🏹 January 25th - The Chief Brief 🏹

FSU Shines on the Court, Field, and Recruiting Trail

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The Chief
January 25, 2025

Yesterday’s Poll Results

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy weekend, Seminoles fans! This edition is packed with updates as FSU continues its strong start to 2025. From dominant performances in the pool and on the court to recruiting buzz heating up, there’s a lot to dive into.

Here’s what’s on deck today:

  • 🏈 ACC Openers Announced: Key dates to watch as FSU’s football schedule takes shape.

  • 🎾 Tennis Triumphs: The Noles sweep North Florida and aim for the ITA National Team Indoor Championship.

  • ⚾ Baseball Kicks Off: Preseason begins with standout performances just weeks before Opening Day.

  • 🏈 Recruiting Blitz: Another loaded Junior Day, key visits, and FSU’s pursuit of top 2025 and 2026 prospects.

Sit back, enjoy the action, and let us know your thoughts in today’s poll!

🏈 FSU’s ACC Openers Announced for 2025

Florida State’s 2025 ACC football schedule kicks off with two big matchups:

  • Friday, Sept. 26: The Seminoles travel to Charlottesville to face Virginia at Scott Stadium. FSU is 15-4 all-time against the Cavaliers, last meeting in 2019.

  • Saturday, Oct. 4: FSU returns to Doak Campbell Stadium to host rival Miami. The Noles hold a 29-28 edge in the rivalry, including a 13-8 record since the Hurricanes joined the ACC in 2004.

🌟 Key Dates to Watch:

  • Aug. 30: Season opener vs. Alabama at Doak.

  • Sept. 6: Home game vs. East Texas A&M.

  • Nov. 29: Regular season finale at Florida in Gainesville.

The full 2025 FSU football schedule will be revealed Monday at 9 p.m. on ACC Network and ESPN2.

🎾 Noles Sweep North Florida, Advance in ITA Kickoff

The No. 10 Florida State men’s tennis team cruised past North Florida, 4-0, on Friday night to advance to the ITA Kickoff Weekend championship match.

🌟 Match Highlights:

  • Bulte/Rihane Doubles Duo: Dominated 6-1 on Court 1, improving to 5-0 this season.

  • Azariah Rusher: Returned from injury with a sizzling 6-0, 6-2 singles win, his 10th victory of the season.

  • Jamie Connel: Notched a straight-set win (6-2, 6-1), his team-leading 13th singles win.

  • Erik Schiessl: Secured the clinching point (6-3, 6-1), his first match-clinching win as a Seminole.

FSU will now compete for a spot in the 2025 ITA National Team Indoor Championship, aiming to qualify for the first time since 2009.

🎾 No. 24 FSU Women’s Tennis Heads to Orlando for Doubleheader

The No. 24 Florida State women’s tennis team will face No. 23 UCF and Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. Match times are set for noon and 4 p.m.

🌟 Quick Notes:

  • FSU opened the season with two 4-0 victories over Alabama State.

  • The Noles are 10-2 all-time vs. UCF and 7-0 in their last matchup with Bethune-Cookman (2006).

  • Players to Watch:

    • Maelie Monfils: Improved to 3-1 after two singles wins last weekend.

    • Mary Boyce Deatherage: Undefeated in spring singles (4-0).

🏊‍♂️ FSU Dominates Tampa on Senior Day

The No. 21/25 Florida State swimming and diving team celebrated Senior Day with a commanding performance, winning 23 of 28 events against Tampa on Friday. The No. 25 women triumphed 196-65, while the No. 21 men earned a 183-79 victory.

🌟 Highlights:

  • Logan Robinson (Fr.): Three wins, including a 1:43.67 in the 200 butterfly.

  • Gloria Muzito (Sr.): Two individual wins, including a 22.74 in the 50 freestyle.

  • Team Depth: FSU swept multiple events, taking the top 4+ spots in numerous races.

Next up, FSU’s women and men’s divers will host Miami on Monday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m.

🏀 FSU Faces Stanford in Saturday Showdown

Florida State men’s basketball takes on Stanford on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif. The game will air on the ACC Network, with streaming and audio links available through the Seminole Sports Network.

🌟 Quick Notes:

  • FSU is 13-6 (4-4 ACC) after a loss at Cal on Wednesday. Stanford also holds a 13-6 record and is 10-1 at home this season.

  • FSU will wear its Nike Seminole Heritage turquoise uniforms for the 31st time. The Seminoles are 22-8 when wearing them.

  • Players to Watch:

    • Jamir Watkins (18.5 PPG): Double figures in 16 straight games.

    • Malique Ewin (14.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG): Five straight double-doubles.

UP NEXT: FSU returns to Tallahassee to host Virginia Tech on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

⚾ FSU Baseball Kicks Off 2025 Preseason

The Florida State baseball team began its 2025 preseason on Friday, just 21 days out from Opening Day against James Madison. Here’s a quick look at standout performances from the first practice:

🌟 Pitching Highlights:

  • Jamie Arnold: Struck out 5 in 3 hitless innings, dominating with a fastball-changeup combo.

  • Joey Volini: Recorded 7 strikeouts in 3 innings, showing off his four-pitch mix with excellent command.

  • Maison Martinez: Tossed 2 innings with 4 strikeouts, flashing a fastball up to 94 mph.

🔥 Hitting Highlights:

  • Jaxson West: Delivered the lone hit off Volini and excelled defensively behind the plate.

  • Brody DeLamielleure: Crushed a double off the RF fence, showing power against left-handed pitching.

  • Hunter Carns: Ripped a two-strike breaking ball for a laser to left, showcasing his ability to adjust.

🏈 FSU Prepares for Another Loaded Recruiting Weekend

Florida State is gearing up for another big weekend of recruiting as talented prospects from the 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 classes make their way to Tallahassee. Following last week’s successful Junior Day, this weekend’s lineup includes a mix of key targets and rising stars.

💼 Closing on Chastan Brown

Chastan Brown, a 6’7”, 270-pound offensive tackle from Warner Robins (Ga.), will take his official visit to FSU this weekend. Previously committed to Gus Malzahn and Herb Hand at UCF, Brown reopened his recruitment when Malzahn joined the Seminoles.

This visit will likely be pivotal, as it’s the only one Brown has planned before February’s Signing Day. With the Crystal Ball trending in FSU’s favor, a decision could be imminent.

🌟 Top 2026 Prospects to Watch

  • 4-star WR Somourian Wingo (St. Augustine, Fla.): A dynamic wideout who earned an FSU offer recently and has ties to WR coach Tim Harris Jr. Wingo is also considering Florida and Miami.

  • 3-star WR Deion Thomas (Atlanta, Ga.): A 6’3” pass-catcher who could earn an offer during his visit.

  • 4-star EDGE Cam Brooks (Thomasville, Ga.): A top defensive target returning to campus after a home visit from FSU staff.

  • 4-star EDGE Jarius Rodgers: A longtime DE target making his first visit since FSU’s defensive coaching shakeup.

  • Top100 EDGE Tristian Givens: FSU is evaluating Givens as a potential JACK linebacker in Tony White’s new defensive scheme.

  • 4-star LB TJ White (Jackson, Miss.): A highly-ranked linebacker who is part of a strong group visiting this weekend, including Antoine Sharpe (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and Noah LaVallee (Walton, Ga.), the younger brother of FSU transfer Caleb LaVallee.

Defensive Backs:

  • 4-star CB Chauncey Kennon (No. 1 CB in 2026, per 247Sports): After Mike Norvell’s visit to his school this week, Kennon locked in plans to visit.

  • Hayward Howard Jr. (Edna Karr, La.): A recent DB offer making his first trip to Tallahassee.

🌟 Rising Stars in the 2027 Class

  • 4-star TE George Lamons Jr.: A standout already high on FSU, Miami, Florida, and Texas A&M.

  • Top100 OL Sean Tatum: A highly-ranked offensive lineman drawing early national attention.

🏈 FSU Offers 4-Star WR and Tennessee Commit Tyreek King

Florida State extended an offer to 4-star wide receiver Tyreek King during a phone call with offensive analyst Preston Brady on Friday. The Knoxville Catholic standout, ranked as the No. 6 receiver in the 2026 class by On3, has been committed to Tennessee since Halloween but is now planning a visit to Tallahassee.

🌟 Key Details:

  • King will attend FSU’s Junior Day on Feb. 1, marking his first visit to Florida State.

  • The Seminoles hope to make a strong first impression to flip the explosive route-runner.

  • Programs like Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss were in the mix before his commitment to the Vols.

Coach Shadowens on King:
“He’s unguardable in one-on-one situations. His dedication to being a perfectionist at route-running sets him apart.”

Stay tuned as FSU looks to sway this elite prospect before the February dead period.

🏈 4-Star RB Amari Clemons Set for Another FSU Visit

One of Florida State’s top running back targets, Amari Clemons, will return to Tallahassee this weekend for his third visit since late December. The Marianna native (just 45 minutes away) will bring his mother along this time, aiming to give her a closer look at what FSU has to offer.

🌟 Why FSU Stands Out:

  • Clemons had a personalized experience on his last visit, focusing on pass protections with the coaching staff.

  • He’s impressed by new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, calling him a "legend" who loves to run the ball.

  • Clemons highlighted FSU’s environment and wants his mom to see “what I see.”

🔜 What’s Next:

  • Clemons plans to make his college decision before his senior season.

  • Alongside FSU, South Carolina, Auburn, Miami, Florida, and Illinois are among his top schools.

Ranked as the No. 24 RB nationally, FSU is making a strong push to secure the talented four-star prospect.

And that’s a wrap!

Thanks for catching up with The Chief Brief! From preseason standouts to recruiting buzz and big wins across multiple sports, the Seminoles are setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. Don’t forget to weigh in on today’s poll and stay tuned for more updates in our next edition. Go Noles!

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