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Happy Thursday and Happy August, Seminole!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

⛳ FSU Golfer Gray Albright Shines in PGA Tour U Preseason Rankings ⛳

Gray Albright, a rising senior, is ranked No. 12 in the PGA Tour University preseason top 25 for the 2024-25 season. He averaged a career-low 71.65 strokes as a junior and led FSU to the runner-up spot at the 2024 NCAA Championship Finals.

🏆 Shyheim Brown Named to Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List 🏆

Redshirt junior defensive back Shyheim Brown has been named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. Brown started 16 games with 92 tackles over three seasons. In 2023, he recorded 53 tackles, 2.0 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, and four pass breakups.

🏆 FSU Tops ACC Preseason Football Poll 🏆

Florida State has been voted the top team in the ACC preseason football poll, earning 81 of 170 first-place votes. FSU will open the season on August 24 in Dublin, Ireland, against Georgia Tech in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

🏈 247Sports Updates Top247 Rankings for Class of 2026 🏈

Florida State ranks No. 2 in the updated 247Sports Top247 rankings for the class of 2026. Key commitments include QB Brady Smigiel, athlete Darryon Williams, and DB Darryl Bell III.

🌟 Newcomers Making Waves in FSU Preseason 🌟

Notable newcomers in FSU's preseason include RB Micahi Danzy, TE Amaree Williams, LB Cam Riley, and WR Elijah Moore. These players are quickly making their presence felt, promising a dynamic season ahead.

🌟 Former FSU Linebacker Kalen DeLoach Impresses in NFL Training Camp 🌟

Former FSU linebacker Kalen DeLoach is shining with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording multiple sacks and a fumble recovery. DeLoach is vying for a spot on the Buccaneers' roster and has been selected by the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League College Draft.

⛳ FSU Golfer Gray Albright Shines in PGA Tour U Preseason Rankings ⛳

Gray Albright, a rising senior at Florida State, is making waves in the golfing world. Ranked No. 12 nationally in the PGA Tour University preseason top 25 for the 2024-25 season, Albright has shown remarkable performance on the course.

Career Highlights:

• Averaged a career-low 71.65 strokes as a junior.

• Led FSU to the runner-up spot at the 2024 NCAA Championship Finals.

• Ranked among the top-20 golfers in FSU history with a 72.35 career stroke average.

• Won the 2023 Seminole Intercollegiate and the 2024 Watersound Invitational.

• Best career single-round score of 65.

PGA Tour U Insights:

• Ranks players based on the last two years of collegiate performance.

• Top players earn membership opportunities on PGA TOUR-affiliated tours.

• Introduced in 2020, the program has produced 12 alumni who earned their PGA TOUR cards for the 2024 season.

Read more here

🏆 Shyheim Brown Named to Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List 🏆

Shyheim Brown, a redshirt junior defensive back, has been named to the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. This award, presented annually by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association, honors the nation's best defensive back.

Brown's Stats and Highlights:

• Career Overview: Started 16 games with 92 tackles over three seasons.

• 2023 Season: Started all 14 games, recording 53 tackles, 2.0 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, and four pass breakups. Earned third-team All-ACC recognition.

• Notable Games: Career-high eight tackles in wins at Florida and Clemson. First career interception in a home victory against No. 16 Duke. Fumble recovery in FSU's 24-7 win at Pitt.

• Memorable Moments: Blocked extra point against LSU in 2022, securing a 24-23 victory. Recorded four tackles and 0.5 sack in the 2023 season opener vs. No. 5 LSU.

Historical Context:

• Florida State has won the Thorpe Award twice: Deion Sanders (1988) and Terrell Buckley (1991).

Award Timeline:

• Semifinalists Announcement: October 29

• Finalists Announcement: November 26

• Winner Announcement: December 12 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show

Read more here

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🏆 FSU Tops ACC Preseason Football Poll 🏆

Coming off an impressive 13-0 regular season and their 16th ACC championship, Florida State has been voted the top team in the ACC preseason football poll. The Seminoles earned 81 of 170 first-place votes during last week's ACC Kickoff in Charlotte.

Highlights and Achievements:

• Head Coach Mike Norvell: Reigning Dodd Trophy and Bryant Award winner as the nation's best coach.

• Returning Talent: Includes two All-Americans, nine all-conference players, and the ACC Championship Game MVP.

• Historic Season: Finished sixth in the country, marking FSU's best finish since 2014 and their third 13-win season.

Conference Dominance:

• ACC Championships: FSU's 16 titles are the most since joining the ACC in 1992.

• Undefeated Regular Seasons: The Seminoles boast 10 undefeated regular seasons, more than the rest of the conference combined (seven).

Season Opener:

• Date and Time: August 24 at 12:00 PM ET

• Location: Dublin, Ireland

• Opponent: Georgia Tech in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, broadcasted on ESPN.

2024 ACC Preseason Poll Rankings:

1. Florida State (81 first-place votes) – 2,708 points

2. Clemson (55) – 2,657

3. Miami (17) – 2,344

4. NC State (8) – 2,318

5. Louisville – 1,984

6. Virginia Tech (5) – 1,968

7. SMU – 1,798

8. North Carolina – 1,712

9. Georgia Tech (1) – 1,539

10. Cal (2) – 1,095

11. Duke – 1,056

12. Syracuse – 1,035

13. Pitt – 1,016

14. Boston College (1) – 890

15. Wake Forest – 784

16. Virginia – 629

17. Stanford – 477

Read more here

🏈 247Sports Updates Top247 Rankings for Class of 2026 🏈

247Sports has released its updated Top247 rankings for the class of 2026, marking the final update before the crucial junior seasons. With the accelerated commitment timelines due to the evolving NIL landscape, here's a closer look at key programs and their notable recruits.

Florida State

Florida State ranks No. 2 in the 2026 team rankings with commitments from three Top247 prospects:

• Brady Smigiel: A 6-foot-5, 205-pound quarterback from California known for his impressive sophomore stats.

• Darryon Williams: A versatile athlete.

• Darryl Bell III: A talented defensive back.

Auburn

Auburn leads the 2026 team rankings with three Top247 commitments, including No. 27 overall Hezekiah Harris, a standout edge defender from Jemison, Alabama.

USC

USC secured a major commitment from No. 1 Georgia player, linebacker Xavier Griffin, and boasts a strong recruiting class with elite prospects like cornerback Brandon Lockhart.

Georgia

Georgia continues its dominance in recruiting, led by top quarterback Jared Curtis and a strong defensive back lineup.

Oregon

Oregon's notable recruits include Tradarian Ball, a versatile running back, and Tony Cumberland, a defensive lineman, with more top prospects on the radar.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma, with two top-10 classes, highlights recruits like quarterback Jaden O'Neal and running back Jonathan Hatton Jr.

Houston

Houston's recruiting success includes Keisean Henderson, a top 2026 prospect, and wide receiver Keavon Roberts.

Penn State

Penn State focuses on in-state talent with recruits like running back Messiah Mickens and offensive tackle Kevin Brown.

Syracuse

Syracuse made a splash by securing blue-chip prospects Izayia Williams and Demetres Samuel Jr., boosting their 2026 class.

Miami

Miami's promising start in 2026 recruiting includes linebacker Jordan Campbell and quarterback Dereon Coleman.

With junior seasons approaching, these programs are positioning themselves strongly in the 2026 recruiting landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as commitments unfold.

Read more here

🌟 Newcomers Making Waves in FSU Preseason 🌟

Florida State is six practices into the preseason, having just completed their first fully padded practice. With many new faces on the roster, several summer arrivals have already begun to make an impact. Here's a look at some standout newcomers:

RB Micahi Danzy

• Impressive Versatility: Danzy has stood out in various roles, including as a running back, receiver, and on special teams.

• Athletic Background: A former four-star prospect and two-sport star, Danzy showcased his speed in high school track events.

• Playmaking Ability: Known for his effortless speed and agility, Danzy has been a matchup nightmare for linebackers.

• Coach’s Praise: Mike Norvell highlighted Danzy's game-changing potential, though noting areas for continued development.

TE Amaree Williams

• Early Impact: Despite reclassifying into the 2024 class, Williams has been a standout in practice, showing athleticism and strong hands.

• Veteran Praise: Kyle Morlock commended Williams' work ethic and potential.

• Future Prospects: Norvell indicated Williams' potential while managing his workload as a younger player.

LB Cam Riley

• Experienced Transfer: Riley brings experience from Auburn, having played 46 games with 10 starts.

• Physical Presence: At 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds, Riley is an imposing figure with notable speed and agility.

• Defensive Standout: Riley has been effective in shutting down plays to the outside, drawing praise from Norvell for his growing confidence in the new defensive scheme.

WR Elijah Moore

• Physical Traits: Moore, at 6-foot-4 and 204 pounds, has a remarkable catch radius and fluid movement.

• Big Plays: Known for his ability to elevate and make difficult catches, Moore has shown glimpses of his potential in early practices.

Additional Newcomer Notes

• FR. DB Ricky Knight: Knight, though not physically imposing, plays tough and has made notable defensive plays.

• FR. DTs Jamorie Flagg & D'Nas White: Both defensive tackles have shown potential with their size and ability to take up space.

• FR DE DD Holmes: Holmes, with his projectable frame, is expected to develop further physically.

• FR OTs Jonathan Daniels and Manasse Itete: Both offensive tackles stand out due to their length and athleticism, with Itete earning praise for a dominant rep in one-on-one drills.

These newcomers are quickly making their presence felt, promising a dynamic and competitive season ahead for the Seminoles.

Read more here

🌟 Former FSU Linebacker Kalen DeLoach Impresses in NFL Training Camp 🌟

NFL training camps have kicked off, and former Florida State linebacker Kalen DeLoach is making waves with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Standout Performances

• Consistent Impact: DeLoach, an undrafted free agent, has strung together several impressive days at camp.

• Sunday Highlights: He recorded multiple sacks, bringing down both Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.

• Defensive Playmaker: Followed up with a fumble recovery in yesterday’s practice.

Roster Battle and Future Prospects

• Roster Spot: DeLoach is vying for a spot on the Buccaneers' 2024 roster.

• UFL Opportunity: Recently selected by the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League College Draft, offering a spring football alternative if needed.

Collegiate Career

• FSU Stats: Started all 13 games in 2023, tallying 68 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, one interception, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.

DeLoach’s impressive performance in training camp is turning heads, and he is one to watch as he battles for a place in the NFL.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and exciting news from Florida State University.

Whether you're following our athletes' performances or keeping up with the latest in recruitment and preseason developments, we've got you covered.

See you next time, and Go Noles!