Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Tuesday, Noles! Here’s what we’re spotlighting today:

🏀 Sara Bejedi: A Week of Triumph for FSU Women's Basketball

FSU's Women's Basketball star Sara Bejedi dazzles, earning multiple Player of the Week honors after phenomenal performances against top-ranked teams.

🥎 FSU Softball Gears Up for Garnet and Gold Scrimmage and Fan Day

The FSU softball team, poised for another impactful season, invites fans to their Garnet and Gold Scrimmage, offering a first look at this year's promising squad.

🏈 Seminoles Secure Key Linebacker: Shawn Murphy Joins FSU

Boosting their defense, FSU football welcomes Shawn Murphy, a promising linebacker transfer from Alabama, enhancing the team's depth and talent.

🏈 FSU’s Top 10 Wishlist for 2025: Key Recruits to Watch

FSU focuses on building an elite 2025 class, we look at a list of the top 10 recruits on FSU's radar, including standout WR Jaime Ffrench.

🏈 FSU Eyes Promising QB Prospect Trevor Jackson for 2024 Class

FSU sets its sights on Trevor Jackson, a four-star QB from Orlando, as a potential key addition to their quarterback room for the 2024 class.

Sara Bejedi: A Week of Triumph for FSU Women's Basketball

Florida State Women's Basketball's Sara Bejedi has become a national sensation after her stellar performances against top-ranked teams, earning her multiple Player of the Week honors.

Bejedi's outstanding play against North Carolina and Virginia Tech has not gone unnoticed on the national stage. She was named both the ESPN and Naismith Trophy National Player of the Week, a testament to her impact on the court.

Alongside her national accolades, Bejedi also clinched the ACC Player of the Week title. In FSU's significant victories, she averaged an impressive 27.0 points per game, showcasing her remarkable shooting prowess.

Bejedi's performances have been record-setting. According to ESPN, she is the first FSU player in 25 years to make five 3-point field goals in three consecutive games.

Her career-high 31 points against Virginia Tech, including a pivotal 16 in the second half, were crucial to the Seminoles' success.

Thanks in large part to Bejedi's contributions, the Seminoles have risen sharply in the AP Top 25 poll, now ranked 15th.

Her ability to maintain a high shooting percentage, both from the field and beyond the arc, coupled with her strong rebounding, has been central to FSU's rise.

FSU Softball Gears Up for Garnet and Gold Scrimmage and Fan Day

The Florida State softball team, fresh off a standout season and a run to the Women's College World Series Championship Series, is set to host their annual Garnet and Gold Scrimmage on February 3rd at JoAnne Graf Field.

This event, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Seminole Softball Complex, offers fans their first look at the 2024 team. Attendees will have the chance to interact with players and coaches, enhancing the fan experience.

Following the scrimmage, FSU will host the First Pitch Party at the Dunlap Champions Club.

Under Head Coach Lonni Alameda, entering her 16th season, FSU is poised for another strong year.

The team returns with a wealth of experience, including seven seniors and six of their top seven hitters from last year.

The Seminoles will also rely on pitcher Makenna Reid, who had an impressive freshman year, and look forward to contributions from other key players.

FSU's official season begins with the JoAnne Graf Classic from February 8-10, where they will face teams like Charlotte and Florida A&M.

Seminoles Secure Key Linebacker: Shawn Murphy Joins FSU

Florida State's football program has bolstered its linebacker unit with a significant new addition: Shawn Murphy, a transfer from Alabama, has committed to the Seminoles.

His decision comes swiftly after entering the NCAA Transfer Portal, underlining FSU's appeal and proactive recruitment strategy.

Addressing a Crucial Need

Murphy's commitment fills a major gap for FSU at the linebacker position.

As the first transfer portal addition in this role, he brings much-needed depth and talent to the Seminoles' defense.

This move is complemented by FSU's success in retaining veteran linebacker DJ Lundy, who had initially planned a transfer to Colorado.

A Promising Prospect

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, Murphy is set to be a formidable presence for FSU.

While not yet ranked as a transfer portal prospect by 247Sports.com, his high school credentials and subsequent development at Alabama indicate significant potential.

Experience and Impact

In his two seasons at Alabama, Murphy saw action in a total of 18 games, contributing both on special teams and defense.

His experience in high-profile games like the SEC Championship and Rose Bowl highlights his ability to perform under pressure.

High School Acclaim

Murphy's high school career was marked by considerable success. Ranked as the No. 141 prospect nationally and No. 12 linebacker by 247Sports, he also earned the prestigious 2021 Butkus Award for high school players and participated in prominent all-star games.

Skillset and Potential

Murphy's skills include exceptional trigger and closing speed, along with a physical frame ideal for the linebacker position.

His limited playtime at Alabama showed promise, indicating his potential to become a significant player for FSU.

Looking Ahead

With his combination of physicality, speed, and progressive improvement, Murphy is poised to make a substantial impact at FSU.

His potential for growth and complementary role alongside DJ Lundy positions him as a likely key player for the Seminoles in the 2024 season.

FSU’s Top 10 Wishlist for 2025: Key Recruits to Watch

On the heels of a strong 2024 class, FSU is setting its sights high for the 2025 recruiting class, targeting several top prospects to strengthen their team.

With three commitments already secured, the Seminoles are ranked No. 17 nationally early in the year.

Let's take a quick look at FSU's top 10 most-wanted recruits for 2025 according to Noles247, focusing on their positions, high school achievements, and FSU's interest in them:

1. Jaime Ffrench, WR: A five-star wide receiver and a major target for FSU, especially after decommitting from Alabama.

2. Darrell 'Duke' Johnson, S: A four-star safety, FSU has shown significant interest in Johnson, actively recruiting him and inviting him to campus.

3. Tavion Wallace, LB: This four-star linebacker from Georgia is a priority for FSU, with the Seminoles being a frontrunner in his recruitment.

4. Jalen Wiggins, DL: A local four-star defensive lineman currently committed to UF, FSU is keen on keeping this Tallahassee talent home.

5. Ziyare Addison, OL: A four-star offensive lineman, Addison was one of the first to receive an offer from FSU.

6. Ousmane Kromah, RB: As a four-star running back from Georgia, Kromah has FSU and Georgia as his top schools.

7. Javion Hilson, EDGE: Initially committed to Alabama, this four-star edge rusher is back on FSU's radar.

8. Kevin Wynn, DL: A four-star defensive lineman, Wynn has a strong relationship with FSU's coaching staff and is heavily prioritized by the team.

9. Hylton Stubbs, DB: A four-star defensive back, Stubbs has familial ties to FSU and is high on several top schools.

10. Elyiss Williams, TE: Currently a UGA commit, this five-star tight end has visited FSU multiple times, making him a potential flip prospect.

These recruits represent a blend of talent across various positions, each bringing unique skills and potential to FSU's future roster.

The Seminoles' coaching staff is focused on addressing key positions of need while also bringing in high-level talent to maintain their competitive edge in college football.

As FSU continues to host prospects for Junior Days and build relationships, these names will be ones to watch closely in the Seminoles' pursuit of a top-tier 2025 class.

FSU Eyes Promising QB Prospect Trevor Jackson for 2024 Class

With numerous recruiting experts predicting a commitment, the Noles look set to enhance their quarterback room with the anticipated addition of Trevor Jackson, a four-star prospect from Orlando.

Initially committed to Ole Miss, Jackson reopened his recruitment last October and has now emerged as a favorite to join FSU.

Recognized for his athleticism and strong performance, particularly during the Elite 11 Finals, Jackson brings both skill and upside to the Seminoles.

His arrival at FSU, likely as a walk-on with potential for a scholarship, would mark a key reinforcement for the team’s quarterback room.

Jackson, known for his ability to read the field and effective pocket presence, adds depth and versatility to FSU's roster.

And that's all for today's edition!

Thank you for keeping up with the latest from FSU sports - your enthusiasm and support fuel the Seminole spirit.

We'll be back with more updates and insights in our next edition.

Until then, stay spirited and Go Noles!