Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

TGIF, Seminole!

We’ve got our eyes on portal visits with a bonkers performance from Latson:

🏀 Record-Breaking Performances: Ta’Niya Latson made history with a 40-point game as FSU women’s basketball continues their dominant run in ACC play.

🏆 Pro Bowl Bound: FSU alumni Derwin James and Jared Verse shine on the NFL stage with standout seasons and Pro Bowl selections.

🏃‍♂️ A Visit That Matters: Running back Rahsul Faison’s visit to Tallahassee signals major recruiting momentum for the Seminoles.

🏈 Transfer Portal Action: Tennessee WR transfer Squirrel White and key defensive targets headline a busy slate of visits as FSU fortifies its roster for 2025.

🏀 Ta’Niya Latson Ties FSU Scoring Record in Dominant ACC Win 🏀

Florida State women’s basketball (12-2, 2-0 ACC) delivered a powerhouse performance Thursday night, routing Virginia Tech (9-4, 0-2 ACC) 105-74 at Cassell Coliseum. Leading the charge was junior Ta’Niya Latson, who tied the FSU single-game scoring record with an incredible 40-point outing.

🌟 Latson’s Historic Night

• Record Match: Latson’s 40 points equaled the FSU record set by Natasha Howard in 2014.

• Efficient Scoring: She hit 18 of 28 field goal attempts, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.

• Second-Half Surge: Latson added 23 points after halftime, showcasing her dominance throughout the game.

🏀 Team Stats That Shine

• Offensive Prowess: The Seminoles tallied their fifth 100+ point game of the season, shooting a season-best 58% from the floor.

• Paint Domination: FSU scored a season-high 74 points in the paint.

• Season-High Steals: The team racked up 21 steals, with O’Mariah Gordon notching a career-high seven.

• Balanced Contributions:

  • O’Mariah Gordon: 18 points and stellar defense.

  • Makayla Timpson: 16 points in another strong performance.

📈 A Winning Formula

Florida State led for 39 minutes, extending their lead to as much as 38 points in the fourth quarter. The team also excelled from deep, connecting on 7 of 17 three-point attempts.

With this dominant showing, the Seminoles continue to make their case as a national offensive powerhouse while maintaining their winning momentum in ACC play.

👉 Read more here

🏆 FSU Alumni Shine with Pro Bowl Selections 🏆

Florida State football continues to make its mark in the NFL as two former Seminoles, Derwin James and Jared Verse, have been named to the 2025 Pro Bowl rosters. Both players have showcased exceptional talent this season, earning them spots in the prestigious week-long celebration of player skills.

🔴 Derwin James: The Chargers’ Defensive Leader

The Los Angeles Chargers safety earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection and remains a cornerstone of the team’s defense:

• Season Highlights:

  • Tackles: 90 total, 58 solo

  • Sacks: A career-high 5.5

  • Passes Defended: Six

  • Run Defense Grade: 86.6 (via PFF, seventh among safeties)

  • Flexibility: Described by Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh as a “five-tool player” akin to Willie Mays.

James continues to lead the Chargers as a season-long captain, playing a pivotal role in securing their playoff spot.

🔵 Jared Verse: A Standout Rookie Campaign

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse capped an incredible rookie season with his first Pro Bowl selection:

• Season Highlights:

  • Tackles: 65 total, 11 for loss

  • Sacks: 4.5

  • Pressures: 74 (leads all NFL rookies)

  • Forced Fumbles: Two

  • Fumble Recoveries: Two

Verse’s impact goes beyond his stats:

• League Rankings:

  • Tied for second in hurries (53).

  • Fourth in pressures (74).

  • Fifth among rookies in sacks (4.5).

Verse is only the second Rams rookie to record at least 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in a season, joining fellow rookie Braden Fiske.

🌟 Pro Bowl Games Details

• When: February 2, 2025

• Where: Nicholson Fieldhouse, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.

• What to Expect: A flag football game between the AFC and NFC, along with other skill competitions beginning January 30.

These Pro Bowl selections highlight the continued excellence of FSU alumni in professional football, serving as a testament to the Seminole legacy at the next level.

👉 Read about Derwin and Jared

🏃‍♂️ Rahsul Faison’s Visit to Florida State Leaves a Strong Impression 🏃‍♂️

Florida State rolled out the red carpet this week for Utah State transfer running back Rahsul Faison, a dynamic playmaker who logged over 1,100 rushing yards in the 2024 season. Concluding his two-day visit on Thursday evening, Faison was effusive in his praise for FSU, signaling the Seminoles may have surged ahead in his recruitment.

🌟 A Memorable Visit

Faison, who entered the transfer portal on December 18, described his visit to Tallahassee as “amazing” and highlighted the Seminoles' coaching staff as a key standout.

• Coaching Connection:

  • Spent significant time with head coach Mike Norvell and running backs coach David Johnson, both of whom impressed him with their genuine, honest approach.

  • Praised the detailed plan they have for him if he joins the program, saying:
    “They’ve got a special thing going, and I loved every bit of it.”

• Offensive Vision:

  • Faison expressed excitement about FSU’s run-heavy offense under new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, whose track record with running backs is well-documented.

  • “Coach Gus’ offense speaks for itself. I loved every bit of it,” he shared.

🔑 Why FSU Stands Out

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound back was particularly impressed with the Seminoles’ potential for a turnaround season:

• Facilities and Atmosphere:

  • Faison described the overall experience as exceeding expectations:
    “This place is amazing. They passed my expectations for sure.”

• Role on the Team:

  • While FSU boasts a talented young running back group, the coaches emphasized the unique impact he could bring to their offense:
    “They told me I can add to that group and be a big impact on this team.”

• Momentum Building:

  • Acknowledging FSU’s struggles in 2024, Faison believes the program is positioned for a comeback with the players and staff in place.

📅 What’s Next?

Faison initially planned visits to Alabama, North Carolina, and Utah, but his schedule may shift following his impactful trip to Florida State:

• “I’m not sure if I’m taking all the visits,” he revealed, noting he’ll discuss next steps with his family.

• Decision Timeline: With the spring semester approaching, Faison is set to make a quick decision, emphasizing the importance of getting this move right:

  • “I can’t be wrong with this decision.”

🚀 A Proven Performer

Faison’s track record as a two-year starter at Utah State makes him a coveted target:

• 2024 Stats:

  • 1,109 rushing yards

  • 8 touchdowns

  • Pro Football Focus rushing grade: 88.3 (nearly elite)

• JUCO Success: Before Utah State, Faison was a standout at the junior college level, amassing over 700 yards in a single season.

👉 Read more here and here

🏈 Florida State Hosts Tennessee WR Transfer Squirrel White and Key Defensive Targets 🏈

Florida State is in full transfer portal mode, hosting a flurry of visits as they aim to upgrade their roster for 2025. Thursday’s lineup features eight high-profile visitors, headlined by Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White, a proven playmaker known for his blazing speed and versatility.

🌟 Spotlight on Squirrel White

The 5-foot-10, 167-pound Alabama native has turned heads since entering the transfer portal last week. A dynamic talent with proven production, White is expected to attract intense competition from other programs.

📊 White’s Career Highlights:

• 2022 (Freshman):

  • 30 receptions for 481 yards and 2 touchdowns.

  • Also contributed as a return specialist.

• 2023 (Breakout Year):

  • 67 receptions for 803 yards and 2 touchdowns.

  • Became a full-time starter and key offensive weapon.

• 2024 (Injury-Limited Season):

  • 34 receptions for 381 yards and 2 touchdowns despite battling injuries.

⚡ Elite Speed:

• Ran a 10.68 in the 100-meter dash and a 21.58 in the 200-meter dash during high school.

• Recognized as one of the fastest players in college football.

🔑 Why FSU Fits:

• The Seminoles are focused on upgrading their wide receiver corps, pairing White’s explosive speed with their emerging offensive system.

• With only one year of eligibility remaining, White could be an instant-impact player, adding depth and big-play potential to FSU’s passing game.

🛡️ Defensive Additions in Focus

FSU is also hosting three defensive linemen who are pivotal to addressing depth concerns on the defensive front:

Jayson Jenkins (DL, Tennessee):

• Former Tennessee lineman with strong physical tools (6-foot-6, 281 pounds).

• Offers versatility and untapped potential in FSU’s defensive scheme.

Deamontae Diggs (DE, Coastal Carolina):

• Productive edge rusher with 5 sacks in 2024.

• Explosive off the line, a great fit for FSU’s new defensive schemes.

Chris Murray (DE, Sam Houston State):

• Key stats from 2024:

  • 50 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 34 pressures.

• A disruptive presence who could provide immediate help on the edge.

🏃‍♂️ Other Notable Visitors

FSU is wrapping up two-day visits with several other portal prospects:

• Rahsul Faison (RB, Utah State): 1,109 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024.

• Caleb LaVallee (LB, North Carolina): Freshman standout with 9 tackles in the Fenway Bowl.

• Marques Watson-Trent (LB, Georgia Southern): Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year with 120 tackles and 7.5 TFLs.

• Luke Petitbon (OL, Wake Forest): Recent FSU signee set to bolster the offensive line.

🚀 The Big Picture

With Squirrel White’s visit marking a significant step forward in rebuilding the wide receiver unit, and a slew of talented defensive linemen and other key players on campus, FSU’s staff is executing a comprehensive strategy to fill critical roster gaps.

👉 Read more here and here

And that’s a wrap!

As FSU continues to break records, secure key recruits, and dominate on multiple fronts, it’s clear the Seminole spirit is stronger than ever. With a bright future ahead in sports, academics, and beyond, the climb back to the top is well underway. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we keep the garnet and gold shining.

Until next time, stay relentless, Seminoles!