Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Florida State is making headlines on and off the field as the Seminoles ramp up their efforts in the transfer portal, secure key talent for next season, and recognize special teams excellence. Let’s dive in:

🏆 Mastromanno and Fitzgerald Earn AP All-America Honors
FSU’s star punter and kicker duo continued to shine on the national stage, adding AP All-America nods to their standout seasons.

🏈 Mike Norvell Restructures Contract to Launch Vision of Excellence
Coach Norvell’s $4.5 million contribution kicks off a bold initiative to elevate Seminole Athletics to new heights.

🛡️ Darrell Jackson Returns to Bolster FSU’s Defensive Line
The “Twin Towers” remain intact as Jackson reverses course on the NFL Draft, giving Tony White a centerpiece for his new defensive scheme.

🏈 FSU Hosts Georgia Transfer LB Troy Bowles
The former top-100 prospect, son of NFL coach Todd Bowles, visited Tallahassee as the Seminoles look to add depth and speed to their linebacker corps.

🛠️ Arkansas OL Transfer Addison Nichols Visits FSU
Nichols, a seasoned SEC lineman, spent Monday evaluating FSU and building a strong connection with new OL coach Herb Hand.

🏈 FSU to Host Alabama WR Transfer Kendrick Law
The explosive wideout and return specialist is set to visit on Tuesday as FSU continues to rebuild its receiving corps.

🏈 FSU Prioritizing Elite WR Transfer Duce Robinson
The highly sought-after USC transfer—son of former ‘Nole Dominic Robinson—arrives in Tallahassee on Friday, with FSU pushing to land one of the top playmakers in the portal.

Big moves, big returns, and even bigger visits—keep your eyes on the Seminoles as they continue to build momentum!

Let’s get into it! 🌟

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🏆 Mastromanno and Fitzgerald Earn AP All-America Honors 🏆

Florida State’s special teams duo continues to shine as Alex Mastromanno (punter) earned AP First-Team All-America honors, while kicker Ryan Fitzgerald was named to the Third Team.

🌟 Mastromanno’s Historic Season

• Led the nation with an ACC-record 49.3 yards per punt.

• Set FSU career records for punts (252), punting yards (11,304), and average (44.9).

🌟 Fitzgerald’s Flawless Campaign

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

• His 59-yard kick was the longest ever in an ACC game.

Together, Mastromanno and Fitzgerald continued FSU’s rich special teams tradition with performances that earned national recognition.

Read more here.

🏈 Mike Norvell’s Contract Restructured to Boost FSU’s Vision of Excellence 🏈

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has made a significant financial commitment to FSU Athletics, contributing $4.5 million to launch the Vision of Excellence campaign. This bold move reflects Norvell’s dedication to elevating the program, as well as updates to his contract terms.

🌟 Key Contract Details

• Vision of Excellence Contribution: Norvell’s $4.5 million will create a Program Enhancement Pool to directly support the football program during his tenure.

• Salary Adjustment:

  • 2025 Contract Year: Salary set at $5.435 million, replacing the prior figure.

• New Incentives:

  • A $750,000 bonus for any season beginning in 2026 where FSU wins 9+ games (regular and post-season).

• Updated Buyout Terms:

  • If FSU terminates Norvell’s contract without cause, the buyout amount is calculated at 85% of his remaining compensation through the contract term.

  • Specific reductions tied to the Vision of Excellence contribution will be reinstated pro-rata if termination occurs between Contract Years Six and Twelve:

    • Year Six: $4.5M

    • Year Seven: $3.75M

    • Year Eight: $3M

    • Year Nine: $2.25M

    • Year Ten: $1.5M

    • Year Eleven: $750K

    • Year Twelve: $0

🗓️ What’s Next?
The Vision of Excellence campaign invites fans and alumni to join the effort by becoming Seminole Boosters or contributing through the prestigious Bowden Society.

With the 2025 season opener against Alabama looming, Norvell’s leadership and financial investment mark a pivotal step toward returning Florida State football to national prominence.

Learn more and support the Vision of Excellence here and read more here

🛡️ Darrell Jackson Announces Return to Fortify FSU’s Defensive Line 🛡️

Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson has reversed course on his NFL Draft decision, announcing his return to Tallahassee for the 2025 season. The move provides a massive boost to FSU’s defensive front as Jackson reclaims his role as one of the Seminoles’ top playmakers in the trenches.

🌟 Jackson’s Impact in 2024

• Stats: Recorded 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

• Pro Football Focus:

  • Earned a 71.1 grade for the season.

  • Finished 10th nationally among interior defensive linemen with 29 QB pressures.

• Key Attributes: At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Jackson combines size, power, and disruptive ability that makes him a game-changer on the defensive line.

🏗️ A Key Piece in Tony White’s Defense
New defensive coordinator Tony White previously lamented not getting the opportunity to coach Jackson and teammate Joshua Farmer, referring to them as the “Twin Towers.” Now, White can build his 3-3 base defense with Jackson as a centerpiece.

• Role Unclear: Jackson could feature as either a nose tackle or defensive end, giving White versatility in his scheme.

🔮 Looking Ahead
Jackson will enter the 2025 season as a redshirt senior with NFL aspirations. His return not only elevates FSU’s defensive ceiling but also provides leadership for a unit poised to dominate under White’s guidance.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Hosts Georgia Transfer LB Troy Bowles for Key Visit 🏈

Florida State welcomed Georgia transfer linebacker Troy Bowles to campus on Monday as the Seminoles look to strengthen their linebacker corps. Bowles, a former top-100 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, has a longstanding relationship with FSU head coach Mike Norvell, which played a major role in rekindling interest.

🌟 Why FSU?

• Prior Relationship: Bowles shared how his connection with Norvell and FSU staff remained consistent:

  • “Me and Coach Norvell had a good relationship throughout my high school recruitment… He’s very consistent about what he says.”

• Recruitment Timeline: FSU reached out within days of Bowles officially entering the portal, with LB coach John Papuchis initiating contact.

🎯 Key Takeaways From the Visit

• Norvell’s Message: Bowles appreciated Norvell’s approach to building genuine relationships:

  • “He doesn’t like forcing relationships. He likes genuine relationships, and that’s what I respect.”

• Defensive Scheme Fit: Although details were limited, Bowles learned that Tony White’s defense will be “fast and aggressive”—an appealing fit for any defensive player:

  • “That’s definitely how I want to play.”

🌍 Recruitment Outlook

• Other Programs: Oklahoma State remains a competitor in Bowles’ recruitment.

• No Set Timeline: Bowles emphasized that he has no decision timeline or additional visits planned at this time.

📏 Player Profile

• Size: 6-foot, 220 pounds

• Background: Son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles.

• Career at Georgia:

  • Limited action as a reserve linebacker over two seasons, logging 46 snaps and recording 5 tackles in 2023.

🔮 What’s Next?
FSU’s existing relationship and clear message could position the Seminoles as frontrunners for Bowles. With his physical tools and upside, he could play a key role in White’s new defensive system should he choose to transfer to Tallahassee.

Read more here.

🛠️ FSU Hosts Arkansas OL Transfer Addison Nichols 🛠️

Florida State continues its focus on the offensive line in the transfer portal, hosting former Arkansas starting center Addison Nichols on Monday. Nichols, one of two SEC linemen visiting FSU, spent the day building connections and evaluating the program as a potential landing spot.

🌟 Why FSU?

• Herb Hand’s Reputation: The Seminoles’ new offensive line coach Herb Hand played a key role in getting Nichols to Tallahassee:

  • “He’s got a great reputation in the offensive line community, and obviously a lot of history here at FSU.”

• Development Focus: Nichols praised his time with Hand, who emphasized technique and player growth:

  • “We spent a lot of time talking about development and what he can do for me… He does a great job developing guys.”

📏 Player Profile

• Size: 6-foot-5, 329 pounds

• 2024 Season (Arkansas):

  • Started all 12 games at center, playing 769 snaps.

• Previous Stops:

  • Played primarily at left guard (116 snaps) at Tennessee in 2023 before transferring to Arkansas.

• Eligibility: Two years remaining.

🌍 Recruitment Outlook

• Nichols is considering Florida State, SMU, and Ole Miss.

• He visited SMU prior to Monday’s trip to Tallahassee and emphasized the importance of finding a program that feels like “home” and can maximize his development:

  • “I just want a place that feels like home and will give me the opportunity to be the best possible player I can be.”

🔮 What’s Next?
While Nichols doesn’t have a set decision timeline, he mentioned a preference to decide “sooner rather than later.” Florida State’s combination of a strong coaching reputation and a clear development plan could give the Seminoles an edge as they look to solidify their offensive line for 2025.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU to Host Alabama WR Transfer Kendrick Law 🏈

Florida State continues to pursue top talent in the transfer portal, with Alabama wide receiver Kendrick Law scheduled to visit Tallahassee on Tuesday. Law, a versatile athlete with proven SEC experience, has emerged as a key target for the Seminoles as they rebuild their receiving corps.

🌟 Kendrick Law’s Career Highlights

• 2023 Season (Alabama):

  • 10 receptions for 105 yards and 1 touchdown.

  • 5 kickoff returns for 131 combined yards.

• 2022 Season:

  • 15 receptions for 135 yards.

  • 17 kick returns for 405 yards, including a long of 33 yards.

• High School Background:

  • Nation’s No. 86 player and No. 3 athlete in the 2022 class (247Sports).

  • Elite speed: Ran a 10.48 in the 100m at the Louisiana 5A state meet as a junior.

📏 Player Profile

• Size: 5-foot-11, 209 pounds

• Portal Ranking: Four-star transfer, ranked No. 71 overall and No. 18 wide receiver in the portal (247Sports).

🌍 Recruitment Outlook

• Law visited Arkansas on Monday ahead of his trip to Florida State.

• FSU has long-standing ties to Law, having recruited him out of high school in Shreveport, Louisiana.

🔮 What Law Brings to FSU
Law’s speed, versatility, and special teams experience make him a dynamic option for the Seminoles’ offense. His ability to contribute as both a receiver and return specialist could provide immediate impact in multiple phases of the game.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Prioritizing Elite WR Transfer Duce Robinson 🏈

Florida State is all-in on landing USC wide receiver transfer Duce Robinson, one of the top players in the NCAA Transfer Portal. With strong ties to the program and growing momentum, Robinson’s upcoming visit to Tallahassee could be a pivotal step in his recruitment.

🌟 Key Details

• Visit Scheduled: Robinson and his father, Dominic Robinson (a former FSU player), will arrive in Tallahassee Thursday night ahead of a Friday visit.

• Dominic Robinson’s Call to Action:

  • “We need Tally rocking on Friday. We need Duce to feel the love so that we can make him the second Robinson ‘Nole,” Dominic shared on Warchant’s ‘Monday Smash’ show.

• Connection with Thomas Castellanos:

  • The former ‘Nole hinted that Duce is a fan of FSU’s new quarterback transfer: “There’s an experienced wide receiver from Arizona that I know is a big fan of Tommy, and they’ve connected.”

🌟 Duce Robinson’s Career at USC

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

• 2023 Season: 16 receptions, 351 yards, 2 touchdowns.

• Career Averages: Nearly 20 yards per reception, showcasing his big-play ability.

📏 Player Profile

• Size: 6-foot-6, 220 pounds.

• Recruiting Pedigree:

  • Five-star prospect in the 2023 class.

  • Nation’s No. 1 tight end and No. 19 overall player (247Sports).

• Portal Rankings: No. 3 overall player and No. 2 wide receiver (247Sports).

• Remaining Eligibility: Two years.

🌍 Recruitment Outlook
Robinson recently visited Arizona State and has North Carolina and Texas A&M in the mix as well. However, his connection to FSU — both through his father’s legacy and his growing rapport with quarterback Thomas Castellanos — positions the Seminoles as strong contenders.

🔮 What Duce Brings to FSU
Robinson’s combination of size, athleticism, and field-stretching ability makes him a game-changing addition to any offense. Adding him to FSU’s receiving corps would instantly upgrade the Seminoles’ passing attack and provide Castellanos with a top-tier target.

Stay tuned for updates as FSU looks to seal the deal during Robinson’s visit on Friday.

Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

From All-Americans to key transfer visits, the future of Florida State football is taking shape one commitment at a time.

With stars like Darrell Jackson returning and top-tier talent like Duce Robinson and Kendrick Law visiting this week, there’s no shortage of momentum in Tallahassee.

Stay locked in—big things are on the horizon for the Noles!

We’ll see you back here tomorrow for more Seminole news and updates. Go Noles! 🌟