Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

It’s a packed edition today as Florida State continues to stay active in the portal across sports and coaching circles. Here’s what we’ve got for you:

🏆 FSU Specialists Make History!
Alex Mastromanno and Ryan Fitzgerald became the first punter-kicker duo to earn AFCA First-Team All-America honors in the same season. Dive into their record-breaking performances and how they’ve cemented their legacies at FSU.

⚽ FSU Soccer Signs Canadian Defender Janet Okeke
A rising star with international experience, Okeke joins the Seminoles after a standout stint at NC State. Learn how she’s set to bolster FSU’s backline.

🏀 FSU Hoops in the Orange Bowl Classic
The Seminoles look to bounce back against Tulane this afternoon in the AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic. Get all the details, including lineups and broadcast info.

🛡️ Coaching Staff Reshuffles
Big moves for FSU’s staff: John Papuchis shifts to linebackers coach, Ernie Sims takes on an assistant role, and Austin Tucker steps into a wide receivers coaching position. Explore how these changes could impact the program.

🏈 Transfer Portal Frenzy
From commitments like Thomas Castellanos and Markeston Douglas to key targets like O’Mega Blake and Randy Pittman, FSU is aggressively reloading its roster. Catch up on the latest portal buzz and what’s next for the Seminoles.

🏆 FSU Specialists Earn Historic All-America Honors 🏆

Florida State redshirt seniors Alex Mastromanno and Ryan Fitzgerald made history as the first punter-kicker duo to earn AFCA First-Team All-America honors in the same season. Their standout performances solidify FSU’s special teams as one of the best in the nation.

🌟 Alex Mastromanno: ACC Record Breaker

• Nation-Leading Stats: Mastromanno led the country with 49.3 yards per punt and set an ACC record.

• Consistency: 30 punts of 50+ yards, 17 inside the 20-yard line, and a net average of 45.6 yards.

• FSU Records: Career leader in punts, punting yards, and average (44.9).

• Recognition: First-team honors from both AFCA and Walter Camp, and a Ray Guy Award finalist.

🌟 Ryan Fitzgerald: The Model of Perfection

• Perfect Season: 13-for-13 on field goals, including 5-for-5 from 50+ yards.

• Historic Kicks: Hit field goals of 52 and 59 yards in the season opener, with his 59-yarder becoming the second-longest in program history.

• Consistency: Perfect on all 14 extra-point attempts and set a school record for five 50+ yard field goals in a season.

🎖️ A Legacy of Greatness

• Mastromanno joins FSU punting legends Shawn Powell and Rohn Stark as first-team All-Americans.

• Fitzgerald follows in the footsteps of Roberto Aguayo, the last FSU kicker to earn first-team honors (2013-15).

Together, Mastromanno and Fitzgerald continue FSU's tradition of excellence in special teams, cementing their names in program history.

Read more here.

⚽ FSU Soccer Adds Canadian Defender Janet Okeke ⚽

Florida State soccer continues to strengthen its squad, announcing the signing of sophomore defender Janet Okeke from the transfer portal. The talented Canadian brings international experience and defensive prowess to the Seminoles as they gear up for the upcoming season.

🌟 A Rising International Star

• National Team Experience: Okeke has represented Canada at the U-17 and U-20 levels, earning a bronze medal at the 2022 CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship. She also received her first senior national team call-up in November.

• World Cup Performances: Played all four matches for Canada at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup during her freshman collegiate season.

🌟 Collegiate Success at NC State

• 2024 Season Highlights: Started in 10 matches, contributing to three shutouts, including clean sheets against top programs Clemson and Virginia Tech.

• Impactful Defender: Known for her composure and ability to anchor the backline in high-pressure games.

🌍 From Canada to Tallahassee

• Hometown: Born in Montréal and raised in Laval, Québec, with Nigerian roots through her parents, Augustina and Kalu Okeke.

• Youth Soccer: Began playing at five years old with local club CS Fabrose.

Read more here.

🏀 FSU Men’s Basketball Set to Face Tulane in Orange Bowl Classic 🏀

Florida State men’s basketball returns to action today at 4:30 p.m. against Tulane in the AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. After a week off for final exams, the Seminoles are ready to take on their final two non-conference opponents in a span of four days.

📺 How to Watch and Listen

• TV: ACC Network (Mike Corey and Perry Clark on the call).

• Radio: Legends Radio Network (Jeff Culhane and Ariya Massoudi).

• Streaming: Video and audio streams available online.

🌟 Game Overview

• FSU Record: 7-3 overall, 0-1 in ACC play.

• Tulane Record: 5-6, yet to start AAC play.

• Series History: FSU leads 26-12, with three straight wins against the Green Wave. The Seminoles also boast seven consecutive neutral-court victories over Tulane.

📋 FSU Possible Starting Lineup

• F #1 Jamir Watkins: 17.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg.

• F #10 Taylor Bol Bowen: 7.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg.

• C #12 Malique Ewin: 12.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg.

• G #0 Chandler Jackson: 7.4 ppg, 2.1 apg.

• G #3 Bostyn Holt: 3.8 ppg, 1.8 apg.

Top Reserves: Daquan Davis (8.6 ppg), Jerry Deng (6.4 ppg), Justin Thomas (7.2 ppg).

📋 Tulane Possible Starting Lineup

• F #1 Kaleb Banks: 16.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg.

• F #2 Gregg Glenn III: 8.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg.

• F #3 Kam Williams: 9.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg.

• G #7 Rowan Brumbaugh: 13.3 ppg, 5.0 apg.

• G #5 Mari Jordan: 9.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg.

📅 What’s Next?
After facing Tulane, the Seminoles will return home to host Winthrop on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to conclude their non-conference schedule.

Let’s see if FSU can snap their two-game skid and build momentum heading into ACC play!

Read more here.

🛡️ FSU Coaching Staff Adjustments Announced for 2025 🛡️

Florida State has reshuffled its coaching staff, assigning new roles to three pre-existing members as the program gears up for the 2025 season. Head coach Mike Norvell detailed the changes, emphasizing their collective expertise and potential to enhance player development.

🔄 New Roles and Assignments

🌟 John Papuchis

• New Role: Linebackers Coach (retains Special Teams Coordinator duties).

• Track Record:

  • Coached seven All-Americans and 11 All-ACC performers in five seasons with FSU.

  • Guided Alex Mastromanno and Ryan Fitzgerald to AFCA All-America honors in 2024.

  • Developed elite defenders like Jared Verse and Jermaine Johnson II.

  • Coached 16 NFL Draft picks, including recent first-rounders Verse (2024) and Johnson (2022).

  • Seven conference championship appearances, including FSU’s 13-0 season in 2023.

🌟 Ernie Sims

• New Role: Assistant Linebackers Coach.

• Track Record:

  • Former FSU All-American linebacker and No. 9 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

  • Seven years of collegiate coaching experience, including UCF and South Florida.

  • Coached Jason Johnson to first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2023.

🌟 Austin Tucker

• New Role: Assistant Wide Receivers Coach.

• Track Record:

  • Six years on FSU’s staff, including assisting quarterbacks during FSU’s 13-0 season in 2023.

  • Previous WR coach at North Alabama, developing a young core into a dynamic receiving group.

  • Worked with Gus Malzahn at Auburn and Norvell at Memphis prior to joining FSU.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Extends Offer to Charlotte WR Transfer O'Mega Blake 🏈

Florida State has entered the race for one of the most explosive wide receivers in the NCAA Transfer Portal, offering Charlotte standout O'Mega Blake a scholarship. The offer comes via new wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr., who aims to add Blake's dynamic playmaking ability to the Seminoles' offense.

🌟 O'Mega Blake’s 2024 Breakout Season

• Stats:

  • 32 receptions for 795 yards and 9 touchdowns.

  • Averaged a stunning 24.8 yards per catch, ranking him as one of the nation's premier deep threats.

• Previous Experience:

  • Spent three seasons at South Carolina (2021–2023), recording 20 receptions for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns in 16 games.

  • Transferred to Charlotte in 2024 and delivered his most productive season to date.

🎯 Portal and Recruiting Buzz

• Rankings:

  • No. 82 overall player and No. 22 wide receiver in the Transfer Portal per 247Sports.

• Competition for Blake:

  • Since entering the portal, Blake has received offers from Oklahoma State, Utah, Michigan State, and Arkansas.

🔮 What Blake Brings to FSU

At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Blake offers size, speed, and a proven ability to stretch the field. His one year of eligibility provides an immediate impact option for the Seminoles as they look to bolster their receiving corps under Coach Harris's guidance.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Set to Host UCF TE Transfer Randy Pittman 🏈

Florida State continues its aggressive recruiting in the transfer portal, preparing to welcome UCF tight end Randy Pittman to campus on Saturday. Pittman, who has a connection to Seminole offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, is being heavily courted by FSU as they look to strengthen their tight end room.

🌟 Pittman’s Collegiate Career Highlights

• 2024 Season (UCF):

  • 32 receptions for 416 yards and 2 touchdowns.

• 2023 Season (UCF):

  • 19 receptions for 215 yards and 1 touchdown as a true freshman.

🎯 Recruitment Buzz

• Upcoming Visits:

  • Scheduled visits to Arizona State and Virginia Tech following his trip to Tallahassee.

• Ties to FSU:

  • Originally committed to Florida State as part of the 2023 recruiting class before flipping to UCF in the fall of his senior year.

  • Coached by Gus Malzahn during his time with the Knights, adding familiarity to his FSU recruitment.

📏 Player Profile

• Size: 6-foot-2, 225 pounds.

• Eligibility: Two years remaining.

• Recruitment Ranking:

  • Three-star recruit out of Lynn Haven (Fla.) A. Crawford Mosley High School in the 2023 class.

  • Ranked No. 38 tight end nationally in his recruiting cycle.

  • Not yet ranked as a Transfer Portal prospect by 247Sports.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Navigates NCAA Transfer Portal to Rebuild Roster 🏈

Florida State is in the thick of the transfer portal frenzy, looking to reshape its roster after a challenging 2024 season. Here's a breakdown of the key targets, commitments, and recruitment developments across positions as the Seminoles aim for a transformative offseason.

🌟 Quarterback

• Committed: Boston College QB Thomas Castellanos

  • A dream fulfilled for the South Georgia native, who brings dual-threat capability and familiarity with Gus Malzahn's system.

• Outlook: FSU seems set at quarterback unless an ideal backup option emerges.

🌟 Wide Receiver

• Targets:

  • NC State WR KC Concepcion: Tough competition from Alabama and others.

  • Charlotte WR O'Mega Blake: High-production deep threat; FSU extended an offer.

  • USC WR Duce Robinson: Legacy ties to FSU; staff in contact.

  • Miami (OH) WR Reggie Virgil: Productive with size; visits possible.

🌟 Tight End

• Committed: Arizona State TE Markeston Douglas

  • The former Seminole returns to provide blocking strength.

• Targets:

  • Louisiana TE Terrance Carter: Visiting Dec. 16; a Jaheim Bell-style player.

  • UCF TE Randy Pittman: Visiting Dec. 14; has deep ties to the staff.

  • Texas A&M TE Jaden Platt: Versatile option visiting Dec. 18.

🌟 Offensive Line

• Targets:

  • UCF OT Marcellus Marshall: Former Gus Malzahn player; recently visited.

  • Bowling Green OT Alex Wollschlaeger: Decorated All-MAC tackle; offer extended.

  • Vanderbilt OT Gunnar Hansen: Experienced lineman with a visit scheduled for Dec. 16.

🌟 Defensive Line

• Targets:

  • Nebraska Edge James Williams: Visiting Dec. 16; connections with Terrance Knighton.

  • Northern Illinois DT Skyler Gill-Howard: A top prospect; Texas Tech visit underway.

  • Tulane DL Parker Peterson: High interest after stellar AAC performance.

🌟 Linebacker

• Targets:

  • Nebraska LB Stefon Thompson: Visiting Dec. 13; reunites with former DC Tony White.

  • West Virginia LB Josiah Trotter: Possible Dec. 21 visit; key addition to watch.

🌟 Defensive Back

• Minimal Activity: While Oklahoma DB Makari Vickers received interest, FSU isn't prioritizing the position in this cycle.

🔮 What’s Next?

Florida State’s focus on fostering past connections and targeting high-impact transfers shows their commitment to rebuilding. Expect updates as visits conclude and commitments roll in, with the Seminoles aiming for significant roster upgrades heading into 2025.

Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

From record-breaking kicks to portal pickups, the 'Noles are laying the foundation for a brighter future. Stay tuned as the team gears up for its next challenges, both on and off the field.

See you tomorrow, and as always, Go 'Noles! 🏹