🏹 December 3rd - The Chief Brief 🏹

A tidal wave of awards, recruiting drama, and a Doak-sized rodeo

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The Chief
December 03, 2025

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Wednesday, Chief Nation!
Signing Day is here and a massive news cycle across every corner of Florida State athletics.

🏈 All-ACC Honors Roll In
Duce Robinson and Luke Petitbon headline eight Seminoles earning All-ACC recognition — a reminder that even in a turbulent year, FSU’s top-end talent continues to shine.

⚽ Dudley Makes History (Again)
Jordynn Dudley becomes FSU’s first-ever three-time Hermann Trophy semifinalist as five Noles land All-Region honors ahead of Friday’s College Cup showdown.

🤠 PBR Takes Over Doak
Jon Pardi and Miranda Lambert are coming to Tallahassee as Doak transforms into a bull-riding arena for a massive two-night PBR major this March.

🏀 Women Host Unbeaten Georgia
Sole Williams and a balanced scoring attack aim for FSU’s first ever win over the Bulldogs — plus the Noles enter fresh off a 19-three performance vs Oklahoma.

🏀 Men Routed as Issues Resurface
FSU drops its first home game of the Luke Loucks era in a blowout loss to Georgia, with Houston looming next.

⚾ Baseball Lands a Major Flip
FSU snags four-star SS Landon Thome — son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome — boosting the 2026 class to No. 18 nationally.

🧥 Norvell Foundation Gives Back
Mike and Maria Norvell’s Keep Climbing Foundation delivers over 500 winter coats to Tallahassee students.

🧠 Malzahn’s Future Uncertain
FSU and Gus Malzahn have explored multiple paths — stay, leave, or retire — with coordinator candidates already being vetted.

🧱 JUCO OL Steven Moore Commits
A key addition up front as the Noles reload the offensive line with immediate-impact size and experience.

🔥 Final Signing Day Push
FSU is making late runs at TE Heze Kent, EDGE Jaemin Pinckney, and OL Steven Moore as the board tightens.

🔒 Holding the Class Together
EJ White and Xavier Tiller headline the commit watch heading into tomorrow — with the 2026 class sitting at No. 14 nationally.

👉 Bottom line: From All-ACC celebrations to major recruiting momentum to Doak becoming a concert-and-bull-riding arena, today’s slate shows a program buzzing across every sport as Signing Day arrives.

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🏈 Eight Noles Earn All-ACC Honors, Led by Robinson & Petitbon 🏈

Florida State placed eight players on the 2025 All-ACC teams — with two Noles landing on the prestigious First Team after dominant seasons.

🔥 Duce Robinson: ACC’s Most Explosive WR

  • Voted most among all ACC players

  • 56 catches, 1,081 yards, 6 TDs — FSU’s first 1,000-yard season since 2019

  • Leads the ACC, 8th nationally in receiving yards

  • 102.8 yards/game in ACC play — best in the Power Four

  • Elite efficiency: 19.3 YPC, 12 catches of 30+ yards (most among P4 WRs)

  • Five 120+ yard games, three 140+ yard games

💪 Luke Petitbon: Best Center in the ACC

  • Started all 12 games

  • Did not allow a sack all season

  • Anchored an offense ranked 9th nationally (472.1 YPG)

  • ACC-best rushing attack (218.7 YPG)

  • Outland Trophy National Player of the Week vs. Alabama

🔒 Second-Team: S Earl Little Jr.

  • Team-high 76 tackles, 4 INTs, 2 FF

  • Three-game interception streak (longest at FSU since 2016)

  • Top-20 nationally in interceptions

📈 Honorable Mention Noles

  • DT Darrell Jackson Jr. — 45 tackles; second straight All-ACC year

  • DL Mandrell Desir — 7.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks (most among all ACC freshmen)

  • OL Richie Leonard IV — 11 starts; Allstate Good Works Team honoree

  • TE Randy Pittman Jr. — passing TD, receiving TD, rushing TD (did the trifecta at UVA)

  • DB Jerry Wilson — 42 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 PBUs

👉 Why It Matters: Even in a turbulent season, FSU's talent kept rising with elite production on both sides of the ball and foundational young pieces breaking through. Mike Norvell now has 64 All-ACC honors in six seasons, proof that the roster pipeline remains strong.

⚽ Dudley Makes History as 5 Noles Earn All-Region Honors ⚽

Florida State soccer continues its postseason dominance headlined by Jordynn Dudley making program history while five Seminoles earn All-Region recognition from United Soccer Coaches.

🔥 Dudley: A Three-Time Hermann Trophy Semifinalist

  • First player in FSU history to be a three-time semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy.

  • Leads FSU with 14 assists, 36 points, 78 shots, and shares the team lead with 3 game-winners.

  • Ranks top-20 nationally in assists, points, and shots — and top-5 in assists per game.

  • Two-time All-American, three-time First Team All-ACC, and a consistent national awards finalist.

💪 All-Region Team Loaded With Garnet & Gold
First Team

  • Jordynn Dudley — Forward

  • Taylor Suarez — Midfielder (8 assists, 18 points; four 3+ point games)

Second Team

  • Heather Gilchrist — Defender (team-high 1,645 minutes; 3 GWGs; Hermann Midseason Watch List)

  • Mimi Van Zanten — Defender (1 goal, 5 assists; key part of back line)

Fourth Team

  • Wrianna Hudson — Forward (team-leading 13 goals, 3 GWGs; top-25 nationally in scoring & accuracy)

🧱 Defense + Firepower = Another College Cup Run

  • Gilchrist & Van Zanten have anchored a unit with 11 shutouts and a +40 goal differential (No. 5 nationally).

  • Hudson & Dudley have combined for 24 goals, giving FSU one of the most dangerous attacking duos in the country.

📅 What’s Next
FSU (14–2–4) returns to the College Cup for the 15th time, facing No. 2 TCU on Dec. 5 in Kansas City (6 p.m. ET, ESPNU).

🤠 PBR Florida State Brings Jon Pardi & Miranda Lambert to Doak 🤠

Doak Campbell Stadium is turning into a bull-riding arena and a country music stage for a massive two-night event this March.

🔥 Star-Studded Concert Lineup

  • Friday, March 13: Jon Pardi performs after the opening round of PBR Unleash The Beast.

  • Saturday, March 14: Miranda Lambert headlines following the final rounds.

  • Both concerts take place immediately after bull riding inside Doak.

💨 Big-Time Event, Big-Time Stakes

  • PBR Florida State is a Major event with $200K on the line.

  • Top riders compete for world championship points and World Finals qualification.

  • This is the 13th stop of the 18-event 2026 Unleash The Beast regular season.

🛠️ Transforming Doak Into a Bull-Riding Mecca

  • 2,500 tons of clay-sand dirt hauled in by 20 semis.

  • 50-person crew works a full week to build & break down the arena.

  • Over 50 elite bucking bulls on site — average bull: 1,800 lbs.

  • Average rider? 140 lbs. (yes, seriously).

🎟️ Tickets

3 Surprising Reasons Why You Should Buy Frozen Fish on the Internet

Frozen fish? Not weird at all. At Wild Alaskan Company, we’re huge fans of frozen seafood — here’s why we love it:

1. Locked-in freshness. We freeze wild-caught seafood shortly after harvest so that it retains its fresh taste and texture. It’s the closest you can get to having it on the boat in Alaska.
2. Often fresher than grocery store “fresh.” Seafood at the counter is often previously frozen fish that’s been thawed for display. Do you really know how many days it’s been sitting on ice? (We don’t either!)
3. Freezer-friendly convenience. Stock up once, and you’re ready for healthy, delicious meals all month — no last-minute trips to the store.

🏀 FSU Women Host Unbeaten Georgia in ACC/SEC Challenge 🏀

Florida State women’s basketball returns to the Tucker Center on Wednesday with a chance to make program history — their first-ever win over Georgia and first in the ACC/SEC Challenge.

🔥 Tough Test Incoming

  • Georgia arrives at 9–0, one of the hottest starts in the nation.

  • Tip-off: 5 p.m. ET on ESPNU (Angel Gray & Kelly Gramlich).

  • First 250 fans get a $5 concession voucher; first 100 students get a free t-shirt.

💪 Balanced Scoring Attack

  • FSU is one of just 29 schools with five players averaging 9+ PPG.

  • Sole Williams leads the charge at 17.4 PPG, second-highest in the ACC.

📈 Last Time Out

  • FSU hit a program-record 19 threes vs No. 9 Oklahoma — the most by any team nationally this season and the most ever vs an AP Top-10 opponent.

  • Five Noles scored double figures; Williams earned All-Tournament Team honors.

🏀 Noles Routed by Georgia as Issues Resurface in ACC/SEC Challenge 🏀

Florida State dropped its second straight blowout, falling 107–73 to Georgia in the ACC/SEC Challenge — the program’s first home loss of the Luke Loucks era.

🔥 A Repeat of Friday’s Collapse

  • FSU fell behind early again, down double digits within eight minutes.

  • Nothing clicked: poor shooting, poor rebounding, missed free throws, and no defensive resistance.

  • Halftime: Georgia 49–30, with 24 points at the rim before the break.

📉 Second Half Snowball

  • UGA’s lead ballooned to 40 (86–46) as the Bulldogs dominated every statistical category.

  • FSU shot just 39.4% from the floor, 26.7% from deep, and 50% at the line.

  • Georgia punished the interior: 56 paint points and 22-of-29 at the rim (75.9%).

💪 Individual Performances

  • Robert McCray V: 18 points.

  • Chauncey Wiggins: 15 points.

  • McCray & Alex Steen: 5 rebounds each.

📉 Tough Trends Continue

  • FSU lost the boards 48–27 and gave up 21 fast-break points.

  • Noles are now 0–3 in ACC/SEC Challenge history.

⚾ Noles Flip 4⭐ SS Landon Thome from Tennessee ⚾

Florida State baseball scored a major recruiting win Tuesday morning, flipping four-star shortstop Landon Thome from his commitment to Tennessee.

🔥 Blue-Chip Pedigree

  • Ranked No. 82 nationally and the No. 28 shortstop in the 2026 class (Perfect Game).

  • The Illinois native is the No. 2 overall player in the state.

  • Left-handed bat, 6'0”, 185 lbs — and the son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome.

📈 Impact on FSU’s 2026 Class

  • Thome becomes the second-highest ranked player in FSU’s class.

  • The group features seven top-200 prospects, 10 total prep commits, and two JUCO additions.

  • With Thome on board, the Noles’ 2026 class jumps to No. 18 nationally (Perfect Game).

🧥 Norvell Family Foundation Donates 500+ Winter Coats 🧥

The Keep Climbing Family Foundation continued its annual tradition of giving back on Monday, delivering warmth where it matters most.

🔥 Community Impact

  • Mike and Maria Norvell’s foundation provided new winter coats to over 500 students at Astoria Park Elementary.

  • Florida State players, coaches, and staff joined the Norvells for the delivery.

  • The coat drive remains one of the foundation’s largest and most meaningful outreach events each year.

🧠 Gus Malzahn’s Future at FSU Uncertain as Options Open 🧠

Multiple sources indicate that both Florida State and Gus Malzahn have explored the possibility of a separation — with several paths on the table as offseason movement heats up.

💨 Malzahn Weighing Several Outcomes

  • Malzahn (or his reps) have spoken with programs filling head-coaching vacancies, including Arkansas (now filled) and UAB.

  • Conversations about taking an OC job elsewhere have also occurred.

  • Retirement was something he considered even before taking the FSU OC role — and remains an option.

  • One internal source believes Malzahn ultimately leaves, though nothing is final.

🧠 If He Departs… FSU Has a Plan

  • FSU is expected to hire a new offensive coordinator, not move Norvell back into play-calling full-time.

  • Agency circles say FSU has already spoken with potential candidates.

  • One name connected early: Pitt OC Kade Bell, viewed as a rising play-caller and likely in demand.

🧱 FSU Lands JUCO OL Commit Steven Moore 🧱

Florida State has added key trench help for 2026 with the commitment of three-star JUCO offensive lineman Steven Moore, who chose the Seminoles over Oklahoma State.

🔥 How It Came Together

  • Moore visited Tallahassee last weekend, receiving his offer Tuesday after FSU confirmed his transfer credits.

  • Oklahoma State made a late push with an offer Monday, but the Noles closed.

  • Previously committed to Arkansas State before reopening his recruitment.

💪 Why FSU Wanted Him

  • Listed at 6’5”, 310 pounds, Moore is projected to play guard at the next level.

  • FSU pitched immediate opportunity — six senior OL are departing, leaving starting jobs wide open.

  • Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 10 JUCO offensive tackle and No. 60 overall JUCO player.

📅 What’s Next
Moore will enroll in January, joining a reshaping offensive line room in time for spring competition.

🔥 FSU Pushing for Late-Stage Additions Before Early Signing Day 🔥

With the early signing period just hours away, Florida State is still working the board — and three key targets remain in play as the Noles try to close strong in the 2026 class.

💪 4⭐ TE Heze Kent (Florida Commit)

  • FSU has pushed for months to flip the Gators’ pledge.

  • Kent visited Doak for Miami and Virginia Tech this fall.

  • Still trending toward Florida for now — but the staff hasn’t backed off.

💨 3⭐ Edge Jaemin Pinckney (USF Commit)

  • FSU re-engaged the pass rusher after USF HC Alex Golesh left for Auburn.

  • Pinckney impressed as a senior and holds P4 offers from FSU and WVU.

  • Auburn has not offered as of Tuesday, giving FSU an opening late.

🧱 JUCO OL Steven Moore (We got him)

  • Took a Sunday visit to Tallahassee, then picked up an FSU offer Tuesday.

  • Also offered by Oklahoma State; decision expected soon.

  • A December graduate who plans to early enroll.

🔒 Signing Day Watch: FSU Battling to Hold Key 2026 Commitments 🔒

With the early signing period just hours away, Florida State is confident in most of its 2026 class — but a few recruitments are still hot heading into Wednesday.

🔥 WR EJ White — Flip Watch

  • Longtime commit (nearly two years) and centerpiece of the class.

  • NC State making a strong late push; hosted him recently.

  • FSU sources remain optimistic: “I still love FSU.”

  • NC State sources think they’re still in it — this one may go to the buzzer.

💪 TE Xavier Tiller — Holding Strong

  • Georgia Tech made a late run.

  • Tiller told Rivals he’s “locked in.”

  • FSU remains confident he signs as expected.

📅 FSU’s Signing Schedule (Wednesday)

  • 7 a.m. — Jalen Anderson, Noah Lavallee

  • 8:30 a.m. — Corbyn Fordham

  • 9 a.m. — Karon Maycock, Chris Carbin

  • 11 a.m. — Steven Pickard

  • Noon — Amari Thomas

  • 1–2:30 p.m. — Izayia Williams, Daylen Green, Jasen Lopez, EJ White, Jordan Crutchfield, Mike Ionota, Judah Daniels

  • 3–3:15 p.m. — Jaden O’Neal, Devin Carter, Darryl Bell, Chauncey Kennon, Earnest Rankins

  • 6:30 p.m. — Jakobe Green

  • Thursday — Franklin Whitley (12:15 p.m.)

And that’s a wrap!

From All-ACC dominance and College Cup dreams to Signing Day battles and bull riding under the lights at Doak, this week showed the full spectrum of Garnet & Gold — pride, pressure, momentum, and a whole lot of personality.

As recruiting boards shuffle, coordinators weigh futures, and postseason runs continue, one thing stays the same: Florida State never stops moving. Whether it’s rising stars on the hardwood, breakthrough flips on the diamond, or five Noles earning All-Region honors on the pitch, this program keeps producing stories worth following.

Stay sharp, stay locked in, and get ready — Signing Day is here, and the next 48 hours in Tallahassee will be loud.

Until tomorrow, keep climbing and keep your war paint ready.
— Chief

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