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Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Tuesday, Nole Nation. We’re starting out with some info on our softball squad and then it’s all football.

We added a new coach, we’re suing our conference for an exit, we’ve got recruits getting upgraded to 5 stars. It’s all very exciting.

Here’s the docket:

🥎 FSU Softball Ready for Clearwater Invitational
FSU Softball is set to shine on ESPN networks at the Clearwater Invitational, facing top teams including Stanford, UCLA, Georgia, and Tennessee.

🥎 Kalei Harding's Preseason All-America Honor
Senior Kalei Harding earns her first Preseason All-America Second Team recognition, highlighting her impressive contributions to FSU Softball.

🏈 FSU Signs 5-Star QB Luke Kromenhoek
Luke Kromenhoek, FSU's first five-star quarterback recruit since Jameis Winston, brings high expectations and talent to the Seminoles.

🏈 Recruit Caleb Cunningham's Top Schools Revealed
Highly sought-after recruit Caleb Cunningham announces his top schools, with FSU among the contenders for this rising star.

🏈 FSU's Legal Battle with ACC Intensifies
FSU responds to the ACC's legal challenge with a detailed amended complaint, focusing on allegations against former Commissioner John Swofford.

🏈 Rick Stockstill Joins FSU as Director of Scouting
Former MTSU head coach and FSU quarterback Rick Stockstill returns to FSU as the new director of scouting for offense.

🥎 FSU Softball Set for National Spotlight at Clearwater Invitational 🥎

Four Days of High-Profile Games on ESPN Networks Florida State's softball team is gearing up for a major showcase at the Clearwater Invitational from Feb. 15-18, with all games broadcasted on ESPN channels. FSU stands out as the only team in the invitational to have all their games televised nationally.

Opening Against Powerhouse Stanford The Seminoles start their campaign against No. 3 Stanford on Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. on ESPNU. This game, a rare meeting between the two teams, promises to be a thrilling opener with both teams having a strong history in the Women's College World Series.

Continuing the Challenge with UCLA FSU faces No. 8 UCLA on Feb. 16, continuing their recent history of intense matchups. The Seminoles have had a strong track record against the Bruins, winning nine of their last 13 encounters.

Rematch with Georgia Bulldogs On Feb. 17, FSU takes on Georgia in a rematch of last year's Super Regional, where the Seminoles emerged victorious. This game, set for 10 a.m. on ESPN2, will be a test of FSU's dominance over the Bulldogs.

Prime Time Showdown with Tennessee The Seminoles will play in the prime time slot on ESPN on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. against No. 2 Tennessee, revisiting last year's Women's College World Series Semifinal clash. FSU's recent record against Tennessee has been impressive, setting the stage for another exciting game.

FSU's Impressive National TV Record Since 2022, FSU has played 48 games on national television, boasting an outstanding 43-5 record in these high-profile matches.

As FSU Softball steps into the national spotlight at the Clearwater Invitational, we will be keeping you up to date here. Expectations are high for our Lady Noles over the next few months. 🍢🥎📺

🥎 FSU Softball's Kalei Harding Earns Preseason All-America Honors 🥎

Harding Named to Preseason All-America Second Team Florida State softball's senior Kalei Harding has been recognized as a Preseason All-American for the first time in her career, earning a spot on the Softball America Second Team.

Impressive 2023 Season Highlights Harding, hailing from Murfreesboro, Tenn., had a standout year in 2023, excelling both at the plate and at third base. She started in 68 of 69 games, hitting .311 with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs. Her 22 doubles in 2023 marked a career high and the second-most in a single season by a Seminole.

Record-Breaking Contributions Harding played a significant role in FSU setting a school record of 122 doubles in 2023. She currently ranks sixth all-time with 43 career doubles at FSU.

Defensive Prowess at Third Base Transitioning to third base, Harding showcased her defensive skills with only nine errors and numerous standout plays, thanks to her strong arm.

Accolades and Key Performances A three-time All-ACC honoree, Harding has been consistently recognized for her performances, including being named to the ACC All-Tournament Team in 2022 and 2023. Her crucial contribution in the Super Regionals against Georgia was a highlight of her career.

FSU's Upcoming Fan Day and Season Opener FSU Softball will host their Fan Day with the Garnet and Gold Scrimmage on Saturday, followed by the season-opening JoAnne Graf Classic, featuring games against Charlotte, Texas Tech, and Florida A&M.

As FSU Softball gears up for the new season, Kalei Harding's recognition as a Preseason All-American sets a high bar for the team's performance. 🍢🥎🌟

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🏈 FSU Welcomes 5-Star QB Luke Kromenhoek, First Since Jameis Winston 🏈

A Major Recruiting Milestone for FSU Florida State has secured its first five-star quarterback since Jameis Winston with the signing of Luke Kromenhoek. The On3 rankings for the 2024 class have placed Kromenhoek as one of the nation's top 32 five-star recruits, ranking him 26th nationally.

Kromenhoek's Impressive Rise in Rankings Kromenhoek's journey to becoming a five-star recruit is notable. Initially a three-star prospect when he committed to FSU in March 2022, he has consistently climbed the rankings, showcasing his potential and talent.

FSU's First Five-Star QB in Over a Decade Kromenhoek is not only FSU's first five-star quarterback since 2012 but also the first five-star recruit at any position for the Seminoles since 2017. His signing marks a significant achievement for FSU's recruiting efforts.

Coach Norvell's Praise for Kromenhoek FSU coach Mike Norvell has recognized Kromenhoek's talent early on, even before his rise in the rankings. Norvell sees Kromenhoek's commitment as a testament to his potential and the start of a special journey at FSU.

Standout Performance and Early Enrollment Kromenhoek impressed at the Elite 11 quarterback camp and had a stellar season at Benedictine Military School, throwing 31 touchdowns with only three interceptions. As an early enrollee, he is already participating in workouts and will join the team for spring practice.

As Luke Kromenhoek steps onto the FSU campus, his arrival signals a new era for Seminole football, bringing excitement and high expectations for the team's future. 🍢🏈🌟

🏈 FSU Football Recruit Caleb Cunningham Reveals Top Schools 🏈

Rising Star in the Recruiting World Caleb Cunningham, a highly sought-after recruit since his sophomore year, has seen his stock rise significantly with offers from top programs across the country. His journey, marked by offers from schools like Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, and Alabama, reflects his growing prominence in the college football recruiting landscape.

Cunningham's Top Schools Cunningham has narrowed down his choices to twelve top schools, each with unique appeals:

1. Mississippi State: Appreciates the coaching staff, proximity to home, and the offensive scheme.

2. Ole Miss: Recognizes their success in developing NFL-ready receivers.

3. LSU: Attracted to their reputation as WRU and strong coaching relationships.

4. Auburn: Values the family atmosphere and focus on faith.

5. Tennessee: Impressed by the atmosphere and offensive scheme.

6. Georgia: Respects their program's ability to develop players for the NFL.

7. Florida State: Drawn to the vibe, Coach Norvell, and Coach Dugans' recruiting prowess.

8. Florida: Has a great relationship with the wide receiver coaches and likes their offensive scheme.

9. Georgia Tech: Admires the WR coach's persistence and the program's development of young talent.

10. South Carolina: Enjoys the family-like treatment and overall environment.

11. Alabama: Attracted to their elite program and coaching staff.

12. Oklahoma: Values the relationship with the receiver coach and their air raid offense.

Cunningham's Decision Process Caleb Cunningham's decision will be influenced by various factors, including coaching relationships, offensive schemes, and the overall atmosphere of the programs. His top schools list reflects a diverse range of programs, each offering unique opportunities for his development as a wide receiver.

As Caleb Cunningham continues to evaluate his options, FSU remains a strong contender among his top choices. His commitment would be a significant addition to the Seminoles' roster. Stay tuned for more updates on Cunningham's recruitment journey. 🍢🏈🌟

🏈 FSU's Legal Battle with ACC: A Deep Dive into the Amended Complaint 🏈

FSU Responds to ACC's Legal Challenge Florida State University has issued a robust response to the Atlantic Coast Conference's (ACC) legal actions, filing a detailed 59-page amended complaint in Leon County Circuit Court. This filing is part of FSU's ongoing dispute with the ACC, seeking a more feasible exit from the conference without incurring over $500 million in fees and penalties.

Allegations Against Former ACC Commissioner John Swofford The complaint intensifies its focus on former ACC Commissioner John Swofford, accusing him of self-serving actions that allegedly cost member schools millions. FSU's attorneys claim Swofford prioritized his son's employment with Raycom Sports, an ACC television partner, over the conference's interests.

Financial Losses and Media Rights Issues FSU alleges that the ACC's deal with Raycom Sports, led by Swofford, resulted in significant financial losses for member schools. The complaint states that ACC schools lost $82 million annually in Tier II and Tier III media rights due to the deal. FSU also criticizes the ACC's media rights negotiations and the delayed launch of the ACC Network, attributing these to the Raycom deal.

Chad Swofford's Role at Raycom Sports The complaint highlights Chad Swofford's promotions at Raycom Sports, coinciding with key ACC media rights decisions. It suggests that John Swofford's actions were influenced by his son's position at Raycom.

Comparisons with Other Conferences FSU's filing points out that the ACC's financial agreements and media rights deals lag behind other major conferences, citing various articles and reports. The complaint argues that the ACC's deals were outdated and less lucrative compared to the Big 12 and Pac-12.

Disputing ACC's Claims and Legal Procedures FSU challenges several claims from the ACC's complaint, questioning their legality and the conference's adherence to its own constitution regarding litigation. The university asserts that Florida's Public Records Act requires transparency in these matters, contradicting the ACC's confidentiality claims.

FSU's Stance on Grant of Rights and Exit Fee The university is seeking a court ruling that the Grant of Rights, which could cost FSU approximately $442 million, is unenforceable under Florida law. FSU also argues that the ACC's exit fee is punitive and excessive.

Broader Implications for FSU and ACC This legal battle is seen as a critical step for FSU and other ACC schools as they navigate the growing revenue gap with schools in the Big Ten and SEC. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of college athletics and media rights agreements.

As the legal dispute unfolds, FSU's amended complaint marks a significant escalation in its conflict with the ACC, setting the stage for a potentially transformative legal showdown. 🍢🏈📚

🏈 FSU Welcomes Rick Stockstill as Director of Scouting for Offense 🏈

Seasoned Coach Joins FSU Staff Florida State University has officially announced the addition of Rick Stockstill, a former quarterback for FSU and long-time head coach at Middle Tennessee State, as the new director of scouting for offense. This move, anticipated earlier in the week, was confirmed by FSU on Monday evening.

Mike Norvell's Enthusiasm for Stockstill's Experience FSU head coach Mike Norvell expressed excitement about bringing Stockstill on board, highlighting his extensive football knowledge and experience. Norvell values Stockstill's unique perspective, both as a former FSU player under Coach Bowden and as a head coach for nearly two decades.

Stockstill's Impressive Coaching Record Stockstill arrives at FSU with a notable coaching background, having led MTSU from 2006 through the 2023 season. He achieved a record of 113-111, including an 82–58 conference mark, and led the Blue Raiders to 10 bowl appearances. His tenure at MTSU is marked by significant achievements, including a historic win over Miami in 2022.

A History of Developing Talent During his time at MTSU, Stockstill coached nine All-Americans, 47 first-team all-conference players, three conference Players of the Year, and six NFL Draft picks. He is known for his success in developing players, including Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Byard.

Stockstill's FSU Legacy and Return As a former FSU quarterback from 1977-1981, Stockstill was instrumental in the Seminoles' rise to national prominence, leading the team to multiple wins over Top 10 teams. His return to FSU is a homecoming of sorts, bringing his journey full circle from player to coach.

Looking Forward to Impacting FSU's Future Stockstill is eager to contribute to FSU's ongoing success, bringing his wealth of experience and passion for the program. His role as director of scouting for offense will be crucial in FSU's preparation and strategy moving forward.

Rick Stockstill's addition to the FSU football staff marks a significant enhancement to the program's scouting and strategic capabilities. His experience and connection to the Seminoles' legacy are expected to bring valuable insights and contributions to the team. 🍢🏈🔥

And that’s a wrap!

As we wrap up this edition of The Chief Brief, we've seen a blend of promising new beginnings, prestigious recognitions, and strategic moves within the FSU sports community.

From the softball field to the football stadium, FSU continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence and competitive spirit.

The unfolding legal battle with the ACC adds a layer of complexity to the landscape, but FSU stands resilient and ready to face these challenges head-on.

We look forward to seeing our teams and athletes shine in their respective arenas and bring more thrilling moments to the Seminole Nation.

Until our next update, let's keep the spirit high and continue to cheer for the garnet and gold. Go Noles! 🍢🏀🥎🏈