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Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

Florida State’s offseason isn’t slowing down.. From national championships and individual awards to portal decisions, staff resets, and high-stakes evaluations at quarterback, today’s edition connects every moving piece shaping FSU’s immediate future.

⚽ Jordynn Dudley’s National Moment ⚽
Fresh off another NCAA title, Dudley’s historic season earns her a spot among the nation’s elite, with multiple national awards placing her firmly in rare Seminole company.

🏀 Men’s Basketball Faces a Road Reality Check 🏀
A struggling FSU squad heads into a hostile Dayton environment searching for answers as non-conference play winds down and ACC play looms.

🏈 Another Blue-Chip Exit in the Secondary 🏈
Former Top-125 cornerback Cai Bates plans to enter the portal, adding to recent defensive back attrition and raising fresh questions about development and retention.

🌟 A Signee Shines on the Biggest Stage 🌟
Jordan Crutchfield’s three-interception state title performance puts his upside on full display — and hints that FSU may have found value where others missed it.

🏈 The Portal QB Board Takes Shape 🏈
With January approaching fast, realistic quarterback options emerge across Power Four and Group of Five levels — and the margin for error is razor thin.

🏈 Running Back: Stability or Swing Big? 🏈
FSU’s RB room showed promise but lacked a true identity in 2025. The decision to trust internal development or add a portal piece could quietly define the offense.

🏈 Coaching Staff Reset, Not Overhaul 🏈
Norvell tightens alignment around Malzahn, Tony White reshapes the defense, and several key vacancies remain unresolved as portal season approaches.

There’s some offseason noise and we’re trying to shake out the framework for what 2026 can realistically become. Let’s get into it.

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⚽ Jordynn Dudley Named Honda Sport Award Finalist ⚽

Florida State star Jordynn Dudley continues to rack up national honors after leading the Seminoles to another NCAA title.

🔥 National Recognition, Elite Company

• Dudley is one of four finalists for the Honda Sport Award for Soccer, honoring the nation’s top female collegiate player.

• She’s the 13th finalist in FSU history, with the program producing finalists in six straight years and 10 of the last 13.

• Three Seminoles have previously won the award: Natalia Kuikka (2018), Jaelin Howell (2021), Onyi Echegini (2023).

🏆 Awards Stack Keeps Growing

• Also a Hermann Trophy finalist (top player in college soccer).

• Named a National Player of the Year Finalist by Top Drawer Soccer.

• Earned First Team All-American honors for the second time in her career.

• Became the first player in program history to earn All-America honors in each of her first three seasons — with two First Team selections.

📊 Dominant 2025 Season

• Team leader in assists (14), points (36), and shots (88).

• Finished with 11 goals, 3 game-winners, and 3 multi-goal games.

• Ranked nationally:

  • No. 5 in total assists

  • No. 6 in assists per game

  • Top 20 in points, shots, and points per game

• Led the ACC in assists and shots during conference play.

👉 Read more on Dudley’s historic season, award chances, and where she ranks nationally

🏀 FSU Men’s Basketball Heads to Dayton Amid Road Struggles 🏀

Florida State hits the road Tuesday night looking to snap a four-game skid against a tough Dayton squad.

🔥 Game Snapshot

• Opponent: Dayton

• Date: Tuesday

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

• Location: UD Arena (Dayton, Ohio)

• TV: CBS Sports Network

💨 Where FSU Stands

• The Seminoles enter 5–5 overall, coming off a loss to UMass.

• Currently on a four-game losing streak, with their last win on Nov. 25.

• 0–4 away from home this season, including an 0–1 mark in true road games.

• Still adjusting under first-year head coach Luke Loucks.

🏠 The Challenge Ahead

• Dayton is 8–3 overall and a perfect 6–0 at home.

• Coached by Anthony Grant, a veteran with SEC and NCAA Tournament experience.

• The Flyers’ only losses came against Cincinnati, BYU, and Virginia.

📜 Series History

• The all-time series is tied 3–3, but Dayton holds a 3–1 edge at home.

• The teams haven’t met since 1981, when Dayton won the Dayton Invitational title game.

• FSU’s last win over the Flyers came in 1970, led by Hall of Famer Dave Cowens.

🔒 Why It Matters
This one is a measuring stick. With road issues mounting and non-conference play winding down, FSU needs a response, and a strong showing in a hostile environment, before ACC play fully takes over.

👉 Follow along for live updates, starters, and in-game notes from Dayton

🏈 FSU CB Cai Bates Plans to Enter the Transfer Portal 🏈

Florida State is set to lose another former blue-chip defender as cornerback Cai Bates intends to enter the transfer portal after two seasons in Tallahassee.

🔥 What We Know

• Bates was the No. 4-ranked player in FSU’s 2024 recruiting class.

• Consensus four-star prospect, ranked No. 125 nationally by 247Sports.

• One of three Top-125 cornerbacks in that class, alongside Jamari Howard and Charles Lester III.

• Listed at 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, offering ideal size for the position.

💨 On-Field Usage

• Redshirted in 2024, appearing in three games (1 tackle).

• Played six games in 2025, again recording one tackle.

• Career total: 9 games, 2 tackles.

🧠 Context That Matters

• Bates’ departure comes shortly after FSU parted ways with CBs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.

• Despite elite recruiting pedigree, Bates never carved out a consistent role in the rotation.

• Another example of recent blue-chip attrition in the secondary, an area already under scrutiny.

🔒 Why It Matters
Losing a former Top-125 recruit with ideal size underscores FSU’s ongoing challenges with defensive back development and retention and puts even more pressure on portal evaluations to replace upside, not just snaps.

👉 Read more for recruiting context, coaching implications, and what Bates’ exit signals for FSU’s secondary moving forward

Why More Seafood (and Less Red Meat) Might Be the Wellness Shift You’ve Been Looking For

 If you’re thinking about cutting back on red meat for better health, wild-caught seafood could be your secret weapon. Science shows that eating fish 1-2 times a week can support healthy heart and brain function, help reduce inflammation, and even may give your metabolism a little boost.

Here’s what wild-caught seafood delivers: essential n‑3 polyunsaturated fats (specifically, the marine-based omega-3 fatty acids that nutritionists love so much!), lean and digestible protein, and a smorgasbord of nutrients. Compare that to conventional red meat, which often comes with higher saturated fat, an unhealthy balance of omega‑6 fatty acids, and a limited range of nutrients.

Switching to seafood as your go-to protein is not just a shift away from a red meat rut. It’s a shift toward higher-quality nutrients and a more diversified diet for well-rounded health.

🌟 Jordan Crutchfield Shines Despite Heartbreak Finish 🌟

Florida State safety signee Jordan Crutchfield turned in one of the most eye-opening performances of championship weekend even in defeat.

🔥 A Monster State Title Game

• Crutchfield recorded three interceptions in the Class 7A state championship.

• Came against Noah Grubbs, a Notre Dame signee and newly named Rivals Player of the Year.

• Vero Beach ultimately lost on a last-second Hail Mary, one of the wildest finishes in recent state title history.

💨 Recruiting Context

• Crutchfield flipped to FSU late in the cycle after an official visit for the Virginia Tech home finale.

• His opening came after FSU lost DB commits Jay Timmons and Tedarius Hughes.

• Though rated a three-star, his championship performance fueled questions about whether he’s undervalued.

🧠 What Evaluators Are Saying

• Rivals’ Andy Villamarzo:

• At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, he brings ideal size and instinct to the secondary.

📅 What’s Next

• Crutchfield plans to enroll in January.

• Will participate in Tour of Duty and spring practice, giving him an early runway to compete for snaps.

🔒 Why It Matters
In a cycle marked by defensive back attrition, Crutchfield looks like a timely addition with real takeaway instincts. Performances like this hint at upside that rankings may not fully capture and early enrollment gives him a chance to prove it fast.

👉 Read more on how Crutchfield’s flip came together and why FSU insiders believe he could outplay his ranking

🏈 Portal QB Board: Names That Make Sense for FSU 🏈

With the January 2 transfer window approaching, Florida State is expected to aggressively pursue a quarterback. Here’s a clean look at realistic portal options — grouped by experience level — and why each could (or couldn’t) fit in Tallahassee.

🔥 Experienced Power 4 Options

Avery Johnson — Kansas State (Rising Sr.)

• Dual-threat with real athleticism and arm strength.

• Took a step back statistically in 2025, but a change of scenery could help.

• At his best when pushing the ball vertically and using his legs.

Conner Weigman — Houston (Rising RS Sr.)

• Strong rushing production late in the season (80+ yards in 5 of last 6 games).

• Arm talent is evident, but accuracy is inconsistent.

• Physical runner who fits a Malzahn-style offense stylistically.

Brendan Sorsby — Cincinnati (Rising RS Sr.)

• Most efficient passer on this list: 27 TDs, just 5 INTs.

• Steady year-over-year improvement as both a passer and runner.

• Thrives in quick-release RPO concepts; very clean fit schematically.

💨 Inexperienced Power 4 Upside Plays

Lincoln Kienholz — Ohio State (Rising RS Jr.)

• Passed over by a Heisman finalist, not a failure — just buried on the depth chart.

• Added significant size; runs with power.

• Live arm, but accuracy drops when forced off-platform.

Kenny Minchey — Notre Dame (Rising RS Jr.)

• Limited game reps, but flashed command and creativity in mop-up duty.

• Needs a real opportunity to start; upside is clear.

• Risk comes with inexperience, not tools.

⚡ Group of Five Targets

Colton Joseph — Old Dominion (Rising RS Jr.)

• Massive rushing production (1,000+ yards, 13 TDs).

• Plus arm strength, but accuracy swings wildly.

• High-ceiling, high-variance option.

Amari Odom — Kennesaw State (Rising RS Jr.)

• Still developing physically and mechanically.

• When synced up, can make impressive downfield throws.

• Keeps eyes downfield under pressure — a strong trait.

Anthony Colandrea — UNLV (Rising Sr.)

• Former UVA starter who stabilized under Dan Mullen.

• Reduced turnovers, maximized mobility.

• Likely a game manager at the P4 level — but functional with the right roster.

🧠 Why It Matters
FSU doesn’t need a project; it needs a stabilizer with upside. This list shows there are viable paths at multiple experience levels, but the margin for error is thin. Getting this decision wrong risks another year of offensive limbo; getting it right changes everything.

👉 Read more for deeper evals, NIL realities, and which names insiders believe are most realistic for FSU

🏈 Offseason Reset: Running Back Outlook for 2026 🏈

After breaking down quarterback, Florida State’s offseason spotlight shifts to running back; a unit that flashed promise but never quite became the engine Gus Malzahn offenses are known for.

🔥 Was RB Play Good in 2025?

• Generally solid, but rarely dynamic.

• Usage was inconsistent, and no single back separated as a true bellcow.

• Four different backs finished between 27–109 carries — none topped 500 rushing yards.

💨 Who Stood Out

• Samuel Singleton (RS So.)

  • Briefly emerged as a feature back before injury.

  • Averaged 7.06 YPC, totaling 360 yards and 4 TDs.

  • Strong fit in inside-zone concepts; decisive with burst.

• Ousmane Kromah (Fr.)

  • Ran with power and balance well beyond his experience level.

  • Posted strong PFF grades and showed real upside.

  • Already a meaningful NIL investment for the program.

• Gavin Sawchuk (Transfer)

  • Reliable and consistent, but lacked explosiveness.

• Jaylin Lucas

  • Flashed big-play ability, but never found consistency.

🧠 Who’s Back for 2026

• Singleton, Kromah, and Sawchuk all return with eligibility.

• Singleton + Kromah project as potential long-term building blocks if they stay healthy and develop.

🌱 Freshman Factor

• Amari Thomas enters with eye-popping prep production (14.4 YPC).

• Likely rotational early, not viewed as a Day 1 difference-maker.

📊 Portal Priority Rating: 5/10

• FSU could roll forward with Singleton and Kromah as a 1–2 punch.

• But if winning immediately is the mandate, adding a proven bellcow — or a reliable pass-catching back to replace Lucas — could raise the offense’s floor quickly.

🔒 Why It Matters
Malzahn’s offense works best with a clear RB identity. Whether FSU bets on internal development or supplements with a portal addition could determine if this unit becomes a strength or just another missed opportunity in a pivotal season.

👉 Read more for deeper evals on Singleton, Kromah, and how portal strategy could shape the RB room

🏈 FSU Coaching Staff Reset: What’s Changed — and What Hasn’t — Heading Into 2026 🏈

Florida State isn’t blowing up the staff this offseason, but after a second straight subpar year, Mike Norvell isn’t standing still either. Here’s where things stand as of Dec. 15.

🔥 Offensive Changes

Running Backs Coach

• OUT: David Johnson

  • On staff for Norvell’s entire FSU tenure.

  • Early success (Corbin, Ward, Trey Benson) faded the last two seasons.

  • Leaves to reunite with Ryan Silverfield at Arkansas.

• IN: Kam Martin (not yet formally announced)

  • Former Tulsa associate head coach.

  • Strong Malzahn ties (player at Auburn, coach at UCF).

  • Known as a recruiter; helped land 4★ RB Taevion Swint.

  • Likely inherits a mostly intact RB room.

Quarterbacks Coach

• OUT: Tony Tokarz → OC at Buffalo

  • Credited for Jordan Travis’ rise, but QB play dipped the last two years.

  • Role diminished under Malzahn in 2025.

• IN: TBD

  • Analyst Brendan Bognar is the internal favorite.

  • Already deeply involved with QBs and familiar with Malzahn’s system.

  • Portal QB addition remains a priority regardless of hire.

🧠 Offense Staying Put

• OC: Gus Malzahn (returning in 2026)

• WRs: Tim Harris Jr. (big year for development + recruiting)

• TEs: Chris Thomsen (solid group, possible portal attrition)

🔥 Defensive Changes

Edges Coach

• IN: Nick Williams

  • Former Syracuse and Colorado assistant.

  • Highly regarded recruiter and rising coach.

  • Will focus heavily on portal pass-rush help.

Defensive Backs Coach

• OUT: Patrick Surtain Sr.

  • Surprise move given solid on-field results and recruiting success.

  • FSU ranked top-35 nationally in pass defense and interceptions.

• IN: TBD

  • Former UCF assistant Brandon Harris was a candidate but chose Florida.

🧠 Defense Staying Put

• DC: Tony White (major defensive improvement in Year 1)

• DL: Terrance Knighton (mixed results, young talent emerging)

• LB: John Papuchis (under scrutiny, no move yet)

• S: Evan Cooper (strong season from Earl Little Jr. & Ashlynd Barker)

🔒 Why It Matters
Norvell is tightening alignment around Malzahn on offense while letting Tony White reshape the defense. The biggest unanswered questions remain quarterback, DB coach, and how aggressive FSU gets in the portal to stabilize a roster still walking a fine line in 2026.

👉 Read more for deeper staff dynamics, portal implications, and what moves could still be coming

And that’s a wrap!

Florida State isn’t choosing between patience and urgency anymore; it’s being forced to balance both. Awards and championships prove the ceiling is still real. Portal losses, staff changes, and thin margins show how fragile it can be.

The next few weeks won’t just fill roster spots; they’ll decide whether 2026 feels like a reset… or another season spent chasing one.

We’ll be tracking every move.
— The Chief Brief