Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Saturday, Seminole! It’s gameday!

Here’s your tailgate docket:

🔥 FSU Track & Field Welcomes New Coaches for 2024-25 🔥
Florida State's Track & Field program is gearing up with four seasoned additions to the coaching staff, including Timothy Cawley for jumps and Tony Davis for hurdles. The program is poised for another standout season under their guidance.

🌟 Rising Star: Mikel Stephen’s Mississippi Football Debut 🌟
2027 RB Mikel Stephen, with offers from top programs like FSU, is set to make waves in Mississippi High School football.

🌟 Byron Louis Eyes FSU in Commitment Decision 🌟
Four-star RB Byron Louis is leaning towards FSU, with his decision set for September 21. FSU remains the frontrunner.

🌟 Onis Konanbanny Chooses Tennessee Over FSU 🌟
Four-star CB Onis Konanbanny committed to Tennessee, despite FSU's strong push. His connection to Tennessee’s coaching staff sealed the deal.

🏈 FSU Wraps Up Preseason Practice with Praise from Nick Saban 🏈
As FSU gears up for their opener against Georgia Tech, Nick Saban praises the Seminoles as one of the best teams in the country.

🏈 FSU vs. Georgia Tech: In-Depth Season Opener Breakdown 🏈
FSU is favored to win against Georgia Tech in Dublin, with key matchups expected to tilt in the Seminoles' favor. Staff predictions also lean towards a decisive FSU victory.

🏅 FSU Track & Field Welcomes New Coaching Additions for 2024-25 🏅

Florida State's Track and Field program is gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 season with the addition of four seasoned coaches to the staff, as announced by Director Matt Kane:

• Timothy Cawley joins as Assistant Coach for Jumps and Multi-Events. With 25 years of experience, including ten seasons as the Director of Track and Field at Idaho State University, Cawley brings a wealth of knowledge and success to the Seminoles. His impressive coaching career includes 79 conference champions, 11 All-Americans, and an Olympic Bronze medalist.

• Luke Bryant takes on the role of Assistant Throws Coach. Returning to coaching after serving as an administrator at the University of Texas, Bryant's coaching tenure at Texas State saw nine individual conference champions and four school records. His experience and championship mentality will be vital in developing FSU’s throws group.

• Tony Davis is appointed Assistant Coach for Hurdles and Women’s Sprints. Davis, who previously led New Mexico State to conference titles and multiple NCAA Regional qualifications, will bring his passion and energy to FSU. His athletes have excelled on both national and international stages, making him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.

• Ian Frazier will oversee Men’s Distance and Operations. Frazier’s role is crucial in ensuring the team’s operational success while contributing to the development of the men’s distance runners.

Kane also highlighted the continued contributions of Rick Argro, who has mentored FSU's men's sprinters for nine years, and Cody Halsey, who had a successful first year coaching the women’s distance group. Both coaches remain integral to the program's ongoing success.

With these new additions, Florida State Track and Field is poised for another standout season, building on a tradition of excellence.

Read more here

🌟 Rising Star: Mikel Stephen’s Mississippi High School Football Debut 🌟

The Magnolia State will soon witness the talents of Mikel Stephen, a dynamic 2027 running back transferring from Georgia to Madison Central High School.

Despite not yet being rated, Stephen's impressive early offer sheet includes top programs like Ole Miss, Georgia, and Florida State, signaling his potential.

Known for his elite speed and strength, Stephen has deep ties to Ole Miss, with his mother and sister being alumni. His fall visit schedule is packed, hinting at a bright future ahead in college football.

Extra Points: Stephen’s athletic pedigree is notable, with connections to football greats, making his high school debut highly anticipated.

Read more here

🌟 Byron Louis Sets Commitment Date with FSU in the Lead 🌟

Byron Louis, a highly sought-after 2025 four-star running back from Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage, has locked in his college decision date for September 21. Louis, who has narrowed his choices to Georgia, Miami, Wisconsin, and Florida State, recently concluded a series of official visits in June, with FSU leaving a strong impression.

The Seminoles, led by Coach Mike Norvell and RB Coach David Johnson, have built a solid relationship with Louis, making him a top priority in their recruiting efforts. With his senior season underway, FSU remains the frontrunner according to predictions, as they continue to push for this top-tier talent.

Louis’s impressive 2023 season, where he rushed for 1,224 yards and 18 touchdowns, has made him a key target for major programs nationwide. As the commitment date nears, all eyes are on where Louis will choose to continue his football journey.

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🌟 Onis Konanbanny Chooses Tennessee Over Florida State 🌟

Florida State missed out on one of its top 2025 targets, as four-star cornerback Onis Konanbanny committed to Tennessee on Friday.

The 6-foot-1 prospect, who moved from London to the U.S. three years ago, had been heavily considering FSU but ultimately chose the Vols, citing a strong connection with Tennessee's coaching staff and a "family vibe" on campus.

Despite FSU's strong push, Konanbanny's official visits and his mother's positive reaction to Tennessee solidified his decision to join the SEC powerhouse.

Read more here

🏈 FSU Wraps Up Preseason Practice with Praise from Nick Saban 🏈

As Florida State concluded its final preseason practice on Friday, excitement builds for the season opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin. The Seminoles, coming off a perfect 13-0 season, aim to continue their dominance despite losing key NFL Draft talent.

Alabama's Nick Saban, who attended FSU's practice, praised the Seminoles, calling them one of the top five teams in the country due to their successful recruiting and transfer acquisitions. He also highlighted the game’s competitiveness, noting Georgia Tech’s potential as a sleeper in the ACC.

Read more here

🏈 FSU vs. Georgia Tech: In-Depth Season Opener Breakdown 🏈

Florida State is set to open its 2024 season against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, with a noon ET kickoff. Following a 13-1 season, FSU enters the game as 10.5-point favorites, despite significant roster changes. The Seminoles face a Yellow Jackets team returning most of its offense after a 7-6 season.

Key Matchups:

• FSU Run Game vs. GT Run Defense:
  FSU's run game, led by RBs Roydell Williams and Lawrance Toafili, is expected to dominate. Georgia Tech’s run defense, ranked among the worst nationally last season, will face a tough challenge against FSU’s experienced offensive line.

• GT Passing vs. FSU Secondary:
  Georgia Tech QB Haynes King will test FSU’s secondary, but the Seminoles' defense, featuring CBs Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress, should hold strong. GT’s struggles against man coverage last season give FSU an edge here.

• FSU Passing vs. GT Pass Defense:
  FSU’s passing attack, led by DJ Uiagalelei and WR Malik Benson, will be tested against a capable GT secondary. Georgia Tech’s new defensive coordinator may shake things up, but FSU’s offensive firepower should prevail.

• GT Run Game vs. FSU Linebackers:
  Georgia Tech’s option-heavy run game, with RB Jamal Haynes and QB Haynes King, could exploit FSU’s inexperienced linebackers. The Seminoles' defensive line, however, is expected to minimize damage.

Special Teams: FSU has the edge with experienced returners and a strong kicking game, including standout punter Alex Mastromano.

Staff Predictions:

• Gene Williams: FSU 27, GT 20

• Ira Schoffel: FSU 38, GT 21

• Corey Clark: FSU 31, GT 21

• Jeff Cameron: FSU 34, GT 20

• Tom Lang: FSU 27, GT 17

• Aslan Hajivandi: FSU 24, GT 17

• Matt LaSerre: FSU 35, GT 21

• Ben Spicer: FSU 31, GT 17

With strong expectations on both sides of the ball, FSU is poised to begin the season with a decisive win, capitalizing on favorable matchups and the depth of talent across their roster.

Read more here and here and here

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles gear up for a thrilling season opener, we're excited to see FSU's athletic prowess on full display—from new faces in the Track & Field program to the gridiron showdowns in Dublin.

With high expectations and strategic matchups ahead, the journey is just beginning.

Keep your spirit high and stay tuned for all the action.

Go Noles! 🏹