🏹 December 17th - The Chief Brief 🏹

In this edition of The Chief Brief, we bring you the latest developments from the world of Florida State Seminoles. Here's a quick snapshot of the top stories:

🏈 FSU's Impressive Pitch to Transfer QB Target Cam Ward: Cam Ward's visit leaves a strong impression, making FSU a top contender for his talents.

🔍 CFP Responds to Senator Rick Scott's Inquiry on FSU Playoff Exclusion: The CFP's limited response to FSU's playoff exclusion stirs further debate and legal scrutiny.

🌟 Updates from a Pivotal Recruiting Weekend for FSU: High-profile recruits and portal prospects, including DJ Uiagalelei and Marvin Jones Jr., highlight FSU's recruitment efforts.

🏆 Luke Kromenhoek: A Testament to Loyalty in FSU's Elite Recruiting Class: Four-star QB Luke Kromenhoek reaffirms his commitment to FSU amidst other programs' interest.

🏀 FSU's Men's Basketball Face-Off Against SMU: Dive into the details of FSU's latest basketball game where they took on SMU, breaking down the key plays and performance highlights.

Stay tuned for detailed coverage and analysis of these stories, providing you with the latest insights into FSU's dynamic world of football, basketball, and recruitment.

FSU's Impressive Pitch to Transfer QB Target Cam Ward

The Seminoles wrapped up an official visit on Saturday with one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal, Cam Ward, the former Washington State star. Ward's visit to Tallahassee left a significant impression on him, indicating a possible future with the Seminoles.

Seminoles at the Top for Ward

• Ward's Reaction: In an interview with Warchant, Ward expressed high regard for FSU, stating, “They’re at the top for sure. I mean it’s FSU. They’re a 13-0 team this year. I feel like I could add my piece to the puzzle, do my part.”

• National Championship Potential: He sees potential in helping FSU reach the national championship next year, highlighting the team's impressive performance this season.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Meeting with FSU Coaches: Ward spent valuable time with FSU quarterbacks coach Tony Tokarz. This was their first in-person meeting, providing Ward with insights into FSU's offensive system and building a personal connection.

• Ward's Skill and Dedication: Known for his extensive film study and understanding of the game, Ward demonstrated his commitment to mastering offensive strategies during his interactions with the coaching staff.

• College Town Atmosphere: Ward appreciated the "college town" feel of Tallahassee, noting its contrast to his experience at Washington State and its suitability for a college athlete.

• Camaraderie and Brotherhood: One of the most impactful aspects of his visit was the sense of brotherhood among the FSU players. Ward was impressed by the close-knit nature of the team, which is crucial for any incoming player.

Ward's Impressive Track Record

• Performance at Washington State: Last year, Ward passed for 3,735 yards and 25 touchdowns, showcasing his prowess as a quarterback.

• Ranking: Currently, he is the second-best player available in the transfer portal, as per On3’s rankings.

Decision Timeline and Process

• Next Steps: While Ward does not have a specific timeline for his decision, he mentioned the possibility of one more visit or a Zoom call with another school.

• Family Involvement: Calvin Ward, Cam's father, who accompanied him on the visit, shared his impressions, highlighting the comprehensiveness of FSU's approach and the factors important in Cam's decision-making process. Calvin walked away impressed, saying, “From my perspective, it went very well. I was impressed. I was impressed with the town, the facilities, the coaches, just the overall hospitality that they showed us.”

The Competition

• FSU vs. Miami: The race for Ward seems to be primarily between FSU and Miami, with both schools making strong cases. However, FSU's recent visit appears to have positioned them favorably in Ward's considerations.

As Ward returns to Texas to contemplate his future, FSU's efforts have clearly made a lasting impression, possibly steering his path towards becoming a Seminole. The FSU community eagerly awaits his decision, hopeful that this top transfer quarterback will choose to bring his talents to Tallahassee. In the meantime, Cam has left us with only this:

CFP Responds to Senator Rick Scott's Inquiry on FSU Playoff Exclusion

In response to Senator Rick Scott's request for greater transparency regarding the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee's decision to exclude undefeated Florida State from the playoffs, CFP executive director Bill Hancock provided a two-page letter outlining the reasons behind FSU's No. 5 ranking. The response, however, offered little new insight and did not address Senator Scott's requests for specific documentation and records.

Bill Hancock's letter reiterated that the committee considered the unavailability of FSU's key player, their star quarterback, as a factor that might affect the team's postseason performance.

Hancock also mentioned FSU's strength of schedule, which was not as strong as the top four teams, as a crucial deciding factor. This aligns with ESPN's strength of schedule metric, which ranked FSU 55th nationally.

Senator Scott had initially requested detailed information, including a "listing step" and "ranking step" from the CFP committee, along with any relevant texts, emails, and recordings. However, these specific details were not provided in Hancock's response.

Adding to the scrutiny, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has initiated an inquiry into the CFP's decision, citing potential antitrust law violations. The Florida AG's office is seeking documentation from CFP members, with a deadline set for December 26.

The controversy surrounding FSU's exclusion, despite an undefeated season and an ACC Championship, has raised questions about the CFP committee's criteria and transparency in their decision-making process. The situation remains unresolved, with ongoing legal and political inquiries seeking to uncover more detailed justifications behind the CFP's decision.

Updates from a Pivotal Recruiting Weekend for FSU

FSU continued its active recruitment weekend with several key visits from both high school recruits and transfer portal prospects. The Noles’ staff is working diligently to strengthen their roster for upcoming seasons, with a particular focus on top-tier talent.

Overview of Key Visits at FSU

• DJ Uiagalelei's Official Visit: The former Clemson quarterback arrived in Tallahassee on Saturday. Given the existing relationships with the FSU staff, there's a sense of familiarity, making this visit crucial for both parties. Uiagalelei's decision will be a significant factor in FSU's quarterback strategy.

• Marvin Jones Jr's Arrival: Accompanied by his father, FSU legend Marvin Jones, Jones Jr. started his official visit on Saturday. The FSU legacy, also considering Miami, is a highly-rated player in the Transfer Portal. FSU seems to be in a strong position at the start of the visit.

• Interest in Jamon Dumas-Johnson: FSU appears to have mutual interest in the Georgia linebacker transfer. The extent of this interest and how it aligns with FSU's recruitment strategy is under exploration.

• Potential Target Elijah Pritchett: Rumored to be entering the Transfer Portal, Pritchett could become a significant target for FSU. The Seminoles had recruited him well in high school, but they might face competition from Georgia for his commitment.

• Visits by 2025 Prospects: Jalen Wiggins, a high 4-star defensive lineman, and Darrell Johnson, a high 4-star linebacker, were both on campus. Their presence underlines FSU's commitment to fostering local and regional high school talent.

• Armondo Blount's Recruitment Scenario: Still favored to flip to Miami, rumors swirled Saturday that he could be visiting on Sunday. Those rumors appeared to squashed by Blount's mom on Saturday.

• Continued Official Visits by FSU Commits: Notable commits including KJ Bolden, Kam Davis, Manasse Itete, Jamari Howard, and LaWayne McCoy continued their official visits. FSU is focused on solidifying these commitments amidst interest from other major programs.

This weekend is crucial for FSU as they look to capitalize on these visits to bolster their squad. Each prospect, whether a high school standout or a seasoned transfer, brings a unique set of skills and potential to the Seminole lineup. The outcomes of these visits will play a significant role in shaping FSU's team composition and strategies going forward.

Luke Kromenhoek: A Testament to Loyalty in FSU's Elite Recruiting Class

Four-star quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, committed to Florida State University since March 26, 2022, is demonstrating a level of loyalty that is becoming increasingly rare in the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting.

A standout from Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Georgia, Kromenhoek has been a cornerstone of FSU's recruiting class, actively involved in persuading other top talents to join him in Tallahassee.

Kromenhoek's commitment to FSU was notable from the start. The FSU coaching staff had extended an offer to him even before he became the starting quarterback for his high school team.

Since officially committing to FSU, Kromenhoek has emerged as a key figure in attracting other high-caliber recruits to the program, embodying the spirit of teamwork and leadership.

Despite the volatile nature of college football recruiting, where staff changes and the influence of NIL deals can sway young athletes, Kromenhoek has remained steadfast in his commitment to FSU. This unwavering dedication comes amidst a backdrop of other recruits reevaluating their commitments, a scenario that has made FSU fans apprehensive, especially following the high-profile flip of Travis Hunter in the 2022 recruiting cycle.

Recently, Kromenhoek took to social media to underscore his loyalty to FSU. His post, featuring the definition of "loyalty," was interpreted as a polite refusal to other programs attempting to lure him away from his commitment to FSU.

Speculations suggest that the Georgia Bulldogs, potentially losing their own recruit, Dylan Raiola, to Nebraska, might have been interested in Kromenhoek. However, Kromenhoek’s post seems to shut down any such possibilities, reaffirming his decision to stick with FSU.

The commitment of recruits like Kromenhoek is a positive sign for FSU, indicating a strong foundation for the team's future. His decision to remain true to his initial choice, in spite of interest from other top programs, reflects the integrity and dedication he will bring to the Seminoles.

As FSU continues to build an elite recruiting class, Kromenhoek's unwavering loyalty stands out as a testament to the strong bonds being formed within the team.

FSU Basketball's Struggles Continue: Seminoles Fall to SMU Despite Spears' Debut

The Florida State men's basketball team faced another challenging game, resulting in a 68-57 defeat against SMU. This loss marks the Seminoles' fourth consecutive defeat, bringing their season record to 4-5, while SMU improved to 7-4.

Key Aspects of the Game

• Primo Spears' Debut: The highly anticipated debut of transfer point guard Primo Spears from Georgetown didn't yield the desired turnaround for FSU. Despite becoming eligible this week following a judge's ruling, Spears struggled with his shooting, scoring 10 points but missing 12 of 14 field goal attempts. He was successful with free throws and made 1-of-3 from the 3-point range.

• First Half Struggles: Both teams had difficulty finding their offensive rhythm in the first half. However, SMU managed to gain momentum before halftime, leading 25-18 at the break.

• SMU's Second Half Dominance: The Mustangs extended their lead in the second half, maintaining a double-digit advantage for most of the period and at times leading by as many as 17 points.

• FSU's Offensive Challenges: The Seminoles faced issues with their offensive game, credited with only four assists and committing eight turnovers.

• Individual Performances: Senior guard Darin Green Jr. also scored 10 points for FSU, tying with Spears for the team high. SMU's Chuck Harris led his team with 24 points.

Looking Ahead

Florida State is scheduled to play next against North Florida on Tuesday night. The team will be looking to break their losing streak and improve their performance as they move forward in the season.

This game highlighted the challenges FSU faces in finding consistency and effectiveness in their offense, particularly in integrating new players like Spears. The Seminoles will need to regroup and address these issues as they prepare for their upcoming games.

And that wraps up today’s edition of The Chief Brief! 🌟📰

As we’ve seen, the Seminole spirit is more than just about the games; it's about a community rallying together in the face of challenges. In light of FSU's unjust exclusion from the CFP, 'Nole fans have shown incredible support by joining The Battle's End in record numbers. 🍢💪

To keep this UNCONQUERED momentum going, an anonymous donor has generously pledged to match all new contributions up to $500,000 until December 22nd.

This is a golden opportunity to strengthen our beloved program. Join the cause and help us reach the goal of 5,500 members.

Or if you’d prefer, you can donate directly at The Battle’s End

Remember, every contribution counts towards building a stronger, more resilient FSU community. Together, we can make a difference.

Go Noles! 🏈🔥