Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

We’re diving into the latest FSU updates, from critical Transfer Portal visits to NFL dominance and high-profile recruiting developments.

Here’s what you can expect in today’s edition:

🏈 FSU Gears Up for Key Transfer Visits 🏈
The Seminoles are hosting a flurry of top prospects this week as they aim to solidify their linebacker corps and bolster their offense. From UNC's Caleb LaVallee to Louisiana Tech’s Tru Edwards, find out how FSU is building for 2025.

🌟 FSU’s Eye on the Future: 2026 WR Somourian Wingo Jr. 🌟
New WR coach Tim Harris Jr. lands a key in-state recruit in Somourian Wingo Jr. With Junior Day around the corner, could the Seminoles break into Wingo’s top 10 schools?

🎯 Former Commit Izayia Williams Recalibrates Recruitment 🎯
After decommitting from FSU, the four-star linebacker explores new options with Alabama, Penn State, and others in the mix.

💼 FSU Basketball Faces NIL Controversy 💼
Six former players file a lawsuit against Leonard Hamilton over alleged unpaid NIL promises. A deeper dive into the claims and FSU’s official response.

🏆 FSU Alumni Shine in the NFL 🏆
From Braden Fiske’s record-setting rookie campaign with the Rams to Keon Coleman’s touchdown for the Bills, see how Seminoles are making waves in the pros.

🏈 FSU Focused on Key Defensive Additions in Transfer Portal 🏈

As the New Year approaches, Florida State is gearing up for a pivotal week in the Transfer Portal. The Seminoles are set to host a wave of impactful visitors, targeting essential upgrades to their defense.

🌟 Confirmed Visits:

• Caleb LaVallee (LB, North Carolina):
  The redshirt freshman linebacker will visit on January 2 in his first confirmed stop during this portal cycle.

  • 2024 Highlights:

    • Played 114 snaps with 14 tackles and one pass breakup.

    • Recorded a team-high 9 tackles in the Fenway Bowl against UConn.

  • Recruitment Buzz:

    • FSU has emerged as the frontrunner for the former three-star recruit from Smyrna, Ga., who was previously courted by Mike Norvell out of high school.

    • Strong interest from Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ole Miss, but no other visits confirmed yet.

  • Fit at FSU:

    • LaVallee’s potential aligns well with new defensive coordinator Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme. With multiple years of eligibility remaining, he offers both immediate and long-term value.

• Marques Watson-Trent (LB, Georgia Southern):
  The Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year will also visit FSU this week.

  • 2024 Highlights:

    • 120 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and multiple game-changing plays.

  • Recruitment Outlook:

    • Despite adding Nebraska transfer Stefon Thompson earlier, FSU remains aggressive in pursuing Watson-Trent to solidify their linebacker corps.

🌟 Wide Receiver Talent on the Radar:

• Tru Edwards (WR, Louisiana Tech):
  Edwards, a redshirt senior, is planning a visit to FSU after a standout 2024 season.

  • 2024 Highlights:

    • 85 receptions for 989 yards and six touchdowns.

    • First-team All-Conference USA honors.

  • FSU Connections:

    • His father, Troy Edwards, won the prestigious Biletnikoff Award in 1998, adding a layer of Seminole allure.

  • Versatility:

    • In addition to his receiving skills, Edwards brings special teams experience with 87 punt return yards in 2024.

🌟 Strategic Priorities:
FSU’s Transfer Portal strategy is clear:

• Linebacker Depth: The Seminoles are working to rebuild their linebacker unit with LaVallee, Watson-Trent, and Thompson.

• Offensive Firepower: Edwards would complement recent addition Duce Robinson and bring depth to the wide receiver position.

👉 Read more here and here

🌟 FSU Extends Offer to 2026 4-Star WR Somourian Wingo Jr. 🌟

Florida State continues to balance high school recruiting alongside its active presence in the transfer portal. New wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Tim Harris Jr. wasted no time making an impact, offering a scholarship to 2026 four-star wide receiver Somourian Wingo Jr.

Who is Somourian Wingo Jr.?

• Position & Rankings:
  A 6-foot-3, 180-pound wideout, Wingo is a top-250 recruit in the 2026 class and ranks among the top 35 wide receivers, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

• In-State Standout:
  Hailing from St. Augustine, Florida, Wingo is no stranger to state programs, having already received offers from Florida, Miami, and UCF, among others.

FSU’s Growing Connection:

• Coach Harris’ Role:
  Wingo already shares a strong relationship with Tim Harris Jr. from his time at UCF, where Harris previously offered him a scholarship.

  • “Coach Harris is a great guy, on and off the field,” Wingo shared. “I built a strong relationship with him over at UCF, and I’m excited to continue to build on it.”

• Top 10 Aspirations:
  While Wingo’s current top 10 list includes schools like LSU, Tennessee, and South Carolina, he hinted that FSU could soon break into that mix.

  • “The recruitment is just getting started, but I know they will jump soon,” Wingo said.

• Family Ties:
  Wingo’s family is divided between Seminoles and Gators fans, adding a personal touch to his decision-making process.

What’s Next?

• Campus Visit:
  Wingo plans to visit FSU on January 18 for Junior Day, where he’ll meet head coach Mike Norvell for the first time.

• Other Recruits Attending Junior Day:
  Florida State’s Junior Day is shaping up to be a star-studded event, with attendees expected to include four-star running back Jae Lamar and top-100 cornerback Samari Matthews.

👉 Read more here

🎯 Former FSU Commit Izayia Williams Takes a New Approach to Recruitment 🎯

Top247 linebacker Izayia Williams, a four-star prospect from Leesburg (Fla.) Tavares, is recalibrating his recruitment after decommitting from Florida State in the wake of coaching changes. As the 2026 recruiting cycle begins to take center stage, Williams is embracing a patient, methodical approach to his decision-making.

Williams’ Recruiting Reset

• Decommitment Decision:
  Williams, the No. 15 linebacker in the 2026 class, parted ways with FSU last month. He cited uncertainty surrounding the Seminoles’ coaching staff as the primary reason for his decision.

  • “I didn’t know who the next assistant coaches would be,” Williams explained, adding that FSU’s performance on the field wasn’t a factor in his decision.

• Focus on the Long Game:
  After quick commitments to Louisville, Syracuse, and Florida State in the past, Williams is slowing down his process.

  • “Let them fight over you and take your time,” he advised, underscoring a new level of maturity in his recruitment approach.

Schools in the Mix

Williams’ recruiting landscape is expanding, with multiple programs vying for his attention:

• Alabama:

  • Scheduled for a visit on February 1, Williams expressed admiration for the Crimson Tide’s winning culture and electric atmosphere.

  • His connection with linebackers coach Chuck Morrell has been pivotal. “He is authentic,” Williams said.

• Penn State:

  • Recently offered by recruiting coordinator Alan Zemaitis, Penn State appeals to Williams for its player development and proximity to family in Pennsylvania.

  • “I like the players that came from there like Micah Parsons,” Williams shared.

• Miami:

  • Praised head coach Mario Cristobal and linebackers coach Derek Nicholson for their relatability and consistent outreach.

  • “Coach Nicholson is a great person. You can always call him,” Williams said.

• Florida:

  • Inside linebackers coach Ron Roberts’ persistent communication has left a strong impression.

  • “He didn’t care that I was committed. He kept reaching out,” Williams noted.

• Florida State:

  • Despite his decommitment, FSU remains an option. Williams acknowledged the program’s potential for a resurgence under new leadership.

What’s Next for Williams?

• Planned Visits:
  Williams has locked in a visit to Alabama and hopes to schedule trips to Penn State, Miami, and Florida in the coming months.

• Evaluation Criteria:
  Early playing time, relationships with coaches, and program stability are top priorities as Williams weighs his options.

As he navigates his recruitment journey with a newfound sense of patience, Izayia Williams remains one of the most intriguing linebacker prospects in the 2026 class.

👉 Read more here

💼 FSU Faces NIL Lawsuit from Former Basketball Players 💼

Florida State men’s basketball program is at the center of controversy as six former players have filed a lawsuit against head coach Leonard Hamilton over allegations of unpaid NIL compensation. The legal dispute raises significant questions about the promises made to athletes in the NIL era and how those promises are upheld.

The Lawsuit and Allegations

• Plaintiffs and Claims:
  The lawsuit, filed in Leon County Circuit Court, includes former FSU players Darin Green, Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears, Cam'ron Fletcher, De'Ante Green, and Jalen Warley. The players claim Hamilton promised each of them $250,000 in NIL payments from his “business partners.”

• Breach of Promises:

  • According to the complaint, Hamilton made these assurances during team meetings and individual conversations.

  • The players allege they never received the promised funds despite repeated guarantees.

• Evidence:

  • The lawsuit includes text message exchanges between players, Hamilton, and Will Cowen, an executive with FSU’s NIL collective, Rising Spear.

  • Four counts are brought against Hamilton: breach of contract, promissory estoppel, fraudulent misrepresentation and inducement, and negligent misrepresentation.

• Damages Sought:

  • The plaintiffs are seeking $250,000 each in compensatory damages, punitive damages, and interest.

Details from the Complaint

• Boycotted Practice:
  Last season, the players walked out of practice to protest the unpaid NIL promises, with plans to boycott a game against Duke. Hamilton reportedly intervened and reassured the players the payments would be made.

• Transfers Under False Pretenses:
  Several players claim they transferred to FSU under the expectation of receiving NIL funds.

FSU’s Official Statement

Florida State University issued a response to the lawsuit, emphasizing its commitment to compliance and ethical conduct:

• Denial of Unfulfilled Commitments:

  • The university states it has found no evidence of unfulfilled commitments regarding scholarships or NIL payments by FSU or the Rising Spear Collective.

• Support for Coach Hamilton:

  • FSU expressed its support for Hamilton’s right to defend himself against these allegations and called for an expeditious resolution.

What’s Next?

This lawsuit highlights the growing complexities of NIL deals in collegiate sports, particularly around the enforcement of verbal agreements and third-party involvement. As the legal process unfolds, both FSU and Hamilton will look to defend their actions while the plaintiffs seek resolution for their claims.

👉 Read more here and here

🏈 FSU Alumni Shine in Week 17 NFL Action 🏈

From game-winning plays to record-breaking performances, former Florida State Seminoles left their mark across Week 17 of the NFL season. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of how they performed:

🔥 Notable Performances

Los Angeles Rams: Braden Fiske and Jared Verse Dominate

• Braden Fiske (DE):

  • 2 solo tackles, 2 sacks (25 yards), 2 tackles for loss, and 3 QB hurries.

  • Fiske now leads all NFL rookies with 8 sacks this season, tied for third-most in Rams rookie history.

• Jared Verse (OLB):

  • 2 tackles, including 1 solo, and a QB hurry.

  • Continues to be a force on the Rams' defensive front.

Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman Finds the End Zone

• Keon Coleman (WR):

  • 3 receptions for 27 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown.

  • Targeted 7 times, Coleman added to his growing impact for the Bills.

Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James Delivers a Defensive Clinic

• Derwin James (S):

  • 2 solo tackles, 2 sacks (21 yards), 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hurries, and a fumble recovery.

  • A standout performance as he continues to anchor the Chargers’ defense.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Josh Sweat (OLB):

  • 5 tackles (3 solo), 3 tackles for loss, and a QB hurry in a dominant performance.

Minnesota Vikings

• Cam Akers (RB):

  • 6 rushes for 18 yards and a 9-yard touchdown reception that sealed the victory.

New York Giants

• Brian Burns (OLB):

  • 6 tackles (4 solo), 3 tackles for loss, and a QB hurry in a commanding defensive effort.

• Graham Gano (K):

  • Perfect 6-for-6 on extra points and a successful 30-yard field goal.

Detroit Lions

• Renardo Green (CB):

  • 4 tackles (2 solo) and a pass defended.

• Tatum Bethune (LB):

  • Re-activated and contributed with a defensive tackle, a special teams tackle, and a fumble recovery.

⚡ Quick Hits

• Miami Dolphins: Jalen Ramsey had a tackle and a pass defended in a win over the Browns.

• Chicago Bears: DeMarcus Walker recorded 2 tackles, including a tackle for loss, against Seattle.

• Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Nnadi contributed to the Chiefs’ win with a tackle.

👉 Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles wrap up 2024, their efforts on the field, in recruiting, and through alumni in the NFL remind us that the spirit of FSU extends far beyond the stadium. With promising prospects, strategic Transfer Portal moves, and alumni shining on the national stage, the future of Florida State is as bright as ever.

Until next time, stay loud, proud, and garnet-and-gold!