Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Sunday, Seminoles! Here’s the briefing for today’s edition:

🏀 FSU Dominates Tulane in Orange Bowl Classic Victory
FSU men’s basketball snaps a two-game losing streak with a commanding 77-64 win over Tulane. Jamir Watkins shined with 29 points and a career-best 19 free throws, leading the Seminoles to an 8-3 record.

🛡️ FSU Lands Transfer Linebacker Stefon Thompson
Former Nebraska and Syracuse standout Stefon Thompson joins the Seminoles. With 199 career tackles and familiarity with Tony White’s system, he’s set to bolster FSU’s linebacker corps.

🏈 FSU to Host Elite WR Transfer Duce Robinson
USC wide receiver and former five-star recruit Duce Robinson, son of FSU legend Dominic Robinson, includes the Seminoles in his transfer visit plans.

🏀 FSU Women’s Basketball Prepares to Host Drexel
Scoring leader Ta’Niya Latson and the Seminoles gear up for their Sunday matchup against Drexel. Latson continues her record-breaking season as FSU seeks its 10th win.

🛠️ FSU Bolsters Recruiting Staff with Devin Rispress Addition
Mike Norvell adds Devin Rispress, a Tallahassee native with a stellar recruiting resume, to the Seminoles’ staff in a push to reshape the program after a challenging season.

🏈 FSU to Host Explosive WR Transfer O’Mega Blake
Charlotte WR transfer O’Mega Blake, who averaged 24.8 yards per catch in 2024, will visit FSU this week as the Seminoles compete with SEC programs for his commitment.

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🏀 FSU Dominates Tulane in Orange Bowl Classic Victory 🏀

Florida State snapped a two-game skid with a commanding 77-64 win over Tulane in the Orange Bowl Classic, improving to 8-3 on the season. MVP Jamir Watkins put on a show, scoring a team-high 29 points, including a career-best 19 made free throws.

🌟 Seminoles Shine

• Jamir Watkins: 29 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal. Drew 14 fouls and tied a season-high scoring performance.

• Malique Ewin: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Scored in double figures for the third consecutive game.

• Jerry Deng: FSU-high 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals.

• Justin Thomas: 10 points, 2 assists.

🔥 Key Stats

• Field Goals: 48.8% (21-of-43)

• Free Throws: 82.9% (29-of-35)

• Defense: 7 steals, 4 blocks, held Tulane to 33.9% shooting and 13.6% from deep.

FSU took control early with a dominant 21-2 run, leading by as many as 19 points. Despite missing three key players, the Seminoles showcased depth, with four players scoring in double figures.

Tulane’s Kaleb Banks led all scorers with 33 points and 16 rebounds, but FSU’s strong defense and efficient offense secured the win.

📅 What’s Next?
Florida State wraps up its non-conference slate against Winthrop on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.

Read more here and here.

🛡️ FSU Lands Transfer Linebacker Stefon Thompson 🛡️

Florida State has bolstered its linebacker corps with the addition of former Nebraska and Syracuse standout Stefon Thompson. Head coach Mike Norvell officially announced Thompson’s signing on Saturday, citing his versatility and playmaking ability as key assets for the Seminoles’ defense.

🌟 Thompson’s Journey

• Collegiate Career:

  • Totaled 199 tackles, 20.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 11 QB hurries across 47 games.

  • Best season came in 2021 at Syracuse: 79 tackles, 8 TFLs, 6 sacks.

  • Notable 2024 season stats at Nebraska: 27 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 76.4 PFF grade across 175 snaps.

• Reunited with Tony White:

  • Played under FSU’s new defensive coordinator at both Syracuse and Nebraska.

🎙️ Coach’s Take:
“Stefon has shown tremendous versatility and playmaking ability. I’m excited for what he will bring into our linebacker room and how he will complement the group,” said Norvell.

📏 Player Profile:

• Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 240 pounds

• Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

• Highlights: Broke Syracuse’s freshman record with 4.0 tackles for loss in a single game.

🔮 Looking Ahead:
With Thompson’s experience and familiarity with White’s system, the Seminoles gain a proven player capable of making an immediate impact as they rebuild their defense for 2025.

Read more here, here, and here.

🏈 FSU to Host Elite WR Transfer Duce Robinson 🏈

Florida State is in the mix to land one of the most coveted players in the NCAA Transfer Portal, as USC wide receiver Duce Robinson has included the Seminoles in his visit plans. A source confirmed to Noles247 on Saturday that Robinson will trip to Tallahassee after visiting Arizona State, with additional stops planned at Texas A&M and North Carolina.

🌟 Duce Robinson’s Resume

• 2024 Season Stats: 23 receptions, 396 yards, 5 touchdowns at USC.

• Career Highlights: 39 catches for 747 yards and 7 touchdowns in two seasons with the Trojans.

• High School Accolades:

  • Five-star recruit in the 2023 class, ranked No. 19 nationally and No. 1 as a tight end by 247Sports.

  • A dual-sport athlete who also starred as a baseball outfielder.

📏 Player Profile

• Size: 6-foot-6, 220 pounds

• Connection to FSU: Robinson is the son of former Seminole wide receiver Dominic Robinson, adding a legacy connection to his potential move to Tallahassee.

🔮 What Robinson Brings:
A versatile and imposing target, Robinson’s size, athleticism, and ability to stretch the field make him a game-changing addition to any offense. With two years of eligibility remaining, he offers immediate impact potential for FSU’s receiving corps under new WR coach Tim Harris Jr.

Read more here.

🏀 FSU Women’s Basketball Prepares to Host Drexel 🏀

The Florida State women’s basketball team (9-2, 1-0 ACC) is set to face Drexel (3-3) on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The Seminoles, boasting one of the most electrifying offenses in the nation, will look to secure their 10th win of the season against the Dragons.

🌟 Seminoles on Fire

• Ta’Niya Latson’s Dominance:

  • Leads the nation in scoring with 28.6 points per game.

  • Scored a career-high 38 points against Tennessee and followed with 39 points in a victory over SMU.

  • Owns eight of FSU’s top 20 scoring performances in program history.

• Record-Breaking Offense:

  • FSU ranks second nationally in scoring offense, averaging 94.2 points per game.

  • The team has produced two 38-point scorers this season: Latson and Makayla Timpson.

🎖️ Latson’s Accolades

• ACC Player of the Week for the second time this season, adding to her 16 career weekly honors.

• Holds the third and fourth-highest single-game scoring totals in the nation this season.

🔮 What’s Next?
As the Seminoles aim to extend their hot streak, Latson’s scoring prowess and the team’s balanced offensive attack make FSU a formidable force heading into this matchup.

Read more here.

🛠️ FSU Bolsters Recruiting Staff with Devin Rispress Addition 🛠️

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is making key adjustments to the program’s off-field recruiting staff following a challenging 2024 season. Sources have confirmed to Noles247 that Devin Rispress will join the Seminoles as part of their revamped recruiting department.

🌟 Rispress’ Recruiting Resume

• Colorado Success:

  • Assistant Director of Player Personnel/High School Relations in 2024.

  • Contributed to securing commitments from standout recruits, including:

    • Four-star WRs Quanell X Farrakhan and Adrian Wilson.

    • Four-star DB Antonio Branch.

    • Four-star OL Carde Smith.

    • Three-star DL Christian Hudson.

• FAMU Impact:

  • Served as Director of Recruiting (2022–2023), strengthening the Rattlers’ talent pipeline.

🌍 Hometown Connection

• Tallahassee Roots:

  • A Rickards High School alum who excelled at running back during his playing days.

  • Coached locally at Rickards, Godby High School, and Gadsden County High School.

🔄 A Strategic Overhaul
This hiring marks the first of several expected moves in Norvell’s restructuring of FSU’s recruiting staff as the program works to rebound from a difficult 2-10 season. Rispress’ proven track record and deep ties to Florida’s talent-rich high school scene position him as a valuable asset in the Seminoles’ recruiting efforts.

Stay tuned for updates on further staff changes.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU to Host Explosive WR Transfer O’Mega Blake 🏈

Florida State is gearing up to host Charlotte wide receiver transfer O’Mega Blake, one of the most electrifying field stretchers in the NCAA Transfer Portal. The Seminoles will compete with South Carolina and Arkansas for Blake’s commitment, as the standout playmaker evaluates his next move.

🌟 Blake’s 2024 Breakout Season

• National Leader:

  • Ranked second nationally with an incredible 24.8 yards per catch.

  • Finished the season with 32 receptions, 795 yards, and nine touchdowns.

  • The only receiver with more than 750 yards to average over 22 yards per reception.

• Versatile Playmaking:

  • At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Blake combines speed, precision, and field awareness.

  • “I’m one of those guys who runs with what’s beside me,” Blake shared, emphasizing his adaptability and explosiveness.

🌟 Recruiting Summary

• Visit Schedule:

  • Monday: South Carolina (his former program).

  • Tuesday: Florida State in Tallahassee.

  • Later This Week: Arkansas (date TBD).

• Offers & Interest:

  • FBS interest includes NC State, North Carolina, Georgia, and more.

  • 247Sports ranks Blake as an 89-grade transfer and one of the top WRs in the portal.

🎯 What Blake Brings
Blake’s proven ability to stretch the field and make an immediate impact makes him a highly sought-after addition. With one season of eligibility remaining, the senior wideout is focused on finding a program with strong quarterback play and the opportunity to shine: “They getting a dawg that wants to win,” Blake said. “I’m going to make everybody feel me.”

🔮 What’s Next?
Blake’s upcoming visits will be pivotal as he decides which program can best help him achieve his goal of reaching the next level. FSU’s recent coaching hires and offensive strategy could make Tallahassee an appealing destination for this game-changing talent.

Read more here and here.

And that’s a wrap!

This edition had it all—dominating performances on the court, exciting additions to the roster, and crucial recruiting wins. From Jamir Watkins lighting up the Orange Bowl Classic to Stefon Thompson and O’Mega Blake potentially reshaping the future of FSU’s football program, the Seminoles are making waves both on and off the field.

As we look ahead, keep an eye on the explosive potential of Duce Robinson and the continued excellence of Ta’Niya Latson as she leads FSU Women’s Basketball into another thrilling matchup.

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