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Welcome to The Chief Brief!

It is National Signing Day and we also were able to see the Noles back on the practice field preparing for Georgia yesterday. Boy is it cold (for Florida)!

Stay warm and check out what we’ve got in store for you:

🏀 Darin Green Jr.'s Stellar Performance Leads FSU to Triumph: Darin Green Jr. dominates with a 24-point game, marking FSU's victory over North Florida.

🏈 FSU's Signing Day Showdown: A decisive day for top recruits, with FSU hoping to secure a top-five class.

🚀 Jared Verse Declares for 2024 NFL Draft: Jared Verse, FSU's star pass-rusher, takes his talent to the next level.

🔜 FSU Football's Future Match-Ups: FSU adds Texas A&M-Commerce to its 2025 schedule for an intriguing clash.

🍢 Darrell Jackson's Anticipated FSU Debut in the Orange Bowl: Miami transfer Darrell Jackson gears up for his first game with FSU.

🌟 Seminoles Shine in Orange Bowl Prep: Key players emerge in FSU's practice, showing readiness for the Georgia showdown.

🔥 FSU's ACC Dilemma: A Future in Flux: FSU debates its future in the ACC amidst playoff snub frustrations.

🏀 Darin Green Jr.'s Stellar Performance Leads FSU to Triumph

Florida State's basketball prowess was on full display as Darin Green Jr. spearheaded a remarkable 91-75 victory against North Florida.

Green's exceptional game saw him scoring a season-high of 24 points, including a significant career milestone - his 1,500th point.

This victory wasn't just about Green's heroics; it was a collective effort. Jalen Warley, Primo Spears, and Baba Miller all contributed significantly, each scoring in double digits.

The team's unselfish play was evident, with 17 assists contributing to the overall score.

Defensively, the Seminoles were just as formidable, leading for virtually the entire game and by a much as 27 points.

Coach Leonard Hamilton praised the team's sustained energy, which proved too much for North Florida.

Green's 1,500th point fittingly came from a three-pointer, encapsulating his role as the night's leading scorer.

Next up, FSU continues its home game series against Winthrop, looking to extend their winning momentum.

🏈 FSU's Signing Day Showdown: A Decisive Day for Top Recruits

The day has arrived and from morning until night, decisions will file in. Norvell will address the media at 4 PM today to fully discuss everything.

Keep an eye out for the below:

• Jeremiah Smith's Big Decision: Jeremiah Smith, a five-star wide receiver and the nation's top recruit, has FSU fans on edge. Long committed to Ohio State, there's a real possibility he might flip to FSU, giving the Seminoles a generational talent at receiver. Miami is also in the mix, but FSU seems to be the strongest contender for this major upset.

• Defending Commitments: The focus isn't just on new recruits; FSU is fighting to retain their committed stars. Five-star DB KJ Bolden is a prime example, with Auburn and Georgia fiercely vying for his allegiance. FSU's ability to hold onto Bolden will be crucial in maintaining their high-class ranking.

• The Chase for LJ McCray: LJ McCray, a top-tier defensive lineman committed to Florida, is another key target for FSU. Auburn is also making a strong push to flip him. McCray's decision could significantly bolster FSU's defensive line, making his choice one of the day's most anticipated moments.

• Amaree Williams and Zavier Mincey on the Radar: Amaree Williams, a recent reclassification to the 2024 class, visited FSU last weekend, making him a potential major addition to the edge rusher group. Meanwhile, Zavier Mincey, a defensive back and teammate of McCray, is also on FSU's radar, although he seems more likely to sign with Florida or Miami.

This Early Signing Day is a pivotal moment for FSU, with the potential to secure a top-five class and set the stage for future success. 🏈🖊️🌟

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🚀 Jared Verse Declares for 2024 NFL Draft: A Seminole Star's Next Step

Jared Verse, Florida State's standout pass-rusher, has announced his entry into the 2024 NFL Draft, concluding his impressive tenure with the Seminoles.

Verse's decision follows a remarkable journey that saw him become a linchpin in FSU's unbeaten 2023 season.

With 34 tackles, 9.0 for loss, and 6.0 sacks in 2023, he was pivotal, especially following starting quarterback Jordan Travis' injury.

His two-year FSU stint, coupled with an impressive record at Albany, positions him as a strong NFL prospect.

The 2024 NFL Draft, set in Detroit on April 25th, offers Verse a platform to transition his collegiate success to a professional career as potential 1st round pick. 🏈🚀🏆

🔜 FSU Football's Future Match-Ups: A&M-Commerce Joins 2025 Schedule

Florida State football's 2025 season is taking shape with an exciting addition: Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Set for September 6th, this game follows FSU's season opener against Alabama, adding diversity to the Seminoles' schedule.

The 2025 match-up at Doak Campbell Stadium marks A&M-Commerce's first encounter with an ACC team, showcasing FSU's commitment to varied and challenging games.

Alongside other non-conference games and a robust ACC schedule, FSU continues to shape a season full of high-profile and competitive clashes. 🏈🔜🍢

🍢 Darrell Jackson's Anticipated FSU Debut in the Orange Bowl

After a season of patient waiting, Miami transfer Darrell Jackson is finally set to make his Florida State debut.

This defensive tackle, sidelined due to NCAA transfer rules, will don the garnet and gold for the first time in the upcoming Orange Bowl against Georgia.

Originally at Maryland, then Miami, Jackson's transfer to FSU was to be closer to his mother during her health issues.

Despite not gaining immediate eligibility, Jackson's persistence and positive attitude have been a source of inspiration for his team.

Now, he's gearing up to contribute to FSU's undefeated season finale. 🏈🍢🔥

🌟 Seminoles Shine in Orange Bowl Prep: Standouts from FSU's Practice

As Florida State gears up for the Orange Bowl, Tuesday's practice offered a glimpse into the emerging talent and key players shaping up to make an impact against Georgia.

1. Blake Nichelson: This freshman linebacker is evolving rapidly. His improved confidence and agility were on full display, especially in a standout moment where he intercepted a tipped ball with great awareness.

2. Hykeem Williams: The five-star talent is blossoming into a dynamic receiver. His ability to make plays after the catch and secure difficult receptions, as shown in today's practice, signals exciting prospects for his FSU career.

3. Azareye'h Thomas: A defensive back with remarkable potential, Thomas excelled in one-on-ones, demonstrating his knack for breaking up well-thrown passes and utilizing his length effectively.

4. Caziah Holmes: In light of recent departures, Holmes is stepping up as a running back. His burst and agility, surprising for his size, suggest he’s ready for an increased role in FSU's offense.

5. Jackson West: This tight end, overcoming past injuries, showed his athletic potential in practice. His ability to create separation and make strong catches against defensive backs points to a promising contribution to the team's tight end squad.

These players' performances in practice are key indicators of FSU's preparedness and depth as they head into a crucial matchup with Georgia. 🏈🍢🌟

🔥 FSU's ACC Dilemma: A Future in Flux

Florida State University's contemplation about its future in the ACC has intensified following their exclusion from the College Football Playoff, despite an undefeated season.

This has led to heightened discussions among university officials and the Board of Trustees about potentially exploring options outside the ACC.

When the CFP selection committee left the Seminoles at home, CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli said that was likely it for the ACC.

"The biggest impact this year's CFP process will have is it's the death knell of the ACC," Fornelli said. "We lost the Pac-12 this year. I've been saying for months the ACC is a dead conference walking. Today finished it off."

The decision to consider leaving the ACC stems from longstanding concerns over revenue disparities and the distribution model within the conference. However, any move to exit the ACC would be complex and costly.

Florida State would have to navigate the grant of rights agreement, which extends through 2036 and grants the ACC control over media rights for member schools.

Additionally, FSU would face a significant exit fee, approximately three times the league's operating budget, amounting to around $120 million.

This financial burden and the associated legal challenges make FSU's departure from the ACC a matter that requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making.

And that’s a wrap!

From Darin Green Jr.'s basketball brilliance to the anticipation of National Signing Day, and the future NFL dreams of Jared Verse, it's already been a week of high stakes and big dreams.

As FSU navigates its place in the collegiate sports world, remember, whether on the court, the field, or in conference boardrooms, the Seminole spirit remains unyielding.

Here's to more victories, more breakthroughs, and unwavering Seminole pride.

We’ll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with all the results of National Signing Day.

Go Noles! 🏀🏈🍢