🏹 August 23rd - The Chief Brief 🏹

Fresh Faces Shine, Legal Battles Persist, and the Countdown to Dublin Begins

Author

The Chief
August 23, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

TGIF Seminole!

Here's what’s in store today:

⚽ FSU Soccer Stays Unbeaten: The Seminoles dominate Rice with a 3-0 win, led by impressive freshmen performances.

🏀 Alexis Tucker Signs Overseas: FSU Basketball alumna Alexis Tucker embarks on a professional career in Ireland.

🎯 Recruitment Decisions Loom: Top prospect Onis Konanbanny narrows his choices to FSU and Tennessee.

🏈 Polynesian Bowl Selection: FSU commit Brady Smigiel earns a spot in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl.

🏈 High School Football Kickoff: ESPN features top FSU commits in nationally televised games.

🏈 FSU's Top Brand Ranking: Florida State lands in the top 10 of college football's biggest brands.

🏈 Season Standouts: Ten Seminoles who have shown remarkable growth ahead of the 2024 season.

🏈 2024 Predictions: The Noles247 crew shares their season outlook, highlighting key players to watch.

🏈 Georgia Tech’s Underdog Mentality: GT quarterback Haynes King embraces the challenge against FSU.

🏈 Legal Battles Continue: FSU and the ACC remain in mediation as the Seminoles seek to exit the conference.

⚽ FSU Soccer Stays Unbeaten with Freshmen Leading the Charge ⚽

The No. 1 Florida State soccer team (3-0-0) continued its unbeaten streak, defeating Rice 3-0 on Thursday night.

  • Freshmen Shine: Ashlyn Puerta, Wrianna Hudson, and Lara Dantas each scored, contributing to FSU's dominance.

  • Match Stats: FSU recorded 39 shots to Rice's one and hasn't conceded a goal this season.

  • Next Up: The Seminoles face Georgia in a top-20 showdown next Thursday at 7 p.m., streaming on ACC Network Extra.

🏀 Alexis Tucker Signs with Ireland’s Flomax Liffey Celtics 🏀

Florida State women’s basketball alumna Alexis Tucker has signed with the Flomax Liffey Celtics in Ireland’s Super League.

  • Collegiate Career: Tucker played her final season at FSU in 2023-24, scoring 176 points, grabbing 102 rebounds, and recording 17 steals. She was also named to the All-ACC Academic Team.

  • Professional Journey: Tucker will begin her professional career with the Celtics, who were regular-season runners-up in the 2023-24 season.

The 2024-25 season tips off in September.

🎯 Onis Konanbanny's Commitment Decision Nears 🎯

Three-star cornerback Onis Konanbanny from Columbia (SC) Heathwood Hall Episcopal School is set to make his college commitment today at 12:30 p.m. ET, live on the 247Sports YouTube Channel.

Konanbanny has narrowed his choices to Florida State and Tennessee, with the 247Sports Crystal Ball currently favoring the Volunteers.

The 6-1, 180-pounder has shown strong performance on both sides of the ball and could be a significant addition for one of these programs.

🏈 FSU Commit Brady Smigiel Selected for 2026 Polynesian Bowl 🏈

Florida State's four-star quarterback commit, Brady Smigiel, has been chosen to play in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl.

Smigiel, ranked as the No. 64 overall player in the 2026 class, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the invitation.

He sees the opportunity as an honor and looks forward to learning more about Polynesian culture.

The prestigious game, set for January 17, 2025, in Honolulu, will be televised by NFL Network. Smigiel's selection highlights his promising future at FSU and beyond.

🏈 ESPN High School Football Kickoff: Watch FSU Commits in Action 🏈

The high school football season kicks off this weekend with ESPN broadcasting five nationally televised games, featuring top recruits, including Florida State commits:

  • CJ Wiley (WR, Class of 2025) - Milton (GA) vs. American Heritage (FL) on Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

  • Gregory Xavier Thomas (S, Class of 2025) - American Heritage (FL) vs. Milton (GA) on Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

🏈 FSU Among College Football's Top Brands 🏈

In the latest rankings of college football's biggest brands, Florida State secures the No. 10 spot, reflecting its storied history and recent resurgence under Coach Mike Norvell.

The Seminoles are highlighted for their iconic "Fear the Spear" brand, built on the success of legendary coach Bobby Bowden and their continued prominence in the ACC.

With a strong 2024 season expected, FSU's brand remains a powerhouse in the college football landscape.

🏈 Seminoles' Offseason Standouts: Ten Players to Watch in 2024 🏈

As Florida State prepares for the 2024 season, several players have made significant progress since spring camp. Here's a look at ten standouts:

  • CB Azareye'h Thomas: Expected to be FSU's top player, showcasing NFL-caliber talent.

  • CB Fentrell Cypress: Improved to become one of FSU's best defensive players.

  • CB Quindarrius Jones: Emerged as a key defensive contributor.

  • CB Ja'Bril Rawls: Versatile and competitive, Rawls adds depth to the secondary.

  • DT KJ Sampson: Elevated to a key rotational role on the defensive line.

  • S Shyheim Brown: Transformed into a star and leader in the secondary.

  • OL Andre’ Otto: Versatile lineman who can contribute across multiple positions.

  • OL Darius Washington: Dominating in camp, projected as a key offensive line leader.

  • DE Aaron Hester: Consistent performer, valuable as a pass-rusher.

  • RB Sam Singleton: Speedster who has risen in the deep running back rotation.

These ten players have shown remarkable growth, positioning themselves as key contributors for the upcoming season.

🏈 2024 FSU Football Predictions: Season Outlook & Standouts 🏈

With the 2024 season on the horizon, the Noles247 team has put together their predictions for Florida State's performance.

Expectations are high, with predictions ranging from a solid 9-3 record to an optimistic 11-1 season, reflecting confidence in the Seminoles' depth and talent.

Offensive MVP: DJ Uiagalelei and Lawrance Toafili are key contenders for Offensive MVP, with Uiagalelei’s arm strength and Toafili’s versatility expected to drive FSU’s offensive success.

Darius Washington is also highlighted for his leadership on the offensive line, providing crucial protection and consistency.

Defensive MVP: Azareye'h Thomas and Patrick Payton are the leading candidates for Defensive MVP.

Thomas is praised for his potential as a lockdown corner, with his growth over the offseason positioning him as a key playmaker in the secondary.

Payton’s consistency and impact as a pass rusher are expected to be game-changers for the Seminoles.

Breakout Player: The breakout star of the season could be Jalen Brown, who has the speed and ability to stretch the field as a wide receiver.

Roydell Williams and Marvin Jones Jr. are also in the spotlight, with Williams expected to bring stability to the running game and Jones poised to make an impact on the defensive front.

Overall, the Noles247 crew believes FSU has the pieces in place for a successful season, with the potential to compete for an ACC Championship and a College Football Playoff spot if key players step up as predicted.

🏈 Georgia Tech's Confidence Ahead of FSU Matchup 🏈

As Georgia Tech prepares to face No. 10 Florida State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, QB Haynes King and his teammates embrace their underdog role.

Despite the Seminoles opening as a 12.5-point favorite, the point spread has narrowed, reflecting some confidence in the Yellow Jackets.

King, who had a strong 2023 season but struggled with turnovers, is eager to showcase his team's hard work.

With a returning 1,000-yard rusher and a veteran offensive line, Georgia Tech aims to challenge FSU's talented but somewhat restructured defense.

Coach Brent Key acknowledges the uncertainty of how his team will perform against Florida State’s new defensive lineup but remains optimistic. Both teams have much to prove in this Week Zero showdown in Dublin.

Florida State and the ACC engaged in mediation on August 13th regarding FSU's attempt to exit the conference without paying the substantial exit fees and media rights buyout, estimated to be as high as $500 million.

Although no settlement was reached, discussions are ongoing. The case, one of several lawsuits involving ACC schools, is set to continue with the next court date scheduled for September 11.

And that’s a wrap!

With FSU athletes making waves on and off the field, and crucial developments unfolding both in the courtroom and on the turf, there's plenty to keep your eyes on as we head into the weekend.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, Go Noles! 🌟

How'd we do?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.