firm at No. 1 amidst new challenges in the expanded conference.

🎯 Recruiting Update: Bryce Fitzgerald's Decision Nears 🎯
Top target Bryce Fitzgerald is set to announce his college decision this weekend, with FSU gaining momentum in the final stretch.

🏈 FSU’s Top 2026 Recruiting Targets to Watch 🏈
Get the scoop on the key recruits FSU is eyeing for 2026, with several high-profile prospects showing strong interest in the Seminoles.

🏈 Seminoles Sharpen Focus in Preseason Practice 🏈
With just 10 days until the season opener, FSU zeroes in on special teams and fine-tuning their game plan.

🏌️‍♂️ FSU Golfers Clanton and Woad Top World Amateur Rankings 🏌️‍♀️

Florida State’s Luke Clanton and Lottie Woad have achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Seminoles to be ranked No. 1 in both the men's and women's World Amateur Golf Rankings simultaneously.

Clanton’s standout sophomore season included record-breaking performances, while Woad’s summer was highlighted by leading England to victory in the R&A Home Internationals and competing in three LPGA events.

Their success is a testament to FSU's world-class golf program and facilities, as praised by head coaches Trey Jones and Amy Bond.

Both golfers will lead FSU in the upcoming Folds of Honor Collegiate tournament in September.

Read more here

🏈 Mastromanno Earns Preseason First-Team All-American Honors 🏈

FSU’s redshirt senior punter Alex Mastromanno continues to earn recognition, being named a preseason first-team All-American by Sporting News.

The Melbourne, Australia native has also been honored by Walter Camp and Athlon, and is on the Ray Guy Award Watch List.

In 2023, Mastromanno was a second-team All-American, with an average of 45.5 yards per punt, helping FSU rank third nationally in net punting average.

Read more here

🏈 ACC Power Rankings: Florida State Remains on Top 🏈

Florida State Holds the Crown: Florida State leads the ACC in the preseason power rankings, maintaining its No. 1 spot. The Seminoles enter the 2024 season on a 12-game win streak in ACC play, and their last loss came in 2022 against Clemson. Head Coach Mike Norvell has reloaded the roster with standout transfers, including former Clemson and Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei.

Clemson: Clemson sits at No. 2, looking to bounce back after a tough 2023 season. With five-star QB Cade Klubnik leading the offense and Preseason All-American LB Barrett Carter anchoring the defense, the Tigers are poised to challenge FSU for the ACC title.

Miami Hurricanes: At No. 3, Miami faces immense pressure to deliver results in 2024. With key transfers like QB Cam Ward and RB Damien Martinez, the Hurricanes have the tools to compete at the highest level.

NC State and Virginia Tech: Rounding out the top five, NC State and Virginia Tech are dark-horse contenders. The Wolfpack brings a potent offensive trio, while the Hokies boast one of the ACC's best defensive lines.

New ACC Members: California, SMU, and Stanford add a new dynamic to the ACC, bringing the total to 17 teams. While these teams face challenges adjusting to the conference and cross-country travel, they bring unique opportunities for growth.

Middle of the Pack: Teams like Louisville, SMU, and Georgia Tech are positioned in the middle, with each program having the potential to surprise this season.

Struggling Programs: Programs like Duke, Virginia, and Stanford will need to overcome significant challenges, including new coaching staff adjustments and rebuilding phases.

Critical Season Ahead: With only one or two spots in the expanded College Football Playoff likely available for ACC teams, every game will be crucial in determining who emerges as the conference champion.

Read more here

🎯 Recruiting Update: Bryce Fitzgerald's Decision Nears 🎯

One of Florida State's top targets, four-star defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald from Miami's Columbus High School, is set to announce his college decision this Saturday, April 17. With FSU, Florida, Miami, and LSU as his finalists, here's the latest on where things stand:

• Florida State's Rising Confidence: Recent insights suggest that FSU's position has strengthened as the decision date approaches. Fitzgerald has previously indicated that both FSU and LSU had strong chances of landing him.

• Florida Gators' Uncertainty: While the Gators were favorites in June, concerns about their challenging upcoming season and head coach Billy Napier's job security might be influencing Fitzgerald's considerations.

• Miami Hurricanes' Pursuit: Given Fitzgerald's ties to Miami Columbus High School, Mario Cristobal's alma mater, the Hurricanes remain in active pursuit. However, confidence from Miami's camp about securing his commitment seems cautious.

• LSU's Late Push: The Tigers have intensified their efforts recently, but indications suggest Fitzgerald might lean towards staying in-state.

Read more here

🏈 FSU’s Top 2026 Recruiting Targets to Watch 🏈

With FSU ranked No. 10 in the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings, it's time to look ahead at the top targets for the 2026 recruiting cycle. Here’s a breakdown of the key names to watch:

Four-Star RB Amari Clemons:

• Local prospect from Marianna, Clemons is a speedster coveted by FSU for his fit in their backfield.

• Rivals include Florida, South Carolina, Auburn, and Georgia.

Four-Star TE Corbyn Fordham:

• A legacy recruit, Fordham's athleticism and versatility make him a prime target, with South Carolina posing the biggest competition.

• Strong connection with FSU's staff and Norvell’s TE-friendly offense.

Four-Star WR Devin Carter:

• Despite decommitting from FSU, Carter remains a key target, with Georgia and Ole Miss in the mix.

• Legacy connections through his father, Dexter Carter, keep FSU in play.

Four-Star ATH Tristian Givens:

• A versatile athlete, Givens could play either DE or WR in college. FSU values his skill set and has built a strong relationship since offering him in the spring.

• Tennessee, Auburn, and South Carolina are other schools in pursuit.

Four-Star OL Darius Gray:

• A rising star in the recruiting world, Gray has a strong connection with FSU OL coach Alex Atkins.

• FSU, Penn State, and South Carolina are leading the race.

Four-Star OL G’Nivre Carr:

• Carr has a long-standing relationship with FSU, having been recruited since middle school.

• Michigan and Florida are also in the running.

Four-Star DE Cam Brooks:

• A potential early commit, Brooks is a fan of FSU and aligns well with the Seminoles' defensive scheme.

• Florida, Auburn, Georgia, and Clemson are other suitors.

Four-Star LB Tyler Atkinson:

• Atkinson has deep ties to FSU through Odell Haggins and other staff members, making FSU a strong contender.

• FSU and Georgia appear to be the frontrunners.

Four-Star DB Samari Matthews:

• A highly valued target, Matthews has developed a strong bond with FSU’s defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain.

• Florida and South Carolina are also in the mix, with Ohio State and Michigan potentially entering the fray.

Four-Star DB Preston Ashley:

• A Mississippi prospect with ties to FSU, Ashley has named the Seminoles as his early favorite.

• FSU's recruiting connections and recent visits have put them in a strong position.

Read more here

🏈 Seminoles Sharpen Focus in Preseason Practice 🏈

With just 10 days until the season opener against Georgia Tech in Ireland, Florida State held a shorter, less physical practice on Wednesday, placing significant emphasis on special teams and fine-tuning details.

Special Teams Drills: The day focused heavily on onside kick recovery drills, showcasing the attention to detail that has defined Mike Norvell’s tenure. Players like Roydell Williams and Shyheim Brown stood out for their execution.

Offensive Notes: D.J. Uiagalelei continued to impress with sharp throws, connecting well with Ja'Khi Douglas. Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek also had notable moments, demonstrating good decision-making and accuracy.

Defensive Highlights: Marvin Jones Jr. showed his versatility, excelling in coverage and pressuring the quarterback. Aaron Hester also made an impact with a pass breakup.

Scout Presence: The New York Giants had a scout in attendance, observing the Seminoles’ practice.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As the excitement builds for FSU's upcoming season, our athletes continue to shine on the national stage, both on the field and in the classroom.

From historic rankings in golf to critical preseason preparations, the Seminoles are poised for greatness.

Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the season opener in Ireland.

Go Noles!