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Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

We’ve got postseason honors, breakout defenses, blue-chip recruiting battles, and long-term roster decisions all collide as the Seminoles begin shaping their 2026 identity.

🏐 Filimaua & Henke make history — FSU’s elite outside hitter duo earns All-ACC honors after rewriting the record book with one of the most dominant combined seasons in program history.

🏀 Loucks’ defense becomes elite — Steals are skyrocketing to all-time levels as FSU pairs record-setting three-point volume with the ACC’s most disruptive defense.

🏀 FSU battles blue bloods for 4⭐ Chase Lumpkin — The rising junior guard’s recruitment heats up as the Noles stay firmly in the mix against national powerhouses.

🏀 Noles shining in the NBA — Scottie Barnes ascends toward All-Star territory, Devin Vassell heats up, and multiple former Seminoles carve out early-season momentum across the league.

🏈 FSU finalizes 2026 opener vs. New Mexico State — A manageable Week 1 matchup completes a balanced schedule anchored by a marquee trip to Alabama.

🔒 FSU makes the final six for elite 2027 CB Xavier Hasan — One of the top corners in the nation keeps Florida State firmly in the chase as he breaks down what stands out about the program.

🧮 2025 Redshirt Report — A deep, development-heavy roster emerges with a full slate of freshmen across nearly every position earning redshirt status.

🛡️ Offseason priority board revealed — From Kevin Sperry and Ousmane Kromah to the Desir twins and Ja’Bril Rawls, here are the must-keep future stars FSU needs to retain to stabilize 2026.

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🏐 Filimaua & Henke Earn All-ACC Honors After Historic Seasons 🏐

Florida State’s outside hitters Kyleene Filimaua and Iane Henke have been named Second Team All-ACC, extending FSU’s streak to 19 straight seasons with multiple All-ACC selections. The duo didn’t just lead the Noles — they rewrote the program’s record book.

🔥 The ACC’s Most Dangerous Duo

Together, Filimaua and Henke were the top scoring pair in the conference, and on Oct. 18 vs Cal became the first duo in school history to each record 25+ kills in a match during the rally-scoring era.

🌟 Iane Henke — One of FSU’s All-Time Greats

Despite missing five matches, Henke delivered a season for the ages:

• 425 kills

• 4.43 kills/set — 3rd all-time in program history

• 5.10 points/set — 2nd all-time

• Four straight matches with 15+ kills while hitting .300+ (first since 2001)

• First FSU player in rally-scoring era with four consecutive 20+ kill matches

• Drafted 24th overall by the Orlando Valkyries in the MLV Draft

🌟 Kyleene Filimaua — A Complete, High-Impact Force

Filimaua matched Henke with a season loaded with elite production:

• 443 kills — 8th-most in FSU rally-scoring era

• 4.35 points/set — 9th in school history

• 13 double-doubles

• Team-leading 42 aces

• 270 digs — 2nd-most on the team

👉 Full All-ACC release available via the original report.

🏀 FSU’s Defense Turns Elite as Steal Rate Reaches Historic Levels 🏀

FSU’s three-point fireworks have grabbed the headlines — but it’s the defensive havoc that’s becoming Luke Loucks’ early signature.

🔥 Record-Setting Threes, Again

• 41 attempts vs. Texas A&M — third-most in school history.

• Three games this season have broken the all-time FSU record for attempts.

• 18 made threes vs. Alabama State — third-most makes ever.

💨 But the Real Story: Steals

• ACC leader in steals (83) and steals per game (11.9).

• Hit 10+ steals in 6 of 7 games, including 19 vs. UT Martin.

• Nation: 4th in steals per game, 15th in total steals.

• Turnover margin: +8.6, best in the ACC by a mile.

🧠 Gillion’s Defense Taking Shape
Assistant Gerald Gillion called it early — length + anticipation + discipline = elite.
Loucks: “Now you’re seeing it.”

💪 Somerville Leading the Charge

• 2nd in the ACC at 2.7 steals per game.

• Has a steal in every game; three Noles (Somerville/McCray/MaGee) are top-8 in the ACC.

👉 Why It Matters: FSU is pairing high-volume threes with relentless pressure — a blueprint that travels and wins.

🏀 FSU in the Hunt for 4⭐ Guard Chase Lumpkin 🏀

One of the top scorers in the 2026 class has FSU firmly in the mix as his recruitment accelerates.

🔥 National Recruitment Heating Up

• Chase Lumpkin (No. 70 nationally) has emerged as a junior-year riser after a strong Holiday Hoopsgiving showing.

• The 6'4” Georgia guard is drawing heavy attention from Kentucky, Kansas, Auburn, Tennessee, Louisville, Georgia, Indiana, Florida State, and others.

• Lumpkin says things are “going really good,” with interest picking up from all angles.

💪 Visits Stacking Early

• Already visited: Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Georgia Tech.

• Return visit to Kentucky set for Tuesday.

• Coaches making him a priority — multiple staffs showing up at practices and games.

👉 Why It Matters: Lumpkin is a high-upside scorer trending upward, and FSU is battling blue bloods in a recruitment that’s gaining real momentum heading into 2026.

Read more here

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🏀 Noles in the NBA: Barnes Ascends, Vassell Erupts, Mann Steady, Isaac Grinding 🏀

A full month into the season, Florida State’s pros are making noise across the league — with one former Nole pushing toward true star status.

🔥 Scottie Barnes (Raptors)

• 19.9 PPG | 8.0 REB | 5.0 AST on elite shooting splits (51/41/85).

• Already 10 double-doubles and multiple near triple-doubles.

• Toronto sits 14–7 and third in the East — and Barnes is pacing for the best season of his career.

📉 Jonathan Isaac (Magic)

• 2.9 PPG in 10.2 minutes, his lowest scoring average yet.

• Best outing: 9-7-2 vs. Clippers on Nov. 20.

• Orlando remains competitive at 12–8.

💪 Terance Mann (Nets)

• 8.7 PPG, 3.6 AST, 3.3 REB — up from last year.

• Season highlight: 21 points vs. Houston; five double-digit games in November.

• Brooklyn struggling at 3–16.

🔥 Devin Vassell (Spurs)

• 15.9 PPG on strong efficiency (44/38/86).

• Recently torched Denver for 35 points and has 3 straight 22+ outings.

• Spurs off to a surprising 13–6 start in the West.

🧠 Jamir Watkins (Wizards)

• Limited NBA minutes (5 games), but flashed vs. Cleveland: 6 points, 6 rebounds.

• Dominant in the G League (15-9-4-2 across two games).

• Washington sits at 2–16.

📉 Patrick Williams (Bulls)

• 7.2 PPG, lowest of his career as minutes dip.

• Four double-digit scoring nights, including 12 vs. Orlando with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals.

• Bulls hovering at 9–10.

👉 Why It Matters: Barnes is entering All-Star territory, Vassell is heating up, and multiple young Noles continue carving out roles — a strong early-season showing for the Garnet & Gold in the league.

Read more here

🏈 FSU Finalizes 2026 Opener vs. New Mexico State 🏈

Florida State has officially locked in its 2026 season opener — a home matchup against New Mexico State on Saturday, August 29th.

🔥 Contract Details

• FSU will pay $1.4 million to New Mexico State (due before July 15, 2026).

• Contract was finalized in October 2023 by AD Michael Alford and then–NMSU AD Mario Moccia.

• ACC officials will work the game.

📅 Series & Opponent Snapshot

• Only previous meeting: 1964, a 36–0 FSU win in Tallahassee.

• The Aggies finished 4–8 last season, including 2–6 in Conference USA.

🗓️ 2026 Non-Conference Slate Now Complete

• Aug 29: New Mexico State (home)

• Sep 19: at Alabama

• Sep 26: Central Arkansas (home)

• Nov 28: Florida (home)

🌎 2026 ACC Opponents
Home: Clemson, NC State, SMU, Virginia
Away: Boston College, Louisville, Miami, Pitt

👉 Why It Matters: The addition of New Mexico State locks in a balanced 2026 schedule — with a manageable opener before a marquee September trip to Tuscaloosa.

Read more here

🔒 FSU Makes Final Six for Elite 2027 CB Xavier Hasan 🔒

One of the top defensive backs in the 2027 class has trimmed his list — and Florida State is firmly in the fight.

🔥 Top-6 Announced
Rivals300 cornerback Xavier Hasan (No. 4 CB, No. 27 overall) is down to:

• Florida State

• North Carolina

• Notre Dame

• Ohio State

• Tennessee

• South Carolina

💨 What Hasan Wants

• Early playing time

• Strong development track record

• A stable, trusted coaching staff

• Close to home preferred — but not required

• Academic and long-term support

🧠 Why FSU’s in the Mix
Hasan said it’s easy to connect with the staff and he values the culture under Mike Norvell:

• “They always show me love.”

• “I like the coaches a lot.”

• “There are a lot of good players — I want to compete with those players.”

📈 Other Contenders Getting Traction

• Notre Dame: Development + academics; “coaches show me the most love.”

• Ohio State: Elite competition; daily battles vs. NFL-bound WRs.

• UNC: Hometown pull + early playing time.

• Tennessee: Proximity + strong NC recruiting footprint.

• South Carolina: Return game opportunities + trust in DB coach Torrian Gray.

Read more here

🧮 FSU Redshirt Report: Who Qualified After the 2025 Season 🧮

With the regular season wrapped, Florida State’s roster math becomes clearer — here’s who stayed under the four-game threshold and will retain a redshirt heading into 2026.

🔥 Quarterbacks

• Kevin Sperry — appeared in 3 games

• Jaylen King — 1 game

• Already redshirted: Brock Glenn, Michael Grant

💨 Running Backs

• Kam Davis — 4 games

• Already redshirted: Jeremiah Johnson

🏃‍♂️ Wide Receivers

• Teriq Mallory — 4 games

• Tae’Shaun Gelsey — 4 games

• Chase Loftin — 4 games (WR/TE hybrid)

• Already redshirted: Gavin Blackwell, Camdon Frier

🔒 Tight Ends

• Gavin Markey — 1 game

• Already redshirted: Greyson Labiad, Luke Douglas

🧱 Offensive Line

• Chavez Thompson — 4 games

• Chastan Brown — 0 games

• Mario Nash Jr. — 0 games

• Sean Poret — 0 games

• Ja’Elyne Matthews — 0 games

• Already redshirted: Tye Hylton, Manasse Itete, Josh Raymond

💪 Defensive Line

• Tyeland Coleman — 3 games

• Kevin Wynn — 4 games

• L.A. Jessie Harrold — 1 game

• Tylon Lee — 3 games

• Already redshirted: Deamontae Diggs, Jamorie Flagg

🛡️ Linebackers

• Ethan Pritchard — 0 games (sidelined after Alabama injury)

• Already redshirted: Caleb LaVallee, Ashton Bracewell, Brandon Torres, Jayden Parrish, Gav Holman

🔐 Defensive Backs

• Max Redmon — 2 games

• Zae Thomas — 2 games

• Antonio Cromartie Jr. — 2 games

• Already redshirted: Jamari Howard, Jarvis Boatwright Jr.

🎯 Specialists

• Brunno Reus — 4 games

• Ethan Post — 2 games

• Alex Nocco — 0 games

• Already redshirted: Peyton Naylor

👉 Why It Matters: FSU enters 2026 with a deep, development-heavy roster — a full redshirt class across nearly every position group, setting up fresh competition and long-term depth heading into spring ball.

Read more here

🛡️ FSU’s Offseason Priority Board: The Must-Keep Future Stars 🛡️

Florida State’s 2025 season fell short, but the roster still flashes real upside — enough to beat Alabama in Week 1 and enough to build around if FSU keeps its core intact. This offseason is about retention just as much as recruiting.

🔥 QB Kevin Sperry

• True freshman who jumped Brock Glenn for QB2.

• Flashed poise and touch in limited reps.

• Perfect fit for Gus Malzahn’s scheme if he stays.

💨 RB Ousmane Kromah

• 408 rushing yards on just 72 carries; 147 receiving yards.

• Explosive, efficient, and under-used.

• Needs to be a centerpiece back going forward.

⭐ WR Duce Robinson

• 56 catches, 1,081 yards, 6 TDs — one of the best WR seasons in recent FSU history.

• Draft-eligible and likely gone… but if there’s any chance, FSU must take it.

💪 WR Lawayne McCoy

• 27 catches, 396 yards, 3 TDs — steady, reliable, ascending.

• Posted a career-best 110 yards vs. Florida.

• A needed veteran presence if the room reshuffles.

⚡ WR Micahi Danzy

• One of the most electric players on the team.

• 571 receiving yards, 216 rushing yards, 6 total TDs.

• A Tallahassee native — and a must-retain weapon.

🔒 TE Randy Pittman Jr.

• 23 catches, 208 yards, 2 TDs.

• Versatile: blocking, short-yardage Wildcat, red-zone flexibility.

• Likely returning — important glue piece.

🔥 The Desir Twins (Mandrell & Darryll)

• Mandrell: team-leading 6.5 sacks.

• Darryll: 21 QB pressures as a true freshman.

• Big programs will call; FSU cannot lose them.

💪 DL Kevin Wynn

• Top-100 talent with high long-term upside.

• Rotational this year but physically gifted.

• Retention here is developmental insurance.

🔒 CB Ja’Bril Rawls

• Breakout freshman; physical, confident, high-upside cover corner.

• Lost late in the season due to injury.

• A foundation piece in the secondary.

🧱 S Ashlynd Barker

• 6’3”, 216 — size, versatility, downhill impact.

• One of FSU’s highest-graded defenders when healthy.

• 3.5 sacks from the safety spot shows his range.

👉 Why It Matters: Portal season cuts both ways. FSU’s 2026 turnaround depends not just on who arrives… but on making sure the future stars already here don’t walk out the door.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As December settles in, the direction of Florida State athletics is coming into sharper focus.
From volleyball’s record-breakers to basketball’s defensive surge, from recruiting battles to roster building, the next era of Garnet & Gold is taking shape piece by piece.

Some seasons are about results — this one is about foundation. Identity. Development. The long view.
And the programs that stay committed to that vision now will be the ones celebrating loudest later.

So stay steady, stay locked in, and keep rising with us — because the future at Florida State is being built right now, and you’re watching the first bricks go into place.

Until tomorrow, keep the war paint fresh and the standard high.
— Chief