Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy New Year, Seminole!

As we kick off the New Year, FSU is gearing up for a transformative offseason across sports. From excelling on the green and in the classroom to securing pivotal transfer portal commitments and shining a light on future recruits, there’s no shortage of action in Seminole Nation.

Here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

🏌️‍♀️ FSU Women’s Golf Sets the Standard

Florida State’s women’s golf team continues to lead both on the course and in the classroom, earning top honors in academic performance while dominating in competition. Head coach Amy Bond’s squad exemplifies excellence as they prepare for a strong spring season.

🌟 Future Stars Shine at Trillion Boys Showcase

From elite performances to exciting recruiting updates, top prospects are turning heads, and FSU is firmly in the mix. Find out who’s setting up visits and why the Seminoles remain a destination program for rising stars in the 2026 and 2027 classes.

🏈 Transfer Portal Heating Up

The post-dead period rush is here, and FSU is hosting a slew of high-profile visitors this week, including standout RB Rahsul Faison and LB Marques Watson-Trent. Learn how the Seminoles are positioning themselves to secure key commitments and rebuild for the 2025 season.

🔄 Retentions and Departures: Winter Portal Recap

With the winter transfer window closed, FSU navigated the cycle with notable retentions and some tough departures. Discover which players the Seminoles held onto, who they lost, and how these moves will shape the team’s future.

🏌️‍♀️ FSU Women’s Golf Excels On and Off the Course 🏌️‍♀️

Florida State women’s golf, led by head coach Amy Bond, has proven that success knows no bounds—achieving remarkable feats both on the green and in the classroom. The Seminoles capped their fall semester with a tournament victory and earned the highest cumulative GPA among all FSU athletic teams.

🌟 Highlights from the Fall Semester

⛳ Dominance on the Course

• Landfall Tradition Champions: The Seminoles secured the team championship in October, continuing their legacy as one of the nation’s most competitive programs.

• NCAA Championship Regulars: FSU is one of only four teams to compete in every NCAA Championship Final since 2016, joining an elite group with Southern California, Stanford, and Texas.

📚 Academic Excellence

• Top Team GPA: With a cumulative GPA of 3.775, the Seminoles led all FSU athletic teams in academic achievement.

• President’s List Honors: Three team members—Bella Bugg (criminology), Katherine Cook (hospitality and tourism management), and Sophia Fullbrook (psychology)—earned perfect 4.0 GPAs.

• Dean’s List Achievements: Five players achieved GPAs between 3.0 and 3.9, with standout performances from Kaylah Williams (3.9) and Lottie Woad (3.9).

💬 Coach and Player Reflections

Coach Amy Bond:
"The greatest aspect of this achievement is that it stems from the high standards the players set for themselves. We had a strong season on the course and an even stronger semester in the classroom."

Sophomore Bella Bugg:
"Success is a priority for our golf team, whether it’s academics or athletics. Balancing both is something we take pride in, and I’m not surprised we continue to lead the department."

🔮 Looking Ahead

The Seminoles aim to build on their impressive momentum as they prepare for the spring season:

• Upcoming Tournaments:

  • IJGA Guadalajara Invitational (Jan. 31–Feb. 1, 2025, in Mexico).

  • Florida State Match Up (March 21–23, 2025, at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club).

As the Seminoles strive for excellence both in competition and academia, their dedication sets a gold standard for student-athletes everywhere.

👉 Read more here

🌟 Top Recruits Shine at Trillion Boys Showcase 🌟

SoFi Stadium became a hub of elite talent during the Trillion Boys showcase, featuring some of the nation's best high school prospects across multiple classes. With standout performances and intriguing recruiting updates, Florida State continues to be in the mix for top athletes as the 2026 and 2027 classes shape up.

🔑 Notable Performances and Recruitment News

Keisean Henderson (ATH, 2026)

• Current Commitment: Houston

• Showcase Highlights: The No. 1 athlete nationally in the 2026 class impressed at quarterback, demonstrating elite passing skills.

• Recruitment Update: Despite being solid with Houston, Henderson revealed interest from Florida State, Oregon, Ole Miss, and SMU for potential visits.

Sequel Patterson (WR, 2027)

• Current Status: No. 13 overall prospect in the 2027 class

• Showcase Highlights: Displayed incredible body control with jaw-dropping receptions.

• Recruitment Update: Patterson has scheduled an unofficial visit to Florida State on January 17 and is also planning visits to Michigan and Penn State.

Davon Benjamin (S, 2026)

• Top Schools: Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, UCLA, USC, and Washington

• Showcase Highlights: Benjamin’s top-eight schools remain strong contenders as he focuses on scheduling official visits. Oregon continues to generate significant recruiting buzz.

Jacob Whitehead (CB, 2027)

• Current Status: No. 68 overall prospect, No. 8 CB nationally

• Recruitment Update: Whitehead plans visits to Georgia and Oregon in the coming year, both of which he admired throughout the season.

Taven Epps (LB, 2027)

• Top Schools: UCLA and Texas

• Showcase Highlights: As one of Southern California’s premier prospects, Epps is eyeing Texas for its elite defensive stats and UCLA for its strong local connections.

🏈 FSU’s Position in Recruiting

With elite talents like Keisean Henderson and Sequel Patterson showing interest, Florida State’s staff remains active in positioning the program as a premier destination for top recruits. Patterson’s upcoming visit and FSU’s consistent outreach to Henderson could signal major recruiting wins for the Seminoles in the coming cycles.

👉 Read more here

🏈 FSU Prepares for Busy Week of Transfer Portal Visits 🏈

With the NCAA dead period ending, Florida State is gearing up to host a wave of transfer portal visitors. The Seminoles aim to secure top-tier talent to bolster their roster ahead of the spring semester. Here’s a breakdown of this week’s key visitors and their potential impact on the team.

🔑 Key Visitors This Week

Utah State RB Rahsul Faison

• Visit Dates: January 1–2

• 2024 Highlights:

  • 1,109 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 99 receiving yards.

• Recruitment Outlook:

  • FSU gets the first visit, a strong indicator of mutual interest.

  • Competing schools: Georgia, Utah, and North Carolina.

• Why FSU Fits:

  • Faison is a proven playmaker, and FSU’s backfield would benefit from his experience and versatility.

Georgia Southern LB Marques Watson-Trent

• Visit Dates: January 1–2

• 2024 Highlights:

  • 120 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 sacks.

  • Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year.

• Recruitment Outlook:

  • FSU is capitalizing on early interest and hosting the first visit.

  • Watson-Trent could solidify FSU’s linebacker unit with immediate production.

Tennessee DL Jayson Jenkins

• Visit Date: January 2

• Profile:

  • 6’6”, 281 pounds, with untapped potential.

• Recruitment Outlook:

  • Competing schools: Texas Tech, N.C. State, and North Carolina.

  • FSU’s need for defensive line depth makes Jenkins a key target despite limited collegiate production.

Coastal Carolina DE Deamontae Diggs

• Visit Dates: January 2–3

• 2024 Highlights:

  • 5 sacks, explosive off the edge.

• Recruitment Outlook:

  • FSU has a strong chance to lock in Diggs if they push during the visit.

  • Competing schools: Kansas and other potential suitors.

North Carolina LB Caleb LaValee

• Visit Dates: January 2–3

• 2024 Highlights:

  • 9 tackles in UNC’s Fenway Bowl, 14 total tackles this season.

• Recruitment Outlook:

  • FSU’s previous involvement in LaValee’s high school recruitment strengthens their position.

  • Competing schools: Oklahoma, Indiana, and potential entries from Virginia Tech and N.C. State.

West Virginia WR Traylan Ray

• Visit Dates: January 3–4

• 2024 Highlights:

  • 28 receptions, 426 yards, and 4 touchdowns.

• Recruitment Outlook:

  • A Tallahassee native with strong ties to FSU, Ray’s return visit is a positive signal.

  • Competing schools: Ole Miss and Louisville.

🎯 Additional Notes

• Louisiana Tech WR Tru Edwards:

  • Edwards is planning an FSU visit soon.

  • The standout receiver had 85 receptions for 989 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024.

  • FSU faces competition from Kentucky, Mississippi, and South Carolina but remains a strong contender.

🚀 What’s Next?

FSU’s priority this week is to secure commitments from high-impact players like Watson-Trent, Faison, and LaValee while continuing to evaluate other portal prospects. With a focus on depth and immediate contributors, the Seminoles are poised for a transformative offseason.

👉 Read more here

🔄 FSU Navigates Winter Transfer Portal Moves: Key Retentions and Departures 🔄

As the winter Transfer Portal window closes, Florida State wraps up a pivotal cycle with 23 players departing and a mixed bag of outcomes. The Seminoles retained key talent to maintain the core of their roster while experiencing some significant losses. Here's a closer look at the highs and lows of this transfer cycle.

🌟 Key Retentions

Amaree Williams (ATH)

• Profile: A reclassified freshman with immense upside as a tight end or defensive end.

• 2024 Highlights:

  • 71 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on just five catches.

  • Set to get an extended look at DE this spring.

• Why It Matters: Williams’ athleticism and developmental potential make him a foundational piece for the future.

Offensive Skill Players (WR/TE Group)

• Retained Players: Landen Thomas (TE), Lawayne McCoy (WR), BJ Gibson (WR), and Elijah Moore (WR).

• Key Contributions:

  • Thomas started seven games in 2024 with 14 receptions, 173 yards, and 1 touchdown.

  • All four players showed promise and will benefit from further development in 2025.

• Why It Matters: Keeping this group intact fends off SEC interest and ensures continuity in the offensive skill positions.

Linebackers

• Retained Players: Omar Graham, Blake Nichelson, and Justin Cryer.

• 2024 Highlights:

  • Graham emerged as a key run defender late in the season.

  • Nichelson and Cryer flashed potential with solid PFF grades of 64.7 and 65.9, respectively.

• Why It Matters: Retaining all three bolsters a historically thin position group and sets the stage for improved depth in 2025.

Daniel Lyons (DT)

• Profile: Versatile defensive lineman with the ability to play inside or as a big DE in Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme.

• 2024 Highlights:

  • Logged 330+ snaps with a 66.0 PFF grade.

• Why It Matters: Lyons’ versatility and production at a premium position make him a critical piece for FSU’s defensive rebuild.

Defensive Backs: Edwin Joseph & Quindarrius Jones

• Profile: Two second-year DBs with positional flexibility and potential.

• 2024 Highlights:

  • Joseph: 66.8 PFF grade on 188 snaps.

  • Jones: Improved late in the season with significant starting reps.

• Why It Matters: Retaining these young defenders provides options for an evolving secondary under White’s system.

🔥 Notable Departures

Luke Kromenhoek (QB)

• Departure: Transferred to Mississippi State.

• Why It Stings: The former top recruit had elite physical tools but struggled under pressure, posting a 20.3% sack rate.

Destyn Hill (WR)

• Departure: Returned to LSU after recovering from a knee injury.

• Why It Stings: Once projected as a top receiver for FSU, Hill’s return to form could have bolstered the receiving corps.

DD Holmes (DE)

• Departure: Entered the portal after a redshirt season.

• Why It Stings: Holmes showed progress and fit well in White’s scheme but opted to return closer to home.

Marvin Jones Jr. (DE)

• Departure: Transferred after a season of uneven performance.

• Why It Stings: Despite flashes of improvement, FSU couldn’t fully capitalize on the former five-star recruit’s upside.

Grady Kelly (DT)

• Departure: A rotational piece who specialized in run defense.

• Why It Stings: While not a star, Kelly’s consistency would have been valuable depth.

⚡ Outlook

FSU managed to keep critical pieces of its roster intact, setting the stage for a stronger 2025 season. The retention of versatile playmakers and young talent highlights a focused approach to building depth and continuity. While the losses of Kromenhoek, Hill, and others are notable, the Seminoles’ proactive efforts in the transfer portal reflect a team determined to rebound and reload.

👉 Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As the New Year unfolds, the opportunities are endless, and the determination is unmatched. Whether it's on the field, in the classroom, or in the transfer portal, FSU is poised to rise. Here's to another year of Seminole success—see you in the next edition!

Stay ambitious, stay passionate, and as always, Go Noles!