Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Welcome to today’s edition of The Chief Brief! From thrilling facility updates to high-stakes recruiting battles, here’s what’s making waves in Seminole Nation:

🏟️ FSU’s Lacrosse Legacy Begins
Florida State is gearing up for the debut of its women’s lacrosse program with plans for a state-of-the-art stadium designed by PBK. From innovative fan spaces to cutting-edge athlete facilities, this marks a bold step into a new era.

⚽ Seminoles Score Big in Soccer Transfer Market
Redshirt senior Erin Flurey, Syracuse’s standout forward, joins FSU soccer. With her scoring prowess and academic accolades, Flurey is set to elevate the Seminoles’ offensive firepower.

🛡️ A Legacy Moves On
Junior defensive end Marvin Jones Jr., a Seminole legacy and one of the program's key transfers last season, enters the Transfer Portal, leaving FSU with significant defensive line turnover.

🏆 Warrick Dunn: Hall of Fame Bound
FSU icon Warrick Dunn earns a place in the College Football Hall of Fame, celebrating a career marked by record-breaking achievements, a national title, and unparalleled philanthropy.

🏈 Castellanos Finds a Home
Boston College quarterback transfer Thomas Castellanos fulfills his lifelong dream by joining FSU. Reuniting with Gus Malzahn, Castellanos brings dynamic playmaking to the Seminoles’ offense.

🏈 FSU in the Mix for NC State WR Transfer KC Concepcion
Ranked No. 2 in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings, wide receiver KC Concepcion has FSU among his top six schools. Can the Seminoles secure this dynamic playmaker?

🏈 FSU Offers Versatile Louisiana TE Terrance Carter
Terrance Carter, a standout tight end from Louisiana, is on FSU’s radar. Head coach Mike Norvell envisions him as a Jaheim Bell-like weapon in the Seminoles’ evolving offense.

🏈 New Coordinators Poised to Boost Recruiting
Gus Malzahn and Tony White share their excitement for recruiting with the Seminoles, bolstered by the program’s tradition and state-of-the-art facilities.

🏈 Transfer Portal Watch: Top Targets for FSU
Day 2 of the Transfer Portal has unveiled intriguing prospects. From tight ends like Randy Pittman and Terrance Carter to defensive standouts like Travis Shaw and Dasan McCullough, the Seminoles are positioned to strike.

It’s a dynamic time for FSU, with opportunities and changes on the horizon. Let’s dive into the full stories! 🌟

🏟️ FSU Announces PBK as Architect for Lacrosse-Only Stadium 🏟️

Florida State is gearing up for the debut of its women’s lacrosse program in 2026, and the university has taken a major step forward by selecting PBK as the architectural firm to design its new lacrosse-only stadium.

🌟 State-of-the-Art Facility
The new stadium will provide a cutting-edge experience for players and fans alike, featuring:

• A turf field with multiple seating options.

• A press box and social spaces to enhance fan engagement.

• A team building equipped with locker rooms, meeting rooms, and a team lounge tailored for student-athlete success.

🎙️ Leadership Commentary
“This is another exciting step for our lacrosse program,” said FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford. “PBK’s reputation for creating fan-friendly, functional spaces ensures our facility will offer an exceptional viewing experience and true home-field advantage.”

Head coach Sara Tisdale added, “This facility will give us a competitive edge with features no other program in the country has, focusing on an incredible student-athlete experience and welcoming fans into a dynamic environment.”

🏆 PBK’s Proven Expertise
PBK, an award-winning architecture and design firm, has an extensive track record of creating premier sports venues for top athletic departments nationwide.

🔜 Lacrosse on the Horizon
Florida State signed 14 players in November as part of its first recruiting class. The program’s inaugural season kicks off in February 2026, promising a bright future for Seminole lacrosse.

Read more here.

⚽ FSU Soccer Adds Syracuse Standout Erin Flurey ⚽

Florida State soccer has secured its first transfer of the offseason with the addition of redshirt senior forward Erin Flurey from Syracuse.

🌟 Proven ACC Performer
Flurey brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Seminoles, having:

• Started 49 games for the Orange, including 37 consecutive starts since her freshman year.

• Scored 15 career goals and added 5 assists, leading Syracuse in points during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

• Netted 7 goals in ACC play, making her the first Syracuse player since 2019 to score multiple conference goals in consecutive seasons.

🎓 Academic Excellence
Flurey has excelled off the field as well, earning:

• Syracuse Athletic Director's Honor Roll for six straight semesters.

• 2024 Academic All-America and All-District Women's Soccer honors.

• A spot on the 2022 All-ACC Academic Team.

🏆 High School Highlights
A Manchester, New Hampshire native, Flurey led her high school to back-to-back state titles, setting records and serving as a team captain.

Read more here.

🛡️ Marvin Jones Jr. Enters Transfer Portal After One Season with FSU 🛡️

Junior defensive end Marvin Jones Jr., a legacy player for Florida State, has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after just one season in Tallahassee.

🌟 A Legacy’s Journey
Jones Jr., the son of FSU legend Marvin Jones, transferred to FSU from Georgia before the 2024 season, arriving with high expectations:

• 2024 Season Stats: Played in 11 games with 9 starts, recording 25 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 QB hurries, and a forced fumble.

• Prior to FSU, he appeared in 25 games over two seasons with Georgia, contributing to their 2022 national championship run.

📉 Defensive Depth Concerns
With Jones Jr.’s departure, FSU’s defensive line faces significant turnover:

• Three of four starting defensive linemen from 2024 have now transferred.

• Patrick Payton remains the lone defensive end with starting experience still on the roster.

🏆 High School and Family Legacy

• A consensus five-star recruit from American Heritage, Jones Jr. was ranked as the No. 1 edge defender in his class.

• Coached in high school by FSU defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.

• His father, Marvin Jones, is a College Football Hall of Famer and one of the greatest Seminoles in history.

Read more here.

🏆 Warrick Dunn Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame 🏆

Florida State legend Warrick Dunn received one of college football's highest honors, joining the College Football Hall of Fame during a ceremony hosted by the National Football Foundation in Las Vegas.

Dunn becomes the 11th member of FSU’s storied program to be inducted, sharing this elite status with his coach, Bobby Bowden, and teammates Charlie Ward and Derrick Brooks.

🌟 A Career for the Ages
Dunn’s remarkable contributions to FSU football include:

• Record Breaker: First FSU player to rush for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.

• All-Time Leader: Holds school records in career rushing yards (3,959), touchdowns (49), and all-purpose yards (5,321).

• Accolades: Three-time First Team All-ACC honoree and 1996 First Team All-American.

• National Champion: Key player in FSU’s 1993 national title win.

📈 Team Success
Under Dunn’s leadership, FSU achieved an impressive 43-5-1 record, four consecutive ACC titles, and consistently ranked in the AP Top 4 during his tenure.

🏈 NFL Stardom and Humanitarian Legacy
Dunn’s impact extended beyond college:

• Pro Career: Played 12 NFL seasons, earning Rookie of the Year and three Pro Bowl selections.

• Philanthropy: Through Warrick Dunn Charities, he has helped over 200 single-parent families with housing assistance, earning him numerous humanitarian awards.

Read more here.

🏈 Thomas Castellanos Transfers to Florida State 🏈

Florida State has officially landed Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos, fulfilling a lifelong dream for the South Georgia native. Castellanos, who described FSU as his "dream school," cited his connection to new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn as a key factor in his decision.

🌟 A Perfect Fit

• Ties to Malzahn: Castellanos was recruited by Malzahn to UCF and is eager to thrive in his quarterback-friendly offensive system.

• Playmaker Potential: "Gus Malzahn's offense allows you to have a lot of free reign of just being that playmaker and the person that I am," Castellanos shared.

📈 Career Highlights

• 2023 Season at Boston College:

  • 2,146 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 13 interceptions.

  • 957 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

• 2024 Season:

  • Led BC to a victory over FSU in Doak Campbell Stadium.

  • Totaled 1,366 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

🚨 What Castellanos Brings to FSU
A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Castellanos adds mobility and creativity to FSU’s offensive rebuild under Malzahn. Ranked as the No. 11 quarterback in the portal by 247Sports, his arrival injects immediate competition and experience into the Seminoles' quarterback room.

🔮 Looking Ahead
Castellanos' decision to transfer to FSU not only deepens the Seminoles' quarterback roster but also symbolizes a fresh start for both the player and the program. With Malzahn’s system tailored to his strengths, Castellanos has the opportunity to shine in garnet and gold.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU in the Mix for NC State WR Transfer KC Concepcion 🏈

Florida State is one of six programs vying for NC State transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion, a dynamic playmaker ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. Concepcion, who has two years of eligibility remaining, is exploring top programs including Alabama, Colorado, Miami, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.

🌟 Concepcion’s Credentials

• 2023 Freshman Breakout: 71 receptions, 839 yards, 10 touchdowns, plus 320 rushing yards.

• 2024 Season: 53 receptions, 460 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 2 rushing scores.

🚨 Competition for Concepcion

• Alabama & Texas A&M: Lining up visits this week as both programs aim to bolster their receiving corps.

• Miami: Making a strong push to add another elite receiver.

• Colorado & South Carolina: Eyeing Concepcion as a key addition to complement their quarterback play.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Offers Versatile Louisiana TE Terrance Carter 🏈

Florida State is targeting Louisiana sophomore tight end Terrance Carter, offering him a scholarship as they aim to strengthen their tight end room for the 2025 season.

🌟 Carter’s 2024 Season Highlights

• Receptions: 48 catches for 689 yards and 4 touchdowns.

• Versatility: Averaged 14.4 yards per reception while serving as a hybrid H-back in the offense.

• Durability: Started all 13 games.

🎯 FSU’s Pitch
Head coach Mike Norvell personally extended the offer, comparing Carter to former FSU standout and NFL Draft pick Jaheim Bell, emphasizing his role as a dynamic, versatile weapon in the offense.

• Carter’s Take:

  • "Coach Norvell sees me as a Jaheim Bell-type player. I like the way he utilized Bell. I feel like we’re similar players—if not, I’m a little more athletic!"

🚨 Recruitment Update
Carter plans to visit Florida State next Monday, following trips to Houston and Texas Tech. He’s eager to explore Tallahassee and evaluate the program’s academic and athletic support systems.

📍 Competitive Landscape
Carter is also drawing interest from Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Arizona State, California, Wisconsin, and Liberty, with several programs vying for his remaining visits.

🔜 What’s Next?
Carter intends to make his decision within the next two weeks. FSU’s creativity in utilizing tight ends and Norvell’s personalized pitch could give the Seminoles a crucial edge in landing the versatile playmaker.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU's New Coordinators Ready to Elevate Recruiting Game 🏈

Florida State's recently hired offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Tony White are already diving into their new roles, expressing excitement about the Seminoles’ recruiting potential and brand power.

🎯 Recruiting Momentum
Malzahn highlighted the positive responses he's received from top transfer portal prospects since Monday’s portal opening:

• “There’s been great interest in what we’re building here,” Malzahn said.

• FSU plans to bring in approximately 20 transfers this offseason, with former Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos among the first visitors.

While avoiding specifics, Malzahn outlined his ideal quarterback traits:

• Leadership: A winner who elevates those around them.

• Skillset: Championship-level abilities, including playmaking and pushing the ball downfield.

• Adaptability: Building the offense around the QB’s strengths has been key to his success.

🌟 Defensive Vision with Tony White
White, fresh from Nebraska, noted the unique talent in the Southeast, particularly Florida, and the significance of recruiting in such a fertile area.

• “The best football players in the country are from this area,” White said.

• His first impression of FSU’s tradition: “Reading the list of ACC championships was unreal. This is a program built on success and poised to do it all again.”

🏗️ Game-Changing Facilities
White and Malzahn praised the construction of FSU’s new standalone football facility, slated for completion before the 2025 season. White called it a "game-changer" that will enhance recruiting:

• “When families and recruits see this investment in the student-athlete experience, it’ll set FSU apart,” he said.

With a refreshed coaching staff and a focused approach, FSU is working to rebuild its competitive edge while embracing the legacy that continues to resonate with recruits and fans alike.

Read more here.

🏈 Transfer Portal: Top Targets FSU Should Explore 🏈

Day 2 of the winter Transfer Portal window brought a wave of intriguing names for Florida State to consider. Here’s a breakdown of potential fits who could bolster the Seminoles’ roster for 2025:

🔗 Tight Ends

• Randy Pittman, UCF (Jr.):

  • Familiar with Gus Malzahn’s system and a former FSU commit.

  • Stats: 51 catches, 631 yards, 2 TDs in two seasons.

  • Fit: H-back role in Malzahn’s offense.

• Terrance Carter, Louisiana (RS Soph.):

  • Already offered by FSU.

  • Stats: 48 catches, 689 yards, 4 TDs in 2024.

  • PFF Grade: 83.2 overall, elite 90.4 receiving grade.

  • Fit: Dynamic receiving threat with versatility.

🌟 Wide Receivers

• Nyziah Hunter, Cal (RS Fr.):

  • Productive in a tough offense.

  • Stats: 40 receptions, 578 yards, 5 TDs.

  • Strength: Contested catches (57.1% rate).

• O’Mega Blake, Charlotte:

  • Stats: 795 yards, 9 TDs; 24.84 yards per reception (2nd nationally).

  • Fit: Vertical deep-threat potential.

• J.Michael Sturdivant, UCLA:

  • Stats: 912 yards over two seasons.

  • Build: 6-3, 205; ideal outside WR.

• Jalil Farooq, Oklahoma (Sr.):

  • Stats: 1,000+ receiving yards across prior two seasons.

  • Skill: YAC specialist, solid 6-1, 207 frame.

🔨 Defensive Linemen

• Travis Shaw, UNC (Jr.):

  • Former five-star recruit.

  • Stats: 66.3 PFF Grade; 69.6 vs. the run.

  • Build: Nose tackle, 6-5, 330.

• Jack Pyburn, Florida (Jr.):

  • Stats: 60 tackles, 4.0 TFL; 77.1 PFF Run Defense Grade.

  • Build: 6-3, 265; versatile defensive front option.

⚡ Linebackers & Secondary

• Dasan McCullough, Oklahoma:

  • Hybrid LB with length (6-5).

  • Skill set includes run defense, QB rush, and playing in space.

• Cameron Calhoun, Utah (Fr.):

  • Stats: 76.3 PFF Grade; allowed just 48.8% completion rate.

  • Build: 6-0, good length for corner.

• Christian Ellis, New Mexico (Jr.):

  • Stats: 99 tackles, 5 PBU, 1 INT; 72.6 PFF Grade.

  • Fit: Experienced safety, Jacksonville native.

With needs across the board, FSU has ample opportunities to upgrade key positions. Expect the Seminoles to be aggressive in adding the right talent to support their revamped coaching staff and rebuild momentum.

Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

As we look ahead to new faces, exciting upgrades, and bold decisions shaping FSU’s future, one thing remains constant: the Seminole spirit that binds us all.

Whether it’s a new stadium, a transfer portal win, or a Hall of Fame nod, there’s always something to celebrate in Garnet and Gold.

Stay tuned as the journey unfolds, and as always—Go Noles!