Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Merry twilight day of 2024, Seminole!

What day is it? Is anyone working? Who knows? But this is what the Noles are up to:

🔒 Dorian Barney Joins FSU’s Cornerback Hunt 🔒
Florida State targets four-star cornerback Dorian Barney to bolster its secondary as competition with powerhouse programs heats up.

🚨 FSU Eyes Top Edge Rushers 🚨
The Seminoles focus on landing elite edge rushers Trenton Henderson and Rodney Dunham to fill a crucial gap in the 2026 class.

🛡️ In-State Offensive Linemen in Focus 🛡️
Four-star OLs Johnnie Jones and Javeion Cooper visit FSU, showcasing growing connections with Coach Herb Hand.

🖊️ Late Push for 2025’s Top Talent 🖊️
FSU is making a final push for five-star OT Ty Haywood, top-100 edge rusher Zahir Mathis, and other elite prospects ahead of February signing day.

🔒 FSU Pursues Four-Star CB Dorian Barney 🔒

Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class, already among the nation’s elite, has its sights set on another high-impact addition: four-star cornerback Dorian Barney. Previously committed to Alabama, Barney reopened his recruitment in November and has placed the Seminoles in his top five alongside Georgia, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Penn State.

📋 Barney’s Recruitment at a Glance:

• Elite Ranking: Barney is rated No. 64 overall, No. 6 among cornerbacks, and No. 11 in Georgia by Rivals.

• Size & Skill: The Carrollton, Georgia native boasts a 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame with the athleticism to shine in man-to-man coverage.

• FSU Connection: Barney received an FSU offer in December 2023 and visited Tallahassee in April 2024, solidifying a strong relationship with the Seminoles’ coaching staff.

🌟 Why Barney is a Priority:

• Cornerback Need: FSU’s 2026 class includes two safeties but no cornerbacks, making Barney a crucial target to bolster the secondary.

• Top Competition: The Seminoles are battling powerhouses like Georgia and Ohio State, underscoring Barney’s value as a top-tier prospect.

• Program Momentum: Adding Barney would further cement FSU’s 2026 class as one of the best in the nation.

👉 Read more about Barney and FSU’s 2026 recruiting efforts here.

🚨 FSU Targets Edge Rushers to Bolster 2026 Class 🚨

Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class is among the nation’s best, but the absence of edge rushers remains a critical gap. The Seminoles are actively pursuing two dynamic four-star prospects to address this need: Rodney Dunham and Trenton Henderson.

🌟 Spotlight on Trenton Henderson:

• Elite Talent: Ranked as the No. 8 edge rusher, No. 11 prospect in Florida, and No. 68 overall recruit by 247Sports composite rankings.

• Explosive Junior Year: Henderson dominated at Pensacola Catholic High School, recording:

  • 58 tackles

  • 18 tackles for loss

  • 10 sacks

  • 6 pass breakups

  • 1 forced fumble and 1 recovery

• FSU Connection: Henderson attended FSU’s Elite Camp last summer and continues to list the Seminoles among his top schools, alongside Auburn, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Florida.

🔑 Why Henderson Matters:

• Immediate Need: FSU has yet to secure an edge rusher in the 2026 class, making Henderson a high-priority target.

• National Competition: The Seminoles are vying against powerhouse programs like Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and Notre Dame, highlighting Henderson’s value.

• Coaching Push: New defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton are tasked with closing the deal to bring Henderson to Tallahassee.

👉 Read more about FSU’s edge rusher recruitment efforts here.

🏈 FSU Remains in the Mix for Elite Edge Prospect Rodney Dunham 🏈

Florida State continues its pursuit of one of the nation’s most coveted edge rushers, Rodney Dunham. The 6-foot-4, 227-pound standout from Charlotte, North Carolina, remains uncommitted, with the Seminoles firmly in the conversation for his signature.

🌟 Spotlight on Rodney Dunham:

• Top-Ranked Talent: Dunham is ranked as the No. 9 overall recruit, the No. 3 edge rusher, and the No. 4 player in North Carolina by 247Sports composite rankings.

• Dual-Sport Athlete: In addition to his football prowess, Dunham is an accomplished baseball player, showcasing exceptional athleticism and versatility.

• Junior Year Dominance: Dunham’s impressive stats include:

  • 39 tackles

  • 10 tackles for loss

  • 5 sacks

  • 16 hurries

  • 1 forced fumble and 1 recovery

🔑 Recruitment Update:

• FSU’s Push: The Seminoles extended an offer to Dunham following his visit in April, maintaining consistent communication with the elite prospect.

• Competition Heats Up: Dunham’s top group includes heavyweights like South Carolina, Georgia, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Alabama, Duke, and Ohio State.

• Key Contenders: South Carolina, Notre Dame, Duke, and Tennessee are viewed as particularly strong competitors for Dunham’s commitment.

👉 Read more about Rodney Dunham and FSU’s recruiting efforts here.

🛡️ FSU Strengthens Ties with In-State OL Recruits Johnnie Jones and Javeion Cooper 🛡️

Florida State hosted two key offensive line targets from the Class of 2026 this past weekend: four-star recruits Johnnie Jones and Javeion Cooper. Both prospects left with a strong impression of the Seminoles, fueled by their connection with new offensive line coach Herb Hand.

🌟 Johnnie Jones: A Reconnection with FSU

The Tampa product and four-star offensive lineman has been on Florida State’s radar since his visit during the 2024 season.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Connection with Coach Hand:

  • Jones praised Hand’s ability to develop players for NFL success, saying:
    “It’s just getting them prepared from high school.”

  • The bond between Jones and Hand, established during Hand’s time at UCF, has carried over seamlessly to FSU.

• Impression of FSU’s Progress:

  • Jones appreciated the staff changes and the program’s trajectory:
    “I could see they are constantly getting better. … With this staff, they are getting ready to have a big year.”

• Recruitment Status:

  • While he hasn’t finalized his list of favorites, Jones plans to take spring visits and make his college decision this summer.

🌟 Javeion Cooper: A Syracuse Commit with Eyes on FSU

Melbourne native Javeion Cooper, also a four-star recruit, may be committed to Syracuse, but FSU’s efforts and his relationship with Coach Hand are keeping the Seminoles in contention.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Relationship with Hand:

  • Cooper values Hand’s coaching intensity:
    “I like how he gets on his players because he wants them to succeed and be the best they can be.”

• Recruitment Plans:

  • Despite his Syracuse commitment, Cooper plans to evaluate several programs this spring, including watching FSU practices to gauge their coaching approach.

• FSU’s Standing:

  • Cooper currently ranks FSU third in his recruitment, saying:
    “They are like family. … I just need to build a stronger bond or relationship.”

👉 Read more about Johnnie Jones and Javeion Cooper’s recruitment here.

🖊️ FSU Targets Major Names in Late 2025 Signing Period 🖊️

Florida State isn’t slowing down as the February signing period approaches, focusing on adding key prospects to its 2025 recruiting class. With official visits lined up for January and strong interest from some of the nation’s top recruits, the Seminoles are primed for a big finish to this cycle.

🌟 Five-Star Target: Ty Haywood

FSU is making a serious push for five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood, who remains committed to Alabama but is now heavily considering Michigan and Texas Tech.

🔑 Why FSU Has a Shot:

• Renewed Interest:
  Despite FSU’s struggles in 2024, Haywood’s longstanding interest in the Seminoles gives them a chance to make a late impact.

• Development Appeal:
  Haywood values proven offensive line development, and Coach Herb Hand’s reputation could be pivotal.

• Expected Visit:
  While no date is finalized, FSU is expected to host Haywood in January, providing a critical opportunity to sway the elite lineman.

🌟 Top-100 Edge Rusher: Zahir Mathis

Former Ohio State commit Zahir Mathis is keeping Florida State in his recruitment mix, with official visits to Oregon, Michigan, UCLA, and Penn State also planned.

🔑 FSU’s Pitch:

• Early Opportunity:
  Mathis is intrigued by the potential for immediate playing time on FSU’s revamped defense.

• Staff Momentum:
  The new coaching staff has caught Mathis’s attention, positioning FSU as a key contender.

🌟 DB Push: Onis Konanbanny and Xavier Lucas

FSU is focusing heavily on bolstering its defensive backfield.

🔑 Konanbanny’s Recruitment:

• Aggressive Pursuit:
  Once high on FSU’s list, Konanbanny is again a top priority. The Seminoles are pushing hard for a visit in January, but Florida remains the favorite.

🔑 Xavier Lucas:

• Portal Addition:
  Wisconsin DB Xavier Lucas could be in play, though Miami is currently seen as the leader for the South Florida prospect.

🌟 Other Late-Period Targets

• Chastan Brown (OL):
  The former UCF commit will visit FSU in January, and the Seminoles are strong contenders for the three-star lineman.

• Elijah Herring (LB):
  Memphis linebacker Herring is expected to visit, providing depth and experience to FSU’s defense.

• Traylon Ray (WR):
  The talented West Virginia receiver could add firepower to FSU’s offense, with a visit likely in January.

👉 Read more about FSU’s late-period targets here.

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles continue to build for the future, the recruiting battles and portal pursuits show no signs of slowing. Stay tuned for updates on FSU’s efforts to stack talent and secure key commitments.

Until tomorrow, let’s keep the energy up—because the journey to greatness is built one step at a time.

Go ‘Noles! 🌟🏹