Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

Here’s the docket for you:

🏐 FSU Volleyball Back in the Top 25: FSU Volleyball ranks 20th in the AVCA/TARAFLEX Preseason Top 25, marking their first appearance since 2017. They face a challenging schedule, including six ranked opponents, with four matches at home.

🏈 Wisconsin Locks Down 2025 Edge Rusher Nicolas Clayton: Despite strong interest from FSU, Clayton remains committed to Wisconsin, highlighting the coaching staff's influence in his decision.

🚨 Ladarian Clardy Delays Commitment: Clardy, a four-star safety, pushes his commitment to September, allowing for more game-day visits to top schools.

🏈 Friday Night 'Noles: Top FSU recruits shine in high school football, with standout performances from WR CJ Wiley, RB Ousmane Kromah, LB Ethan Pritchard, and DL Myron Charles.

🏈 Last Preseason Observations: As FSU gears up for Dublin, senior WR Darion Williamson impresses, signaling readiness for a larger role. The offense, led by DJ Uiagalelei, shows explosive potential, while the defense sharpens its focus with standout plays.

🏆 FSU Among Top 25 All-Time Best Programs: FSU ranks 13th in the all-time AP Top 25, with rivals Miami, Florida, and Clemson also making the list, showcasing their storied histories and ongoing competition.

🔄 FSU’s Transfer Class: DJ Uiagalelei and Malik Benson lead a talented transfer class expected to make significant impacts this season.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Cracks the Top 25 🏐

For the first time since 2017, Florida State’s volleyball team enters the season ranked 20th in the AVCA/TARAFLEX Preseason Top 25 poll.

The Seminoles are set to face a challenging schedule, including six matches against teams also ranked in the Top 25, with four of those taking place at home.

FSU kicks off the season at the Seminole Invitational with a lineup that includes USF, UC Santa Barbara, and No. 25 Georgia.

Read more here

🏈 Wisconsin Lands Big 2025 Recruit in Nicolas Clayton 🏈

Gainesville (Fla.) Buchholz edge rusher Nicolas Clayton, a major recruiting win for Wisconsin in the 2025 cycle, is gearing up for his senior season after a recent return visit to Madison.

Clayton, who chose the Badgers over offers from FSU, USC, Nebraska, and more, is locked in with Wisconsin. He cited the coaching staff, particularly Coach Matt Mitchell, as a key factor in his decision.

Despite ongoing interest from Florida State, Clayton remains steadfast in his commitment to Wisconsin and plans to enroll early in January.

Read more here

🚨 Ladarian Clardy Delays Commitment to September 🚨

Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia four-star safety Ladarian Clardy has pushed back his commitment date to September 21, allowing more time for game-day visits to his top schools: Ole Miss, Washington, UCF, Mississippi State, and Florida State. Clardy, ranked No. 182 nationally in the class of 2025, is being closely watched, with the Crystal Ball currently favoring Ole Miss.

However, Washington is making a strong push for the talented safety, and his decision could go either way.

Clardy's scouting report highlights his aggressive style and potential as a multi-year starter and impact player at the Power Four level.

His ability in run support and competitive nature in 50-50 situations make him a standout prospect.

Read more here

🏈 Friday Night 'Noles: Tracking Top Recruits' Performances 🏈

High school football is back, and so is Friday Night 'Noles! Each week, we'll spotlight the top plays and performances from Florida State's football recruits across the nation.

WR Commit CJ Wiley:
The four-star wide receiver commit had a strong start to his senior season with 7 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown, helping Milton (Ga.) secure a win over Buford.

RB Target Ousmane Kromah:
One of FSU's top remaining running back targets, Kromah impressed with 19 carries for 140 yards and a touchdown, along with a 22-yard reception in his season opener for Lee County (Ga.).

LB Commit Ethan Pritchard:
The four-star linebacker continues to demonstrate why FSU secured his commitment early. Pritchard’s performance on Friday night showcased his strong football skills.

DL Commit Myron Charles:
Port Charlotte (Fla.) four-star defensive lineman Myron Charles is on track for a potential rise in rankings, following a standout performance in his season opener.

Read more here

🏈 Last Preseason Observations as FSU Gears Up for Dublin 🏈

With just days remaining before Florida State’s season opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin, the Seminoles wrapped up their final open practice with several standout performances.

Senior wideout Darion Williamson led the charge, displaying his readiness for a larger role with a series of impressive catches, including an 85-yard touchdown.

The receiving corps overall has made significant strides, highlighted by strong performances from Kentron Poitier, Jalen Brown, and Ja'Khi Douglas.

On the defensive side, Edwin Joseph and Cam Riley snagged key interceptions, with standout plays from Azareye'h Thomas in coverage, signaling readiness for the season.

Despite some mistakes in route execution and ball handling, the offense showed its explosive potential, particularly in deep passing plays by DJ Uiagalelei.

Freshman WR BJ Gibson also continued to impress, showing a knack for making big plays in tight coverage.

With final preparations underway, FSU is sharpening its focus, ready to translate these improvements into success on the field in Dublin.

Read more here and here

🏆 Top 25 All-Time Best College Football Programs: FSU Among the Elite 🏆

Florida State ranks 13th in the all-time AP Top 25 rankings, solidifying its position as one of college football's premier programs. Rivals like Miami (16th), Florida (15th), and Clemson (17th) also make the list, each boasting storied histories and periods of dominance.

Miami's golden era in the 1980s and early 2000s, Florida's championship runs under Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, and Clemson's recent success under Dabo Swinney all contribute to their high rankings. These programs continue to compete fiercely, striving to reclaim national prominence.

Key Rivals in the Rankings:

• Miami (16th): Known for its dominance in the 1980s and early 2000s, producing NFL talent and multiple national championships.

• Florida (15th): With three national championships since 1996, the Gators have been a consistent force in college football.

• Clemson (17th): Clemson's rise under Dabo Swinney includes two national titles and regular appearances in the College Football Playoff.

These rankings highlight the historical significance and ongoing competition among these powerhouse programs, as they all aim to build on their rich legacies and achieve future success.

Read more here

🔄 Florida State’s Transfer Class: Ranking the Newcomers by Expected Impact 🔄

Florida State's 2024 transfer class is loaded with talent, poised to fill gaps left by departures to the NFL. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful transfers:

1️⃣ DJ Uiagalelei (QB): The former Oregon State QB is expected to lead FSU’s offense, bringing a strong arm and deep-ball accuracy.

2️⃣ Malik Benson (WR): Stepping in as WR1, Benson's speed and experience make him a key player in FSU’s passing game.

3️⃣ Marvin Jones Jr. (DE): The Georgia transfer will be crucial in replacing Jared Verse as a pass-rusher.

4️⃣ Richie Leonard (OL): A standout in fall camp, Leonard's versatility and athleticism make him a vital addition to FSU’s offensive line.

5️⃣ Roydell Williams (RB): With experience at Alabama, Williams is set to play a significant role in FSU’s running game.

FSU has also added depth across several positions, including defensive backs and linebackers, ensuring a well-rounded roster for the upcoming season. The transfer class will be pivotal as the Seminoles aim for a strong 2024 campaign.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As we gear up for the exciting season ahead, the Seminoles are ready to make waves across the board.

Whether it's on the volleyball court, the football field, or in recruiting battles, FSU is poised for greatness.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates and insights as we continue to cover every step of the journey.

Thanks for joining us in this edition of The Chief Brief—let's make it a season to remember!

Go Noles!