Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Saturday, Seminole!

Here’s your docket for the final weekend of 2024:

Today’s edition is packed with updates on Florida State’s standout recruiting efforts, inspirational stories, and a look ahead at what’s next for the Seminoles.

🌀 December Success: FSU’s transfer portal class has soared to No. 6 nationally, addressing critical needs across the roster.

🛬 Recruiting Spotlight: Blue-chip cornerback Samari Matthews highlights FSU’s January visit lineup, as the Seminoles vie for his commitment in the highly competitive 2026 class.

⛳ Honoring Heroes: FSU golfer Bella Bugg prepares to compete in the Patriot All-America Invitational, representing the memory of a fallen hero while showcasing her skills on a national stage.

🔄 Reunion for Redemption: Mike Norvell reunites with former mentors Gus Malzahn and Herb Hand to rebuild the Seminoles’ offense, channeling the success of their record-breaking collaboration at Tulsa.

📰 Portal Push Continues: As visits ramp up in January, FSU is set to host top transfer targets, bolstering the roster for a crucial 2025 campaign.

🌀 FSU’s Transfer Portal Class: A December to Remember 🌀 

Florida State is having a strong finish to the 2024 recruiting year including impressive work in the transfer portal, where the Seminoles have climbed to No. 6 nationally according to the latest On3 rankings. With 11 signings already, FSU is addressing key areas of need and positioning itself for a pivotal 2025 season. Warchant recently decided to grade out the portal class so far.

🌟 Portal Grades Snapshot:

• Quarterback: Former Boston College QB Thomas Castellanos brings athleticism and playmaking potential to Gus Malzahn’s offense. Grade: B

• Offensive Line: Four experienced starters bolster FSU’s trenches. Grade: A

• Wide Receiver: USC transfer Duce Robinson adds size and versatility, with more additions likely. Grade: B+

• Tight End: Randy Pittman (UCF) and Markeston Douglas headline a promising TE group. Grade: B+

• Defensive Line: A mix of talent and versatility, led by Darrell Jackson’s return. Grade: B

• Linebacker: The arrival of Stefon Thompson is a start, but more depth is crucial. Grade: B-

🔮 What’s Next? With portal activity quiet during the dead period, January will be critical as FSU looks to add key pieces at linebacker, defensive line, and wide receiver. Top targets include LB Marques Watson-Trent (Georgia Southern) and Elijah Herring (Memphis), both expected to visit in early January.

👉 Full Grades Breakdown and more on FSU’s portal activity here!

🛬 FSU in the Mix for Top Cornerback Samari Matthews 🛬 

Florida State is gearing up for a critical January visit with one of the top cornerbacks in the 2026 class, Samari Matthews. The Huntersville, NC, standout, ranked as the No. 4 cornerback and No. 51 overall prospect by On3, has lined up visits to South Carolina, FSU, Tennessee, and Clemson as he narrows down his recruitment.

🌟 Matthews’ January Journey:

• South Carolina (Jan. 11): A strong contender with an active recruitment strategy and defensive system Matthews admires.

• Florida State (Jan. 18): Matthews expressed excitement about reconnecting with the Seminoles’ coaching staff and meeting the new defensive coordinator.

• Tennessee (Jan. 25): Highlighting a strong bond with Coach Chop, Matthews is intrigued by the Vols’ defensive scheme.

• Clemson (Feb. 1): Praising Coach Reed’s personal approach, Matthews values Clemson’s proven success and defensive fit.

🔑 Why FSU Stands Out:

• Previous Connection: Matthews enjoyed his last visit to Tallahassee and is eager to strengthen ties with Coach Norvell and cornerbacks coach Patrick Surtain.

• Defensive Potential: FSU’s evolving defense under new leadership is a key factor in Matthews’ evaluation.

📋 Junior Season Highlights:

• Playmaker: Recorded two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, showcasing his versatility and ball-hawking skills.

As Matthews embarks on his visits, Florida State remains firmly in the mix for one of the nation’s elite defensive backs, with an opportunity to make a lasting impression on January 18.

👉 Read more about Matthews’ recruitment and FSU’s position here.

⛳ FSU Golfer Bella Bugg Competes in Patriot All-America Invitational ⛳

Florida State sophomore Bella Bugg is set to compete in the prestigious Patriot All-America Invitational at the Wigwam Golf Resort, starting Sunday. This unique event not only showcases top collegiate golfers but also pays tribute to military heroes, making it one of the most meaningful tournaments in college golf.

🌟 About the Patriot All-America Invitational:

• Elite Field: Features PING All-Americans from NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, NJCAA, AJGA, and international ranks.

• Honoring Heroes: Players carry commemorative PING golf bags bearing the name of a fallen or wounded hero.

• Expanding Legacy: Originally launched in 2011, the event now includes 66 top female golfers alongside its male participants.

🎖️ Bugg’s Tribute:

• Bugg will play in honor of Staff Sergeant Wentz J. Shanaberger III, a Naples, Florida native who served 14 years in the U.S. Army. SSG Shanaberger was killed in action in Iraq in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice.

📋 Key Details:

• Tee Time: Bugg begins her first round at 11:50 a.m. (ET) from Tee No. 10.

• Event Format: 54-hole tournament across three days, starting at 11:30 a.m. (ET) each day.

• Inspiration: "It is my honor to play for a man who gave his life to protect the freedoms we all treasure as Americans," Bugg shared about representing SSG Shanaberger.

🏌️‍♀️ FSU’s Strong Tradition:

• Alice Hodge, a former Seminole, finished tied for fourth in the 2023 Patriot Invitational and recently won her first professional tournament, highlighting FSU’s presence at this event.

As Bugg represents both Florida State and a true American hero, her participation adds a meaningful dimension to the Seminoles’ year-end achievements.

👉 More on Bugg’s journey and the upcoming tournament here.

🔄 Full Circle: Norvell, Malzahn, and Hand Reunite to Transform FSU 🔄

Mike Norvell’s coaching journey has come full circle with the reunion of two key figures who helped launch his career—Gus Malzahn and Herb Hand. The trio, who collaborated to orchestrate record-breaking offenses at Tulsa in 2007 and 2008, are back together at Florida State, aiming to restore the Seminoles’ offensive dominance.

🌟 A Connection Rooted in Faith:

• The Beginning: Malzahn offered Norvell, then fresh off his graduate assistant stint at Central Arkansas, a GA position at Tulsa in 2007.

• A Standout GA: Norvell quickly distinguished himself, earning a promotion to wide receivers coach while also excelling as a recruiter. His efforts helped land dynamic talents like four-star WR Damaris Johnson, who shattered records at Tulsa and earned a shot in the NFL.

💬 Malzahn and Hand on Norvell:

• Malzahn’s Praise: "He wasn’t your normal GA… You could tell he had something special about him."

• Hand’s Reflection: "He attacks everything face-on. Even as a GA, he was one of our best recruiters and brought unmatched energy."

🔧 The Tulsa Blueprint for Success: During their time together at Tulsa, the trio engineered historic offensive success:

• Nation-Leading Offense: Tulsa led the country in yards per game in both 2007 and 2008.

• Scoring Powerhouse: The 2008 team also ranked No. 1 nationally in points per game.

📈 Rebuilding FSU’s Offense:

• Malzahn’s Role: Taking over playcalling as offensive coordinator, the celebrated offensive innovator brings a proven track record and familiarity with Norvell’s coaching style.

• Hand’s Challenge: Tasked with revitalizing an offensive line that struggled in 2024, Hand aims to bring his expertise and energy to a unit in need of transformation.

🔮 Aiming for Redemption: With a storied past and undeniable chemistry, Norvell, Malzahn, and Hand are poised to recreate the magic they once achieved. As Malzahn put it, "We were really good together… I’m excited to be here to help."

👉 Read more about FSU’s plans for offensive resurgence here.

📰 Transfer Portal Update: FSU Prepares for Critical January Visits 📰 

As the transfer portal heats up, Florida State continues to build momentum, setting the stage for a pivotal January visit window. With 11 transfers already signed, including standout additions like Wake Forest center Luke Petitbon, the Seminoles are poised to address remaining roster needs while exploring top talent in the portal.

🌟 January Visits: Who’s on Deck?

• Linebacker Boost:

  • Elijah Herring (Memphis): The hard-hitting 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker is a top priority for FSU. With 60 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 2 interceptions in 2024, Herring brings versatility and experience that would pair well with Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense.

  • Marques Watson-Trent (Georgia Southern): The 2024 Sun Belt Player of the Year is a tackling machine with 120 stops this past season. Watson-Trent announced his FSU offer and is set to visit Jan. 1, with strong mutual interest between the player and the program.

• Defensive Line Reinforcements:

  • Jayson Jenkins (Tennessee): At 6-foot-6 and 281 pounds, Jenkins brings size and experience to the edge. He’s scheduled to visit FSU on Jan. 2, joining a growing list of defensive targets.

• Wide Receiver Additions:

  • Traylon Ray (West Virginia): A Tallahassee native, Ray is planning an official visit in January. Despite an ankle injury, the 300-yard receiver could add depth and familiarity to FSU’s WR corps.

  • Tru Edwards (Louisiana Tech): With 800+ yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024, Edwards is one of the more productive receivers in the portal. He’s expected to visit FSU, though the date is TBD.

  • Kevin Concepcion (NC State): The Seminoles are leveraging their pre-existing relationships to court Concepcion, a top portal receiver who’s also drawing interest from Alabama and Texas A&M.

• Running Back Talent:

  • Rahsul Faison (Utah State): The versatile back (1,109 yards rushing in 2024) will visit Jan. 1. Faison’s dual-threat abilities and experience make him a prime candidate to pair with FSU’s young RB group.

  • TJ Harden (UCLA): Keep an eye on Harden as a potential addition to bolster the Seminoles’ ground game.

🔑 Remaining Needs and Opportunities:

• Defensive Depth: Expect FSU to add at least one more defensive lineman to solidify the trenches.

• Receiver Firepower: Securing another productive wideout remains a priority for the portal class.

• Best Available Talent: The Seminoles continue to evaluate high-impact players to round out their roster.

👉 Read more about FSU’s January visit schedule and transfer portal strategy here.

And that’s a wrap!

As we wrap up an impressive December and prepare for a pivotal January, the energy around FSU football, recruiting, and athletics is undeniable. Whether it’s celebrating the legacy of a hero, watching future stars take the stage, or witnessing a coaching reunion aiming for redemption, there’s no better time to be part of Seminole Nation.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in today’s poll!

See you soon, and as always, Go Noles! 🍢