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Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

The countdown is over — Alabama week has arrived, and Doak Campbell is set to host both a top-10 showdown and one of the biggest recruiting weekends of the Mike Norvell era.

Here’s what’s inside today’s edition:

⛳ Golf Glory – Tyler Weaver earns a spot on the prestigious Haskins Award Watch List, keeping FSU’s elite golf pipeline alive.

📋 Depth Chart Drops – Norvell’s official two-deep is out, featuring transfer-heavy starters, surprise shakeups at safety, and eight true freshmen ready to roll.

🐘 What Bama’s Coach Said – Kalen DeBoer knows starting fast is key in Doak, but his freshman-loaded secondary will face its first big test under the lights.

🌟 Norvell Speaks – The head coach praises Castellanos’ leadership, explains roster surprises, and lays out what makes this team “scrappy and versatile.”

📍 Recruiting Frenzy – With more than a dozen commits and blue-chip targets in town, this weekend could shape FSU’s classes for years to come.

👉 Buckle in — this edition covers the storylines, surprises, and stakes heading into Saturday’s season opener.

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⛳ Tyler Weaver Named to Haskins Watch List ⛳

Florida State junior Tyler Weaver has been named to the 2025-26 Haskins Award Preseason Watch List, placing him among the nation’s top 25 golfers to watch this season.

🔥 Weaver’s Résumé

• Ranked No. 10 amateur in the world (WAGR).

• Advanced to match play at the 2025 U.S. Amateur.

• Member of the Palmer Cup-winning Team International and led Team England to bronze at the European Team Championships.

• Qualified for the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont, finishing as the 4th-best amateur.

🏆 About the Award

• The Fred Haskins Award (est. 1971) is given annually to the nation’s top male collegiate golfer.

• Voted on by golfers, coaches, and golf media.

• Past winners have gone on to claim 33 majors and 400+ pro titles worldwide.

• FSU pedigree: John Pak won in 2021, and Luke Clanton was a finalist in 2025.

📌 Why It Matters
Weaver adds to Florida State’s recent tradition of producing elite golfers, giving the Seminoles another serious contender for college golf’s most prestigious honor.

👉 Full watch list details here

📋 FSU Releases Official Depth Chart vs. Alabama 📋

It’s official: Florida State’s season-opening depth chart is out, and while it’s just a piece of paper, it says plenty about how Mike Norvell and his staff view their roster going into Saturday’s clash with No. 8 Alabama.

🔑 Offensive Takeaways

• QB1 Secured: Boston College transfer Tommy Castellanos is firmly entrenched as the starter, with Brock Glenn and freshman Kevin Sperry battling behind him. Norvell praised Castellanos’ preparation, saying he’s “better than what I’ve seen him.”

• Running Back Depth: Sixth-year vet Roydell Williams gets the nod for the first snap, but Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk and true freshman phenom Ousmane Kromah will see plenty of action. Gadget man Jaylin Lucas is also listed as a starter, highlighting his expected role.

• WR Group: Duce Robinson (6’6” USC transfer) and speedster Squirrel White headline the outside, while freshman Jayvan Boggs is a listed starter in the slot. Injuries keep Lawayne McCoy sidelined, while Chase Loftin, recruited as a TE, appears at WR after an impressive camp.

• OL Shuffle: Transfer Luke Petitbon anchors at center, with Micah Pettus and Gunnar Hansen set at tackle. The big storyline: Harvard transfer Jacob Rizy is co-listed at both guard spots, proving his versatility. Depth is thin, with true freshman Chavez Thompson the No. 2 center.

🛡️ Defensive Shake-Ups

• 3-3-5 Look: The depth chart formally lists the Jack role as a linebacker spot, confirming Tony White’s hybrid fronts.

• Safety Surprise: Veteran Shyheim Brown is bumped to the second team, with Ashlynd Barker named starter at boundary safety after a strong camp. Norvell said Barker has “taken tremendous strides” and brings size, speed, and confidence.

• Youth Movement: Eight true freshmen appear on the two-deep, with Boggs the lone starting freshman. Other names like Loftin, Kromah, Thompson, Arnoux, and Nichelson are all expected to play.

• Walk-On Recognition: Donny Hiebert (S) and AJ Cottrill (LB) crack the two-deep, continuing a Norvell trend of rewarding production over pedigree.

🚑 Injury Notes

• In: WR Squirrel White is back after a minor camp injury and is expected to play.

• Out: WR Lawayne McCoy and DT Kevin Wynn are unavailable for Alabama. Both are expected to return soon but will miss the opener.

🔮 Big Picture

The depth chart reflects what Norvell promised all offseason: a clean slate. Veterans like Shyheim Brown and Daniel Lyons are being pushed, while newcomers — both transfers and freshmen — have already carved out major roles. With 18 transfers in the starting lineup and eight freshmen on the two-deep, this is a team in transition, leaning on new blood while hoping the infusion of talent and competition pays off.

👉 Full breakdowns from Warchant and Noles247

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🐘 What Bama Coach Kalen DeBoer Said About FSU 🐘

Alabama’s first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer met with reporters on Monday to preview the Tide’s opener in Tallahassee. Here’s the biggest takeaways from his presser:

🔑 Key Themes from DeBoer

• Respect for Norvell & Staff: DeBoer noted the challenge of preparing for Florida State’s two new coordinators, saying Bama spent “a lot of film study” trying to anticipate wrinkles.

• Start Fast: A repeated emphasis — “You dig yourself a hole on the road, it gets hard… starting fast is critical.” The Tide want to take Doak’s crowd out of the game early.

• QB Confidence: Though QB Ty Simpson is in his first true opener, DeBoer praised his “emotional maturity” and steady partnership with center Parker Brailsford, calling them leaders who “infuse energy while staying calm.”

• Youth Ready to Play: DeBoer singled out freshman DB Dijon Lee, saying he plays with the maturity of a veteran and has “risen to the occasion” since spring.

• No OL Rotation: Unlike last season, Bama plans to keep its starting offensive line together for most snaps to build continuity.

📣 Injury Notes

• Out: RB Jam Miller.

• Questionable: OL Jaeden Roberts (still in protocol).

🏟️ The Bottom Line

DeBoer knows Saturday is as much about poise as scheme. He trusts Simpson, praises his OL’s leadership, and wants a quick start to quiet Doak. But with Alabama breaking in a first-year starting QB against Tony White’s unpredictable 3-3-5, nerves and early momentum could be everything.

👉 Full presser transcript here

🌟 Mike Norvell on Alabama Week & His 2025 Seminoles 🌟

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell spoke Monday ahead of Saturday’s massive opener against No. 8 Alabama. His press conference mixed gratitude for his players’ offseason investment with clear expectations: earn everything, compete relentlessly, and prove it when the lights come on.

🔑 Depth Chart Takeaways

• Fresh Faces Earning Roles: Norvell stressed that nothing was given — former walk-ons Donny Hiebert (S) and AJ Cottrill (LB) cracked the two-deep thanks to steady contributions, while eight true freshmen landed depth chart spots (with Jayvan Boggs even starting at WR).

• Ashlynd Barker Rising: The JUCO product beat out veterans to start at boundary safety, with Norvell praising his “size, confidence, and physicality.”

• Flexibility Everywhere: Chase Loftin shifted to WR after impressing in camp, and multiple TEs (Pittman, Thomas, Williams) give the offense versatile looks.

🏈 On His Quarterback

Norvell couldn’t have been clearer on Tommy Castellanos:

Castellanos’ “rock-breaking” honor to close camp, Norvell said, was an easy choice given his daily competitiveness and locker room impact.

💪 Health & Injury Notes

• Good News: WR Squirrel White expected to play vs. Bama after a minor injury.

• Out: WR Lawayne McCoy and DT Kevin Wynn won’t be available, though both are expected back soon.

• Up Front: OL depth remains thin, but Luke Petitbon has quickly emerged as the vocal leader in the trenches.

📣 Norvell’s Mindset

The head coach closed by emphasizing the scrappy, versatile identity he believes this roster has built since January.

👉 [Full press conference video + transcript here]

📍 Doak Campbell Set for Massive Recruiting Weekend 📍

Florida State’s season opener vs. Alabama isn’t just about the players on the field — it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest recruiting weekends of the Mike Norvell era. A newly-renovated Doak Campbell will host a loaded visitor list, with FSU aiming to capitalize on the spotlight to impress both commits and top uncommitted targets.

📝 Official Visit

• 4⭐ EDGE Asharri Charles (Miami commit)

  • Charles is passing on seeing Miami host Notre Dame to take his official in Tallahassee. He’s intrigued by the versatility of FSU’s new-look defensive front under Tony White, and insiders note he’s watching closely to see how the Seminoles’ defensive line performs against Alabama.

✈️ Key Unofficial Visitors

• 3⭐ QB Jaden O’Neal (FSU commit)

• 4⭐ WR Devin Carter (FSU commit)

• 4⭐ WR Efrem White (FSU commit)

• 3⭐ WR Darryon Williams (FSU commit)

• 4⭐ TE Xavier Tiller (FSU commit)

• 3⭐ OL Mike Ionata (FSU commit)

• 3⭐ OL Jakobe Green (FSU commit)

• 4⭐ DL Earnest Rankins (FSU commit)

• 3⭐ DL Tico Crittendon (FSU commit)

• 4⭐ LB Izayia Williams (FSU commit)

• 3⭐ LB Karon Maycock (FSU commit)

• 3⭐ LB Noah LaVallee (FSU commit)

• 5⭐ CB Chauncey Kennon (FSU commit)

• 3⭐ S Darryl Bell III (FSU commit)

• 3⭐ S Tedarius Hughes (FSU commit)

• 4⭐ CB Bryce Williams (2027 FSU commit)

• 4⭐ S Mekhi Williams (2027 FSU commit)

…and dozens of elite underclassmen prospects from the 2027–2028 cycles, including 5⭐ OT Mark Matthews and 4⭐ DL Elijah Patmon.

🔎 Storylines to Watch

• Jonah Winston (WR, Hoover, Ala.): Younger brother of Jameis Winston. Rivals reports FSU is making a real push, and this weekend could be pivotal in building momentum.

• Damaad Lewis (DL, Charlotte, N.C.): Recently offered by FSU after posting a top 5 of NC State, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, and Washington. Wiltfong says FSU is now firmly “a team to watch” in his recruitment.

• 4⭐ LB DQ Forkpa Jr.: Buzz has been building around FSU and Michigan as leaders. A strong showing by FSU’s defense Saturday could help the Seminoles surge.

• OT Johnnie Jones (UCLA commit): Won’t make the trip this weekend after all, but FSU is expected to keep pushing — Miami game in October is one to watch for his next visit.

🎯 The Bigger Picture

With over a dozen commits on campus and several blue-chip targets at key positions, Saturday isn’t just a season kickoff — it’s a statement opportunity for Norvell’s program. A strong showing on the field could carry as much weight in recruiting momentum as it does in the standings.

👉 [Full recruiting weekend visitor list + updates here]

And that’s a wrap!

That’s all for today’s Chief Brief.

Saturday’s showdown isn’t just a season opener — it’s a chance for Mike Norvell’s team to prove the rebuild is real, for Tony White’s defense to unleash chaos, and for FSU’s recruiting machine to flex in front of a sold-out Doak.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more coverage as the countdown to kickoff ticks closer. Until then, stay locked in, stay loud, and stay Garnet & Gold.

— The Chief Brief 🏹