Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy February, Noles!

Believe it or not, the undefeated, ACC championship football team is still setting records. We will get into that, the women’s golf season beginning, a preview of all the televised softball games for our #3 ranked team, 2 football recruits announcements, and the spring game is happening in Doak despite construction.

🏌️‍♀️ FSU Women's Golf: Spring Season Launch 🚀:

Discover how the Seminoles are gearing up for a promising season, led by Coach Amy Bond and a stellar lineup aiming for victory at the Collegiate Invitational in Guadalajara.

🏈📚 FSU's All-ACC Academic Football Team Honorees:

Celebrating the Seminoles' academic achievements, with a record 26 student-athletes earning spots on the All-ACC Academic Football Team.

🥎 FSU Softball's National Spotlight: ESPN & ACC Network Appearances 📺:

Get the scoop on FSU Softball's extensive national TV coverage, highlighting their journey as ACC Champions and Women's College World Series National Runner-Up.

🚧 FSU Spring Game Set for Doak Campbell Amid Renovations: Despite ongoing stadium renovations, the Seminoles' spring game promises a first look at new talents, including quarterback transfer DJ Uiagalelei.

📣 Four-Star OT Owen Strebig's Big Decision: Announcement on 247Sports:

Owen Strebig, a top recruit, is set to announce his college choice, with FSU in the running for this highly anticipated decision.

🏈 Jaime Ffrench: A Five-Star WR's Recruitment Saga:

Follow the recruitment rollercoaster of Jaime Ffrench, a five-star receiver reevaluating his commitment in the wake of coaching changes at Alabama.

🏌️‍♀️ FSU Women's Golf: Spring Season Launch 🚀

A New Dawn for Seminole Golf

As the Florida State Seminoles prepare for their spring season opener at the Collegiate Invitational in Guadalajara, the air is thick with anticipation. Coach Amy Bond, leading into her 14th spring with the team, shares an infectious excitement that's spread throughout the squad. "I can't remember an entire group of girls so excited to begin a season," Bond reflects, praising the team's unparalleled enthusiasm and mutual support.

Lineup Legends

This year's lineup is nothing short of stellar, boasting three All-Americans—Charlotte Heath, Mirabel Ting, and Lottie Woad—alongside the seasoned Alice Hodge and Kaylah Williams. This formidable ensemble is set to challenge the collegiate golf elite, with Woad and Heath ranking among the top golfers in FSU history.

Eyes on the Prize

The Seminoles are no strangers to the Collegiate Invitational, with this year marking their third appearance since 2020. After finishing as runner-up to Baylor last year, the team is hungry for victory. "We're ready to show everyone what this team and Florida State golf is all about," declares senior Alice Hodge, embodying the team's resolve.

Seasoned Stars and Fresh Faces

With Hodge playing the best golf of her career and Heath returning for her second Guadalajara outing, the team's blend of experience and fresh talent is poised for success. Lottie Woad, on the ANNIKA Award Watch List, adds, "I'm excited to get the spring season started after some good practices in the off-season."

Bond's Burning Ambition

Coach Bond's enthusiasm mirrors the team's high spirits. "I can't remember when I've been this fired up to start a season," she says, confident in her team's synergy and skill. As the Seminoles set their sights on the Collegiate Invitational, they're not just aiming to compete—they're aiming to conquer.

📅 Up Next

The Seminoles' journey begins with a practice round in Guadalajara, followed by 27 holes of intense competition over two days. With live scoring available on Golfstat, fans can follow the action as FSU seeks to claim the team and individual championships.

📚FSU's All-ACC Academic Football Team Honorees 🏈

Celebrating Academic Excellence Across the Field

Florida State football set a program record this past year by placing 26 student-athletes on the All-ACC Academic Football team.

Below is a comprehensive list of the Seminoles who have excelled in balancing their academic and athletic commitments to earn a spot on the All-ACC Academic Football Team.

Linebackers (LB) & Defensive Backs (DB)

• Tatum Bethune, LB, Social Science

• Fentrell Cypress II, DB, Social Science

• AJ Cottrill, LB, Management

• Omar Graham Jr., LB, Social Science

• Kevin Knowles II**, DB, Social Science

• Blake Nichelson, LB, Social Science

Wide Receivers (WR) & Tight Ends (TE)

• Joshua Burrell, WR, Sport Management

• Keon Coleman, WR, Social Science

• Brian Courtney**, TE, Finance

• Preston Daniel**, TE, MBA

• Ja'Khi Douglas**, WR, Sport Management

• Destyn Hill, WR, Management

• Jackson West, TE, Sport Management

• Hykeem Williams, WR, Pre-Criminology

Offensive Linemen (OL)

• Bryson Estes, OL, Social Science

• Bless Harris, OL, Master's in Athletic Coaching

• Keiondre Jones, OL, Social Science

• Robert Scott Jr., OL, Social Science

• Thomas Shrader, OL, Finance

• Maurice Smith, OL, Sociology

Defensive Linemen (DL) & Specialists

• Joshua Farmer**, DL, Social Science

• Fabien Lovett Sr., DL, Sociology

• D’Nas White, DL, Social Science

• Ryan Fitzgerald***, K, Master's in Accounting

• James Rosenberry Jr.**, LS, MBA

Note: -** two-time honoree, ***- three-time honoree

🥎 FSU Softball's National Spotlight: ESPN & ACC Network Appearances 📺

Seminoles Set for Prime Time

The Florida State Seminoles, fresh off their ACC Championship win and a stellar run as the Women's College World Series National Runner-Up, are slated for widespread national exposure this season. ESPN Networks will feature the Seminoles in 12 televised games, leading the ACC and ranking third nationally, a testament to FSU's dominance on the diamond.

🗓 FSU's Televised Games Schedule

• Feb. 15 – Stanford – 4 p.m. – ESPNU

• Feb. 16 – UCLA – 1 p.m. – ESPNU

• Feb. 17 – Georgia – 10 a.m. – ESPN2

• Feb. 18 – Tennessee – 8 p.m. – ESPN

• Mar. 13 – Alabama – 7 p.m. – ACC Network

• Mar. 20 – Texas – 8 p.m. – ACC Network

• Apr. 2 & 3 – McNeese – 8 p.m. – ACC Network

• Apr. 14 – Notre Dame – 4 p.m. – ACC Network

• Apr. 27 – North Carolina – 4 p.m. – ESPNU

• May 1 – Florida – 7 p.m. – ACC Network

Catch all the action live and support the Seminoles as they aim for another historic season!

🏈 FSU Spring Game Set for Doak Campbell Amid Renovations 🚧

A Glimpse into the Future at Doak Campbell

Despite the buzz of construction and the promise of a transformed stadium experience, Florida State University is gearing up to host its 2024 spring game at the iconic Doak Campbell Stadium. Scheduled for Saturday, April 20, the game offers a first look at the Seminoles' revamped roster in action, amidst a backdrop of ongoing renovations.

Limited Seating, Unlimited Spirit

While the massive renovation project, set to be completed by the 2025 season, promises more seating options, climate-controlled club spaces, and enhanced amenities, fans attending the spring game will face somewhat limited seating. With the West sideline bleachers currently demolished, available seating will be concentrated in the end zones and parts of the east stands. This seating arrangement will also extend into the 2024 fall season, ensuring fans a unique viewing experience as the stadium's transformation unfolds.

What to Expect

• Game Day: Saturday, April 20

• Seating: Limited to end zones and portions of the east stands due to ongoing renovations

• Features: More seating options, additional climate-controlled club spaces, and improved amenities upon completion

• Impact: Seating adjustments for the 2024 fall season

Spotlight on New Talent

The spring game marks the debut of quarterback transfer DJ Uiagalelei, alongside a host of other transfers and early enrollees, setting the stage for an exciting preview of FSU's potential in the upcoming season. After a stellar 13-0 record and an ACC Championship win, yet a controversial snub from the College Football Playoff, the Seminoles are eager to showcase their prowess and the strategic depth added by new and returning talent.

🌟 Four-Star OT Owen Strebig's Big Decision: Announcement on 247Sports 📣

A Highly Anticipated College Choice

Owen Strebig, the standout four-star offensive lineman from Waukesha, Wisconsin's Catholic Memorial, is on the brink of announcing his college destination. The eyes of the college football world will be on Strebig as he reveals his choice on Thursday, February 8th, during the 247Sports' Recruiting Show on YouTube.

The Contenders

Strebig's announcement has been narrowed down to a prestigious list of five programs:

• Florida State

• Miami

• Notre Dame

• USC

• Wisconsin

Strebig by the Numbers

• Ranking: Strebig is celebrated as the No. 1 recruit in Wisconsin for the 2025 cycle, showcasing his dominance on the field.

• Position: He stands as the No. 25 offensive tackle nationally this cycle according to 247Sports.

• Overall Prospect: The industry-generated 247Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 127 overall prospect.

What This Means for FSU

Should Strebig choose Florida State, it would mark a significant addition to the Seminoles' roster, bolstering their offensive line with a top-tier talent. His commitment would continue FSU's tradition of attracting elite offensive linemen, setting the stage for a strong future for the Seminoles' offensive unit.

Tune In for the Announcement

Fans and followers can catch the live announcement on the 247Sports' YouTube channel, witnessing firsthand where this highly touted prospect will play his college ball. Strebig's decision is not just a personal milestone but a moment of high interest for the five schools in contention, each hoping to secure a commitment from one of the nation's top offensive talents.

🌟 Jaime Ffrench: A Five-Star WR's Recruitment Saga 🏈

Talent Spotlight: Jaime Ffrench

Jaime Ffrench, the dynamic five-star receiver from Jacksonville, Florida's Mandarin High School, is arguably the most talented player available still in the college football recruiting world. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Ffrench has not only captured attention with his on-field prowess but also with his recent performances, including taking home the "Alpha Dog" honors at the Underclassmen Combine in San Antonio.

Dominance on Display

Returning to Florida, Ffrench continued to impress, showcasing his skills against top defensive backs at the Battle Miami 7-on-7 tournament. Ranked as the No. 30 overall player nationally by 247Sports and even higher at No. 12 overall by the industry-generated composite rankings, Ffrench's ability to dominate the competition has solidified his status as an elite class of 2025 prospect.

Recruitment Rollercoaster

Ffrench's recruitment journey took a dramatic turn on January 14th when he decommitted from Alabama following the announcement of Nick Saban's retirement. This decision reopened his recruitment, inviting interest from powerhouse programs like Notre Dame, Georgia, Florida State, and Miami.

Alabama's Renewed Pursuit

Despite the decommitment, Alabama, under the guidance of receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard, is making strides to re-enter the picture. Ffrench speaks highly of Shephard, citing his successful tenure at Washington and his expertise in managing a talented receiver room. "Alabama is getting back in the picture," Ffrench noted, acknowledging Shephard's influence and the potential for replicating his previous success with the Crimson Tide.

What's Next for Ffrench?

As the recruitment saga unfolds, the question remains whether Alabama can reclaim its position and secure a recommitment from the once-pledged star. Ffrench's admiration for Coach Shephard and his track record could play a pivotal role in the decision-making process.

And that’s a wrap!

From the golf greens of Guadalajara to the evolving landscape of Doak Campbell Stadium, FSU athletes continue to set the bar high, both academically and athletically.

As we look forward to the achievements and excitement the coming seasons will bring, we stand united in our support for the Garnet and Gold.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Until next time, keep the Seminole spirit alive and roaring. Go Noles!