Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Thursday, Seminole!

February is just around the corner, and FSU athletics is in full swing—from football’s final recruiting push to baseball ramping up for Opening Day.

🔥 Inside today’s edition:

🥎 FSU Softball legends selected in AUSL Draft—Jessi Warren and Kalei Harding continue their pro journeys.

⛳ Luke Clanton named to the Ben Hogan Award watch list—FSU’s top-ranked golfer keeps stacking accolades.

🏀 FSU men’s basketball falls to Virginia Tech—a slow start sinks the Seminoles at home.

⚾ FSU Baseball’s first scrimmages reveal early strengths and concerns—dominant pitching, but questions at the plate.

🎤 Jameis Winston joins Fox Sports Digital for Super Bowl week—expect must-watch content from the former Heisman winner.

🏈 FSU’s recruiting push heats up—four-star DE Zahir Mathis trending toward the ‘Noles, plus DB J’Vari Flowers reclassifies to 2025.

🔥 4-star CB Hayward Howard Jr. raves about FSU visit, locks in official—could the Louisiana standout be Tallahassee-bound?

🥎 FSU Softball Legends Selected in Inaugural AUSL Draft

Two former Florida State standouts are heading to the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) after being selected in Wednesday’s inaugural draft.

🌟 Jessi Warren (13th overall, Volts)

• One of FSU’s all-time greats, Warren owns career records in home runs (83), RBI (273), and batting average (.391).

• Two-time AUX Defensive MVP and 2023 AU Pro Defensive Player of the Year.

🔥 Kalei Harding (47th overall, Blaze)

• Set an AUX record with nine RBI in a single game last season.

• Ranks top three in FSU history in home runs (46), RBI (208), and doubles (57).

🏆 About AUSL:

• Regular Season: 48 games in June & July, leading to a team championship.

• All-Star Cup: 24 games, crowning an individual champion.

👉 Read more about Warren & Harding’s pro success here.

⛳ Luke Clanton Named to Ben Hogan Award Watch List

Florida State junior Luke Clanton has been named to the 2025 Ben Hogan Award watch list, recognizing the nation's top amateur collegiate golfers. He is one of 35 players selected and one of seven representatives from the ACC.

The Ben Hogan Award, given annually since 2002, has provided over $900,000 in scholarships and is one of the most prestigious honors in college golf. Clanton was a semifinalist for the award in 2024.

Clanton’s Recent Success:

• Ranked No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings

• Won two match play rounds at the East Lake Cup

• Finished top 15 at the Farmers Insurance Open, earning his 18th PGA Tour University Accelerated point—just two away from securing a PGA Tour card

Clanton will look to build on his impressive résumé as the season continues.

👉 Read more about Clanton’s achievements here.

🏀 FSU Falls to Virginia Tech, 76-66

Florida State struggled to find its rhythm in a 76-66 loss to Virginia Tech at the Donald L. Tucker Center, marking the Seminoles' first home defeat since December 21.

Game Recap:

• Slow Start: Virginia Tech opened with a 12-2 run and never trailed.

• Key Performers:

  • Taylor Bol Bowen led FSU with 14 points, 9 rebounds

  • Jerry Deng added 13 points, 4 rebounds

  • Jamir Watkins contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists

• Virginia Tech Leaders:

  • Tobi Lawal (17 points) and Jaden Schutt (16 points) paced the Hokies.

What’s Next:

FSU (13-8, 4-6 ACC) travels to Boston College on Saturday, February 1, for a 2:00 p.m. ET matchup on ACC Network.

👉 Check out more on FSU’s performance here.

⚾ FSU Baseball’s Offense Shows Progress in Weekend Scrimmages

Florida State wrapped up its first weekend of preseason scrimmages, with head coach Link Jarrett expressing confidence in the team's defense and pitching while noting concerns about offensive consistency.

Key Takeaways:

• Power Questions: Jarrett wants to see Myles Bailey, Blaydon Plain, and Max Williams deliver more consistent quality at-bats to generate extra-base hits.

• Standout Performances:

  • Jaxson West continued his strong form with a home run and solid plate discipline.

  • James Hankerson Jr. launched the first homer of the preseason.

  • Alex Lodise impressed, going 3-for-5 with a triple and double.

  • Brody DeLamielleure hit a double in all three scrimmages.

• Defense & Versatility:

  • Gage Harrelson showcased his bat-to-ball skills and speed.

  • Nathan Cmeyla flashed elite arm strength behind the plate.

  • BJ Gibson, returning to baseball after 16 months, showed poise at the plate.

With Opening Day set for February 16, FSU continues refining its lineup and approach at the plate.

👉 Check out more on FSU’s early preseason action here.

🎤 Jameis Winston Joins Fox Sports Digital for Super Bowl Week

Former Florida State Heisman-winning quarterback Jameis Winston is stepping into the sports media world, joining Fox Sports Digital as a correspondent for Super Bowl week in New Orleans.

What to Expect:

• Winston will take digital audiences on video tours of his favorite dining and entertainment spots in New Orleans.

• His infectious personality and viral moments—like his “Eat a W” speech and legendary interviews—make him a natural fit for the role.

Now a free agent, Winston continues to be one of football’s most entertaining figures.

👉 Catch Winston in action ahead of the Super Bowl on February 9.

🏈 FSU Still in Strong Position for 4-Star DE Zahir Mathis

With the late signing period just a week away, Florida State remains firmly in the mix for four-star defensive end Zahir Mathis.

Where Things Stand:

• Mathis visited FSU earlier this month and built a strong bond with new defensive line coach Terrance Knighton.

• Maryland and Virginia Tech are making late pushes, but FSU remains the favorite, according to On3’s Steve Wiltfong.

• If Mathis commits, he would be FSU’s fifth DE signee in the 2025 class.

👉 Decision coming soon—will the Seminoles close the deal?

🏈 Elite DB J’Vari Flowers Reclassifies to 2025, Plans March Visits

Four-star Miami Northwestern (Fla.) defensive back J’Vari Flowers is speeding up his recruitment, officially reclassifying to the 2025 class.

What’s Next?

• Taking His Time – Flowers won’t rush a decision and plans to commit by late March or early April.

• Official Visits Coming – He’s in contact with Florida, FSU, and Georgia about visits. Miami is also expected to be a factor.

• UGA Unofficial This Weekend – The Bulldogs will host him for an unofficial visit before he starts scheduling official trips.

Read more here

🏈 4-Star CB Hayward Howard Jr. Raves About First FSU Visit, Locks in Official

New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr cornerback Hayward Howard Jr. made his first-ever trip to Florida State for Junior Day, and it didn’t disappoint.

Howard’s Take on FSU:

• “Like a castle.” – The 6'2" DB was blown away by Doak Campbell Stadium and the coaching staff.

• Quick Bond with Surtain Sr. – “I just met him two weeks ago, but it feels like I’ve known him for three years.”

• Norvell’s Real Talk – “If you don’t enjoy working, don’t come here.” Howard appreciated the straight-shooting approach.

What’s Next?

🔹 Spring Practice Visit – Howard wants to see FSU’s intensity in action.
🔹 Locked in for June Official – FSU will get another shot to impress before his final decision.
🔹 FSU in Strong Position – “I haven’t made a top five yet, but they’ll definitely be in it.”

📈 Recruiting Outlook: Howard isn’t ranked yet, but with his size, speed, and pedigree (his father played at Ole Miss), expect his stock to rise fast.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

Big decisions are looming, from recruiting battles heating up to FSU baseball fine-tuning its roster before Opening Day. Will the Seminoles close strong on the trail? Will this year’s lineup step up at the plate? The answers are coming—stay locked in.

👀 Next Up:
🏀 FSU hoops looks to bounce back at Boston College
⚾ Baseball’s preseason continues with key scrimmages
🏈 Big recruiting moves ahead of the late signing period

📩 Make your voice heard in today’s poll & we’ll see you next time!