Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

As the holiday season unfolds, Florida State’s athletic programs continue to make waves on and off the field. From hard-fought battles in ACC basketball to growing momentum in the transfer portal, the Seminoles are shaping their future with determination and grit. Here's what you can expect in today’s edition:

🏀 Seminoles Stumble Against Louisville
FSU’s basketball squad faced a tough ACC roadblock as Louisville’s hot shooting secured a 90-76 victory. Jamir Watkins and Malique Ewin continued their stellar performances, but the Seminoles now look ahead to a fresh start in the new year.

💪 UCF Transfer Adrian Medley Joins the Trenches
Florida State adds more muscle to its offensive line with Adrian Medley’s commitment. Reuniting with former coaches, Medley is ready to make an immediate impact in Garnet and Gold.

🔄 Randy Pittman Comes Full Circle
Former FSU commit Randy Pittman is back, bringing versatility and effort to the Seminoles’ tight end corps. With two years of eligibility, Pittman’s return solidifies an evolving offense.

🏊‍♀️ Diving Dominance in Auburn
FSU’s divers capped off a strong week at the Auburn Invitational, with standout performances by Evelyn Hall and Samantha Vear. The Seminoles showcased their depth against top competition.

🛠️ 2026 OT Commit Xavier Payne Pledges to FSU
The future of Florida State’s offensive line looks brighter as rising senior Xavier Payne commits to the program. The 6-foot-7 tackle was won over by the energy and vision of Coach Norvell and OL Coach Herb Hand.

🛡️ Micah Pettus Visit Sparks Optimism
Ole Miss offensive tackle Micah Pettus wrapped up a weekend visit to FSU, with the Seminoles making a strong push to land the experienced lineman ahead of his January decision.

🏀 Seminoles Fall to Louisville in Tough ACC Battle 🏀

Florida State suffered a 90-76 loss to Louisville at the Donald L. Tucker Center, as the Cardinals’ hot shooting from beyond the arc proved too much for the Seminoles to overcome.

Game Highlights:

• Jamir Watkins: Led FSU with 25 points, including four 3-pointers, while adding three rebounds and three steals. Watkins has now scored 20+ points in four consecutive games and reached double figures in 10 straight.

• Malique Ewin: Continued his strong form with 17 points and three rebounds, extending his double-digit scoring streak to 10 games.

• Team Contributions: Chandler Jackson dished out four assists, Taylor Bol Bowen brought defensive energy with two steals, and five players shared the rebounding effort with three boards each.

Louisville’s Edge:

• Reyne Smith: Dominated with 27 points, hitting six of Louisville’s 15 3-pointers.

• Balanced Attack: Four Cardinals scored in double figures, leveraging a strong start and consistent perimeter shooting to control the game.

Coach’s Corner:

FSU head coach Leonard Hamilton acknowledged his team’s challenges:

“We definitely need our rotation players to make major contributions. Sometimes that’s not fair for them considering the development process. Louisville was locked in mentally and emotionally, and they played to their strengths better than we did.”

What’s Next:

The Seminoles will regroup over the break and resume ACC play at home against Syracuse on January 4th, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Donald L. Tucker Center.

Read more here.

 💪 FSU Lands UCF Offensive Line Transfer Adrian Medley 💪 

Florida State continues to strengthen its offensive line, securing a commitment from UCF starting left guard Adrian Medley. The veteran lineman, who visited FSU last week, brings experience, familiarity with the coaching staff, and a track record of steady improvement to the Seminoles.

Why Medley Chose FSU:

Medley cited FSU’s welcoming environment and proximity to his hometown of Pensacola as key factors in his decision:

“FSU felt like the perfect fit for me from the start. The way they bring you in, the resources they offer, and the genuine support from the coaching staff make it clear that they’re dedicated to helping players reach the next level.”

Medley reunites with former UCF coaches Gus Malzahn, now FSU’s offensive coordinator, and offensive line coach Herb Hand, who played pivotal roles in his development.

Player Profile:

• Experience: Medley started all games at left guard in 2024, logging 815 snaps. Over six seasons at UCF, he made 18 starts across 27 appearances, amassing 1,378 offensive snaps.

• Strengths: Known for his run-blocking ability, Medley excels in inside zone schemes and double-team setups, making him a solid fit for FSU’s offense.

• Room for Growth: Medley is looking to refine his technique, particularly in maintaining footwork through contact and improving his first-step quickness.

Impact on FSU:

Medley’s addition addresses a critical need for consistency at left guard. Paired with fellow transfer Gunnar Hansen, Medley raises the floor of FSU’s offensive line while seamlessly transitioning into a scheme he’s already familiar with.

Final Thoughts:

Adrian Medley’s commitment adds a seasoned, reliable presence to the Seminoles’ lineup, helping solidify an offensive line that struggled in 2024. With one year of eligibility remaining, he’s primed to make an immediate impact.

Read more here, here, and here.

🔄 FSU Reunites with Former Commit Randy Pittman 🔄 

Florida State has added a dynamic and versatile weapon to its offense with the commitment of UCF tight end transfer Randy Pittman. Returning to the program he once committed to as a high school recruit, Pittman brings two years of eligibility, strong ties to the coaching staff, and a well-rounded skill set that enhances FSU’s offensive versatility.

Pittman’s Journey:

• Early Ties to FSU: Pittman initially committed to FSU out of Mosley High School in Lynn Haven, Fla., before flipping to UCF, where he played two productive seasons.

• UCF Performance: Over 772 snaps in 2024, Pittman amassed 32 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns, contributing in multiple roles as a tight end, slot receiver, and H-back.

Strengths:

• Versatility: Pittman excels in various alignments, including in-line, slot, and backfield positions, making him a valuable chess piece for offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s system.

• Reliable Hands: With only one drop on 50 targets in 2024, Pittman provides a dependable receiving option for the Seminoles.

• Effort as a Blocker: Pittman’s agility and effort enable him to create opportunities for teammates, despite lacking the bulk of traditional tight ends.

Challenges:

• Physical Limitations: At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Pittman’s lack of size can limit his effectiveness in contested catches and against defensive linemen in blocking situations.

• Room for Growth: While well-rounded, Pittman has yet to master any single aspect of his game, leaving untapped potential for FSU to develop.

Fit with FSU:

Pittman slots seamlessly into the Seminoles’ 3/H-Back role, a position he thrived in at UCF. His ability to adapt to various roles on the field will allow FSU to experiment with tempo and alignments.

Final Thoughts:

Randy Pittman is a dependable veteran in FSU’s tight end group, joining a roster that includes promising freshmen Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams (who will be trying out DE in the spring), as well as returner Markeston Douglas. While not an obvious game-changing addition, Pittman’s versatility, effort, and connection to the coaching staff make him a high-floor contributor with significant upside.

Read more here and here.

🏊‍♀️ FSU Divers Wrap Up Auburn Invitational with Strong Performances 🏊‍♀️

Florida State’s diving team concluded the Auburn Diving Invitational on Saturday, showcasing grit and consistency throughout the four-day competition.

Final Day Highlights:

• Evelyn Hall: The freshman led FSU on platform, finishing 9th with a score of 206.35.

• Cassidy Carder: The junior placed 17th overall with 184.60 points.

Week in Review:

• Wednesday: FSU kicked off with four top-six finishes and runner-up team event performances for both men and women.

• Thursday: Redshirt junior Kayleigh Clark won the 1-meter event, while graduate student Samantha Vear placed third. On 3-meter, freshman Hayden Schroeder led the men in fourth.

• Friday: Vear clinched victory on 3-meter, with Clark adding a third-place finish. Carlos Vargas placed fifth on the men’s platform to close their week.

The Competition:

FSU faced off against a competitive field of 51 divers from Auburn, George Washington, Tennessee, and Utah.

Read more here.

🛠️ FSU Secures 2026 OT Commit Xavier Payne 🛠️

Florida State continues to build for the future, landing a commitment from 6-foot-7 offensive tackle Xavier Payne during his visit to Tallahassee on Saturday. The rising senior from Orlando’s Jones High School becomes the Seminoles’ sixth commitment for the class of 2026 and the first offensive lineman under OL Coach Herb Hand.

Why FSU?

Payne didn’t plan to commit during his visit, but the program’s energy and vision won him over:

• Connection with Coach Hand: Payne praised Hand’s intensity and track record of developing NFL talent, noting their relationship began when Hand recruited him at UCF.

• Admiration for Coach Norvell: “He’s so enthusiastic about where he wants to bring this program,” Payne shared, highlighting Norvell’s leadership.

Recruitment Highlights

• Payne has offers from several major programs, including Florida, Tennessee, UCF, and Miami.

• Although not yet rated by recruiting services, his size and potential have drawn attention from top schools.

Payne’s commitment strengthens Florida State’s offensive line prospects for the future and reflects the Seminoles’ continued efforts to dominate both the portal and high school recruiting.

Read more here

🛡️ Micah Pettus Visits FSU, Decision Expected in January 🛡️

Florida State rolled out the red carpet for Ole Miss offensive tackle transfer Micah Pettus, who visited Tallahassee from Friday through Saturday evening. Pettus, a 6-foot-7, 350-pound lineman with over 2,100 career snaps, reflected on his visit and FSU’s strong recruiting pitch.

Key Takeaways from Pettus’ Visit:

• Direct Message from Norvell: Head coach Mike Norvell emphasized Pettus’ importance to FSU’s offensive line rebuild. “He’s just been adamant about how much he wanted me here,” Pettus shared.

• Connection with Coach Hand: Pettus met FSU offensive line coach Herb Hand for the first time and described him as “a great dude” highly respected by others.

• Position Flexibility: Pettus is open to playing any position on the line, stating, “I can play whatever I need to play.”

Career Highlights:

• Experience at Ole Miss: Pettus has been a consistent presence on the Rebels’ offensive line, starting most games at right tackle over the past three seasons.

• 2024 Season: Played 765 offensive snaps, missing only one game due to injury.

• Background: Originally from Madison, Ala., Pettus was recruited by FSU during high school and has maintained a connection with the program.

Recruitment Status:

FSU is pushing hard to secure Pettus’ commitment before he schedules other visits in January. A 247Sports Transfer Portal Crystal Ball prediction favors the Seminoles, but the decision window (January 1-5) will be critical.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles continue to make strides on the court, in the pool, and through the transfer portal, the foundation for future success is stronger than ever. Whether it's battling on the hardwood, welcoming impactful transfers, or celebrating new commitments, the Garnet and Gold spirit is shining bright. Stay tuned for the next chapter of Florida State’s journey—there’s always more to come!

Go Noles! 🍢