Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

This edition is packed with action, updates, and milestones from Florida State sports. Here’s a preview of what’s inside:

🏀 Taylor Bol Bowen’s Career Night: A career-high performance from Taylor Bol Bowen and another double-double by Malique Ewin propelled FSU to a 91-78 victory over Georgia Tech. Find out how the Seminoles extended their ACC winning streak and what’s next for the team.

🎾 FSU Men’s Tennis Faces First Defeat: Despite a thrilling start in doubles, the No. 9 Seminoles fell to No. 6 Arizona. A look at the match highlights and what’s ahead for FSU during the ITA Kickoff Weekend.

🥇 A Big Commitment for 2027: Florida State secured its first commitment for the 2027 class with the versatile Jaylen Scott. Learn how the Junior Day atmosphere helped seal the deal for this two-way standout.

🏈 Junior Day Recruiting Rundown: The Seminoles rolled out the red carpet for top recruits during Saturday’s Junior Day. From Kaiden Hall’s lifelong fandom to Trenton Henderson’s family-like connection, get the full breakdown of FSU’s key prospects.

🏀 FSU Women’s Basketball Welcomes Miami: As the Seminoles host their alumni weekend, they prepare to face Miami with a stellar 51-19 all-time series record. Discover how FSU’s stars, Makayla Timpson and Ta’Niya Latson, are setting records and leading the charge.

🏀 Taylor Bol Bowen's Career Night Powers FSU Past Georgia Tech 🏀

Taylor Bol Bowen erupted for a career-high 20 points, and Malique Ewin secured his fourth consecutive double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead Florida State to a dominant 91-78 victory over Georgia Tech at the Donald L. Tucker Center. The win marked the Seminoles' second consecutive ACC victory, improving their record to 13-5 overall and 4-3 in conference play.

🌟 Game Highlights

• Bol Bowen’s Breakout: The sophomore forward topped his previous career high with a late-game dunk, reaching the 20-point mark for the first time. He shot an efficient 7-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

• Ewin’s Dominance: Ewin continued his impressive streak, posting 17.5 points and 11 rebounds per game over the last four contests.

• Jamir Watkins: The senior guard added 17 points, extending his double-figure scoring streak to 15 games, along with Ewin.

🌟 Team Performance

• The Seminoles controlled the game early, racing out to a 16-point first-half lead.

• Despite a second-half surge from Georgia Tech, FSU responded with a decisive 10-2 run and maintained control throughout.

• Justin Thomas contributed eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals off the bench, providing critical energy and versatility.

🌟 Coach’s Corner
Head coach Leonard Hamilton praised the team’s focus and execution:
“We had some moments where I thought that we were really on point, both on offense and defense.”

🌟 Looking Ahead
Florida State heads west for back-to-back road games against Cal on Wednesday, January 22, at 9:00 p.m. ET, followed by a matchup with Stanford on Saturday.

👉 Check out all the details on the big win here.

🎾 No. 9 Florida State Men’s Tennis Falls to No. 6 Arizona 🎾

The Florida State men’s tennis team (5-1) suffered its first defeat of the season, falling 6-1 to No. 6 Arizona in a competitive match that showcased thrilling moments in doubles play but fell short in singles action.

🌟 Doubles Dominance
The Seminoles started strong, clinching the doubles point:

• Jamie Connel & Jan Sebesta: A commanding 6-1 win on Court 3 set the tone early.

• Erik Schiessl & Joshua Dous-Karpenschif: Secured the doubles point with a clutch 7-5 victory on Court 2.

• Unfinished Drama: Alex Bulte and Youcef Rihane’s match on Court 1 was tied at 6-6 before being called.

🌟 Singles Struggles
Despite early first-set leads across several courts, Arizona’s depth proved too much as they secured wins on six courts:

• Tough Battles: Youcef Rihane pushed his match to a third-set super tiebreaker before narrowly falling 10-8.

• Highlight Match: Jamie Connel battled the No. 5-ranked Colton Smith but fell 6-3, 7-5 on Court 1.

🌟 What’s Next?
The Seminoles will quickly pivot to hosting the annual ITA Kickoff Weekend, where they’ll face No. 15 South Carolina, No. 16 San Diego, and UNC-Wilmington with hopes of qualifying for the 2025 ITA National Team Indoor Championship in Texas.

• Schedule Highlights:

  • Friday, 2 p.m.: South Carolina vs. San Diego

  • Friday, 5 p.m.: Florida State vs. UNC-Wilmington

  • Saturday, 2 p.m.: Consolation match

  • Saturday, 5 p.m.: Championship match

👉 Read more here.

🥇 FSU Lands First Commitment for 2027 Class with Jaylen Scott 🥇 

Florida State football has secured its first commitment for the Class of 2027 with the addition of Mobile (Ala.) Williamson athlete Jaylen Scott. The versatile prospect made his announcement during Saturday’s Junior Day event in Tallahassee.

🌟 Why FSU Stood Out

• Scott praised the atmosphere, energy, and coaching staff at FSU, saying, “My family loved it and so did I. Plus, I feel like my future will go far here.”

• This marks Scott’s second visit to FSU in a month, following his initial visit and offer on December 21.

🌟 Scott’s Versatility

• Standing at 6’0” and 165 pounds, Scott plays on both sides of the ball at Williamson High, excelling as a defensive back and wide receiver.

• FSU coaches view him as a dynamic defensive back, and he committed to the defensive backs staff during his visit.

🌟 High School Success

• Scott was part of one of Alabama’s top programs, helping Williamson to a 10-2 record and a No. 33 state ranking in 2024.

🌟 Recruitment Overview

• Scott also holds offers from UCF, Marshall, Tennessee, and Alabama A&M, among others.

• Though currently unranked as a 2027 prospect, his talent and versatility have garnered early attention.

👉 Learn more about Scott’s decision and what it means for the Seminoles here and here.

🏈 Junior Day Delivers Key Recruiting Updates for Florida State 🏈

Florida State’s Junior Day welcomed an impressive array of talent to Tallahassee on Saturday, solidifying the Seminoles' position as a major recruiting force. Here’s a detailed roundup of the event’s key prospects and updates:

🔑 Kaiden Hall: Safety with a Legacy

• Class: 2026 | Ranking: 4⭐️, No. 24 overall, No. 2 safety nationally (On3).

• Highlights:

  • Spent time with defensive coordinator Tony White and safeties coach Evan Cooper, praising White’s energy and Cooper’s NFL coaching pedigree.

  • Was shown Nebraska defensive stats as a testament to the staff’s capabilities.

  • Grew up a lifelong FSU fan: "I’ve been a fan all my life, so being here is an honor."

• Next Steps: Plans to visit in the spring, keeping FSU as his top school.

• 👉️ More details on Kaiden Hall here.

🎯 Lasiah Jackson: A Rising Defensive Star

• Class: 2026 | Ranking: 4⭐️ No. 14 safety, No. 166 overall (247Sports).

• Highlights:

  • Made his first trip to FSU shortly after receiving an offer, praising Norvell’s honest recruiting style.

  • Noted FSU’s decision to prioritize long-term development over transfer portal additions as a standout strategy.

  • Envisioned as a versatile player who could shift between rover safety and cornerback in Tony White’s system.

• Next Steps: Planning spring and official visits to Tallahassee, with Georgia Tech and Alabama visits coming soon.

• 👉️ More on Lisah’s recruitment here.

🚨 Izayia Williams: Rebuilding Bonds

• Class: 2025 | Ranking: 4⭐ linebacker.

• Highlights:

  • Former FSU commit appreciated the renewed relationship with Norvell and new staff, particularly linebackers coach John Papuchis.

  • Detailed how FSU plans to utilize him as a flexible ‘Mike’ linebacker, blending traditional and blitz-heavy roles.

  • "FSU is still a top school for me. I can tell these are good coaches with great resumes."

• Next Steps: Official visit to FSU scheduled, with other stops planned at Florida, Alabama, and Georgia before a summer decision.

• 👉️ Details on William’s visit here.

💪 Zavien Griffin-Haynes: Defensive Line Focus

• Class: 2026 | Ranking: 4⭐️, No. 12 Edge, No. 161 overall (247Sports).

• Highlights:

  • Described defensive line coach Terrance Knighton as a “great guy” with unmatched NFL experience.

  • Highlighted Tony White’s recruiting consistency, noting their prior relationship during White’s time at Nebraska.

  • Projected to play as a JACK linebacker, depending on his physical development.

• Next Steps: Official visit planned for later this year, with FSU as a strong contender in his recruitment.

• 👉️ More from Zavien’s interview here.

🔥 Trenton Henderson: A Priority Pass Rusher

• Class: 2026 | Ranking: 4⭐️, No. 3 Edge, No. 12 overall (247Sports)

• Highlights:

  • Praised the "family atmosphere" at FSU and detailed strong connections with defensive staff, particularly Knighton.

  • Envisions playing JACK linebacker in the Seminoles’ new defensive system.

  • "FSU and Auburn stand out the most right now."

• Next Steps: Will visit Auburn next weekend and plans to return to FSU for spring practice and the 2025 season opener against Alabama.

• 👉️ More details about Trenton Henderson here.

🛡️ James Johnson: Elite In-State DL

• Class: 2026 | Ranking: No. 24 DL, No. 200 overall (247Sports).

• Highlights:

  • Spent time with Norvell, Knighton, and Odell Haggins, all of whom left a strong impression with their personalized recruitment style.

  • Versatile player who fits into multiple defensive schemes, including 3-down, 4-down, and 5-down fronts.

  • "Norvell told me, ‘I’m not going to recruit you, I’m going to pursue you.’ That stood out to me."

• Next Steps: Spring practice visit confirmed, with stops at Florida and Georgia coming soon.

• 👉️ Check out all the details on Johnson here.

🎯 Xavier Tiller: Talented Tight End

• Class: 2026 | Ranking: No. 98 overall, No. 4 TE (247Sports).

• Highlights:

  • Excited by FSU’s use of tight ends in multiple roles, including pro-style and spread formations.

  • Strong connection with tight ends coach Chris Thomsen, who emphasized Tiller’s versatility and playmaking ability.

  • "The coaching staff brings the juice, especially Norvell. He’s got a personality that makes you want to play for him."

• Next Steps: Plans to return in the spring for practice observations and is keeping his recruitment open despite a current commitment to Texas A&M.

• 👉️ Read more about Tiller here.

Florida State’s Junior Day demonstrated the staff’s ability to connect with top-tier talent and solidify relationships that could define future recruiting classes. With several prospects planning return visits and official commitments on the horizon, the Seminoles have set the stage for a dynamic recruiting cycle.

🏀 FSU Women’s Basketball Hosts Miami for Alumni Weekend Showdown 🏀

The Florida State women’s basketball team (14-4, 4-2 ACC) is set to welcome in-state rival Miami (11-6, 1-5 ACC) to the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center today at 2 p.m. in an electrifying matchup. Adding to the excitement, FSU will host 38 former players as part of their alumni weekend celebration.

🌟 Series History
The Seminoles hold a commanding 51-19 lead in the all-time series, dating back to the 1974-75 season. FSU has defeated Miami in three of their last four meetings, including two wins last season.

🌟 Player Spotlights

• Makayla Timpson: The junior forward secured her 41st career double-double in Thursday’s win over Clemson, tying Natasha Howard’s program record. Timpson leads the ACC in blocks (54) and blocks per game (3.00) and is the league’s top-scoring forward with 322 points (17.9 PPG).

• Ta'Niya Latson: The nation’s leading scorer (26.4 PPG) continues to power the Seminoles’ high-octane offense, which ranks second nationally in points per game (92.2).

🌟 Last Time Out
FSU cruised to an 82-67 victory over Clemson on Thursday, dominating the fourth quarter with a 26-12 scoring run.

• Latson: Notched her fourth double-double of the season with 20 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds.

• Timpson: Posted her 10th double-double of the season, tallying 17 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.

• O’Mariah Gordon: Added 15 points, two blocks, two assists, and two steals.

📺 How to Watch: Catch the game on ACC Network Extra or listen via the Seminole Sports Network on Seminoles.com or 96.5 The Spear.

👉 Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles charge forward in basketball, tennis, and recruiting, the momentum is undeniable. From career-high performances to exciting new commitments, the future looks bright in Garnet and Gold. Keep your eyes on the prize, and we’ll see you in the next edition! Go ‘Noles! 🍢 🏹