Forwarded this email from a friend? Subscribe at the button below

Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Monday, Seminole!

Florida State’s portal weekend pulled the curtain back on how this offseason is really going to work — in real time, with real stakes, and very little margin for error.

Here’s what’s inside today’s edition:

🏈 QB Dominoes Fall Into Motion 🏈
Anthony Colandrea’s visit ends without a deal, negotiations spill into the open, and Florida QB DJ Lagway arrives as the next — and possibly most important — decision point of the offseason.

🧲 Tight End Board Takes Shape 🧲
FSU wraps up visits with multiple tight ends, including ECU’s Desirrio Riles, who liked the fit, liked the vision, and now enters a fast decision window.

🛡️ Defensive Line Target Draws Head-to-Head Battle 🛡️
UCF DT John Walker visits Tallahassee, calls the fit strong, and heads to Ohio State for a final stop before deciding — setting up a true heavyweight trench fight.

🔐 Secondary Decisions Coming Fast 🔐
With Nehemiah Chandler officially signed, Florida State may be one decision away from adding another versatile safety as Jarvis Lee weighs FSU vs. Oregon.

🧱 Offensive Line Momentum Builds 🧱
Between Nate Pabst’s strong visit and Bryant Williams putting FSU at the top of his list, Herb Hand’s influence — and urgency up front — is impossible to miss.

📰 Portal Sunday, Fully Recapped 📰
Visits wrapped, negotiations played out, targets moved on, others leaned in — and the board narrowed. Sunday wasn’t about rumors. It was about clarity.

Let’s get into it 👇️ 

Want to invest in robotics and AI but don’t know where to start?

The next wave of tech isn’t coming from screens. It’s happening in the physical world with AI-powered devices that move, automate, and live inside your home and building.

And one category is wide open: window shades.

Billions exist in every space, and almost all are still manual. The gap is huge, and RYSE is positioned to lead it.

The last wave in the smart home saw 10× to 22× returns for early investors. RYSE shows the same early signals — $15M+ in revenue, 100%+ annual growth, and 10 issued patents protecting the category.

RYSE is pre-IPO with a reserved Nasdaq ticker, giving investors exposure to multiple potential exit paths in a market that’s just getting started.

If you want exposure to robotics and AI at the physical layer, this is your entry point.

💼 Anthony Colandrea’s FSU Visit Ends Without Resolution 💼 

Florida State hosted UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea on Saturday, but the visit ended without clarity — and quickly shifted momentum elsewhere.

🔥 Inside the Visit

Colandrea spent several hours on campus with his parents and multiple representatives, meeting with the FSU staff throughout the day. As the visit wrapped up Sunday evening, an unusual scene unfolded:

• Colandrea and his parents waited outside the football offices

• Two of his agents went back inside to meet directly with GM John Garrett

• The family’s decision to stay outside while negotiations continued was deliberate — and notable

The discussion inside lasted roughly 25 minutes. Sources indicate Garrett handled the negotiations, with Mike Norvell consulted throughout the process — offering a revealing look at how FSU’s new front-office structure is functioning in real time.

💰 Where Things Stalled

According to sources familiar with the talks, there was a significant gap between what FSU offered and what Colandrea’s camp expected as a baseline number. In portal negotiations, these conversations are often resolved quickly — either a number is met, or it isn’t.

In this case, the gap proved difficult to bridge. The meeting ended without a deal, handshakes were exchanged, and the Colandrea family departed shortly after.

⏭️ What Happened Next

Moments after Colandrea left campus, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that he was headed to Georgia Tech for his next visit — a clear signal that Florida State did not close a deal yet.

🧠 What This Means for FSU

With no agreement reached, Florida State now pivots immediately to its next quarterback target. Florida transfer DJ Lagway is expected to arrive Sunday night and begin visit activities Monday — and notably, FSU will be Lagway’s first visit, often the most influential one in portal recruitments.

Lagway has also been linked to Baylor and Louisville, setting up a critical next 24–48 hours for FSU’s QB board.

👉 Full visit timeline, negotiation context, and what Colandrea’s departure signals for FSU’s QB strategy at the sources here and here

🧲 FSU Tight End Board Comes Into Focus with Desirrio Riles Visit 🧲

Florida State wrapped up a key tight end visit over the weekend — and momentum appears to be building.

🔥 The Visit

East Carolina tight end Desirrio Riles completed his visit to Florida State on Sunday, and by all accounts, it went well.

• Riles praised FSU’s facilities and the overall environment

• Said the offensive vision for the tight end position stood out

• Called FSU “one of the top schools” on his list coming out of the visit

🧠 Why the Fit Matters

Riles spent much of the trip evaluating how the Seminoles actually use tight ends — and liked what he saw.

• FSU emphasized getting the tight end the ball in space

• Staff compared Riles’ role projection to former Seminole Jaheim Bell

• Focus areas: open-field touches, perimeter blocking, and versatility

• Gus Malzahn’s offense was described to Riles as “just being a ball player”

That usage aligns closely with Riles’ skill set and how he sees his game.

📊 Player Snapshot

• 2025 (ECU): 28 catches, 362 yards, 2 TDs

• Former three-star recruit who signed with Indiana as an OLB

• Converted to tight end after landing at ECU

• Jacksonville native (University Christian HS)

• Portal ranking: No. 322 overall, No. 22 TE (247Sports)

⏳ What’s Next

Riles plans to visit Ole Miss and SMU, with possibly one more stop, before making a decision. His timeline is aggressive — he expects to commit by Friday or Saturday.

🔍 Big Picture

With Colorado State’s Rocky Beers also visiting this weekend, FSU is clearly evaluating multiple tight end options rather than rushing a decision. But Riles’ comfort with the offensive fit — and the Jaheim Bell comparison — puts Florida State firmly in the mix as decision time approaches.

👉 Full visit details, quotes, and what Riles’ timeline means for FSU’s tight end board at the source

🛡️ FSU Hosts UCF DT John Walker as Portal Decision Nears 🛡️

Florida State brought one of the most coveted interior defenders in the portal to Tallahassee this weekend — and by all accounts, the visit made a strong impression.

🔥 The Visit

• UCF defensive tackle John Walker visited FSU on Saturday, marking the first stop of his portal process

• Walker described the trip as “great,” citing strong conversations with Terrance Knighton and the staff

• He’ll take one final visit to Ohio State on Monday before making a decision

📊 Production & Profile

• 6’4”, 300 lbs, Kissimmee native

• 2025 (UCF): Started all 12 games

  • 40 tackles

  • 3.0 TFL

  • 1 sack

  • 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

• 2023 (True Freshman):

  • Played all 13 games

  • 24 tackles, 5 TFL, 0.5 sack

  • Named On3 True Freshman All-American

🧠 Why FSU Appeals
Walker was candid about what stood out:

• “They’re trying to look for a dog — and they said I was one.”

• Loved the scheme fit and how he’d be used

• Strong relationships with the coaching staff

• Facilities upgrade since his high school recruitment left a big impression

🔍 Big Picture
FSU is hunting proven, high-motor trench players who can start immediately, and Walker checks every box: ACC familiarity, production, size, and edge. With Ohio State looming as the final competition, this recruitment is headed for a true head-to-head finish.

👉 Full visit quotes, context, and where FSU stands heading into Walker’s decision at the source

Meet the device ushering in a new era of hearing clarity

Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid.

With crystal-clear sound delivered to your ears and a sleek, discreet design powered by German technology, you can now enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments.

Take comfort in our commitment to your hearing and try our 45-day no-risk trial today.

🔐 FSU Emerges as Finalist for USF DB Jarvis Lee 🔐

Florida State may be one decision away from adding a disruptive, versatile defensive back to its secondary.

🔥 Decision Timeline

• USF safety Jarvis Lee wrapped up his FSU visit Sunday

• His plan is clear and immediate:

  • Commit to Florida State — or visit Oregon

  • Decision expected by Monday night

📊 Why Lee Is a Portal Priority

• 2025 Production (USF):

  • 55 tackles (38 solo)

  • 12.0 TFLs (team-high)

  • 4.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

  • 2 interceptions, 53 INT return yards

• Plays with downhill aggression rarely seen from defensive backs

🧠 FSU Fit & Role

• Projects more as a free safety in FSU’s scheme rather than nickel

• Comfortable playing deep, in the box, or on the edge

• Believes his versatility aligns perfectly with Tony White’s defense

🔗 Secondary Context

• FSU is already bringing back Ashlynd Barker

• Momentum continues toward Earl Little Jr. returning (not yet official)

• Lee sees himself fitting alongside Little, a player he’s followed since high school

🎯 Why FSU Stands Out

• “Because it’s Florida State. It’s legendary.”

• Drawn to the tradition — and the chance to help restore the standard

• Impressed by the new facilities and revamped staff

• Florida native (Jacksonville / IMG Academy), familiar with the program’s gravity

👉 Decision watch, secondary implications, and what Lee would bring to FSU’s defense at the source

🧱 FSU Makes Strong First Impression on OT Bryant Williams 🧱

Florida State set the bar early with one of the top offensive tackles in the transfer portal — and left him with plenty to think about.

🔥 Why FSU Jumped to the Top

• Bryant Williams made FSU his first visit after entering the portal

• The biggest draw: OL coach Herb Hand, whom Williams called one of the best — if not the best — offensive line coaches in the country

• Williams cited Hand’s NFL development track record as a major deciding factor in taking the visit

🧠 Immediate Opportunity at Tackle

• FSU views Williams as a left tackle candidate

• Both 2025 starting tackles are gone, creating a clear path to early competition

• Williams called the situation a “unique opportunity” to step in and fill a major void

🧱 Development-Focused Conversations

• Talks with Hand centered on:

  • Technique refinement

  • Board drills

  • What it takes to earn snaps early

• Message was clear: opportunity exists, but nothing is handed out

📊 Portal Résumé

• 6’7”, 315 lbs | Louisiana (Ragin’ Cajuns)

• 11 starts, 719 snaps in 2025

• 69.4 PFF grade last season

• No. 52 overall player and No. 4 OT in the portal (247Sports)

🎯 What Comes Next

• Williams plans to visit South Carolina next — encouraged by Mike Norvell to compare environments

• His quote that matters: “After today, this is going to be hard to beat out.”

• Decision expected after that final trip, but FSU clearly set the standard

🔍 Big Picture
FSU is swinging early and confidently in the offensive line market. With elite coaching, immediate opportunity, and a strong visit showing, the Seminoles positioned themselves as the team to beat for one of the portal’s top tackles.

👉 Full visit recap, quotes, and portal context from both sources

🎯Xavier Townsend Visits FSU, Weighs Reunion with Malzahn & Harris 🎯

Florida State brought in a familiar face Sunday — and one with proven production in a system the staff knows well.

🔥 Why Townsend Is Interesting

• Xavier Townsend played his best football under Gus Malzahn and Tim Harris Jr. at UCF

• Now has one year of eligibility and is considering a reunion at FSU

• Tampa native who brings slot versatility + return value

📊 Production Snapshot

• Best season (UCF):

  • 33 catches, 325 yards, 3 TDs

  • 15 rushes, 163 yards

• Punt return résumé:

  • Third-team All-AAC (Phil Steele)

  • 20 returns, 177 yards as a freshman

• 2025 at Iowa State:

  • 18 catches, 243 yards in a limited role

🧠 FSU Fit

• Primarily a slot receiver

• Staff values his punt return ability — “that definitely helps out”

• Harris told him FSU tracked him last season

• Spent time on the visit with Duce Robinson

🔍 What’s Next

• Upcoming visits: Notre Dame, Purdue, Missouri

• Decision expected soon after those trips

• Priorities: coaching, opportunity, and a staff that truly wants him

🎯 Big Picture
Townsend isn’t chasing hype — he’s chasing fit. His comfort in Malzahn’s offense, added special teams value, and need for experienced slot production make FSU a real contender as he closes in on a final decision.

👉 Visit recap, background, and Townsend’s comments via the source

🧱FSU Moves Fast on Bowling Green OT Nate Pabst 🧱

Florida State wasted no time once the portal opened — and one of its quickest, most aggressive pursuits may already be paying off.

🔥 Immediate Mutual Interest

• FSU contacted Nate Pabst almost immediately after the portal opened

• Visit was set up right away, with a quick turnaround to Tallahassee

• Pabst called the interest “heavily reciprocated” from the start

🧠 Why FSU Stands Out

• Pabst is prioritizing NFL development and culture

• Strong connection with Mike Norvell and OL coach Herb Hand

• Quote that matters: “I wanted to find the place that was going to most prepare me to go to the NFL… I think Florida State can offer that.”

🧱 On-Field Profile

• Graduate transfer, 42 career games, 38 starts

• 2025 snaps:

  • 493 at right tackle

  • 273 at right guard

• Allowed just one sack on 354 pass-block snaps

• Second Team All-MAC, team captain

• PFF (2025):

  • Overall: 70.3

  • Run block: 68.5

  • Pass block: 69.0

🎯 What Comes Next

• No other visits currently scheduled

• FSU is evaluating him primarily at tackle, but versatility is a plus

• Insiders have already logged predictions for a Florida State commitment

• Decision expected soon

🔍 Big Picture
This is the exact portal profile FSU needs right now: experienced, versatile, ascending, and motivated by development rather than shopping leverage. The speed of the pursuit — and the confidence coming out of the visit — suggest this one could close quickly.

👉 Full visit recap, quotes, and intel via the source

📰 Portal Sunday Roundup: Visits End, Decisions Loom, Board Shifts 📰

Sunday was less about surprises and more about clarity. Visits wrapped up, negotiations played out in real time, and Florida State’s portal board began to come into better view.

🔥 QB Watch: Colandrea Exits, Lagway Arrives

• Anthony Colandrea’s visit ended without a deal, after a 20–30 minute negotiation between his agents and GM John Garrett fell short

• Sources indicate a significant gap in valuation, with FSU offering below what Colandrea’s camp expected as a starting point

• Minutes later, news broke that Colandrea was headed to Georgia Tech for his next visit

• DJ Lagway arrived in Tallahassee Sunday night, with his visit expected to take place primarily Monday — a familiar sequencing move in FSU QB pursuits

🧱 Trenches Trending the Right Way

• OT Nate Pabst (Bowling Green): Visit went very well, no other visits planned, decision expected soon

• OT Bryant Williams (Louisiana): Loved the FSU visit, called Herb Hand a major draw; will take one final visit to South Carolina but FSU clearly set the bar

• Edge Rylan Kennedy (Texas A&M): FSU trending strongly here; no other visits planned and Crystal Ball picks favor the Seminoles

• DT John Walker (UCF): Finished FSU visit, heads to Ohio State Monday for final stop before deciding

🧠 Skill Positions: Patience, Not Panic

• TE Desirrio Riles (ECU): Visit went well, liked his fit and comparisons to Jaheim Bell; still plans to see Ole Miss and SMU

• WR Xavier Townsend (Iowa State): Transparent conversations with staff, but Notre Dame, Purdue, and Missouri visits are still on deck; opportunity will decide it

• RB Watch: Texas RB Tre Wisner was expected in last night with visit happening today; Cincinnati RB Evan Pryor is a potential midweek name to monitor

🔒 Secondary Snapshot

• CB Nehemiah Chandler officially signed with FSU on Sunday

• DB Jarvis Lee (USF): Visit went well, Oregon is the only other factor, decision expected imminently — momentum favors FSU

• S Qua Moss (Kansas State) committed to Tennessee, removing a previously expected FSU visit

🎯 Big Picture
Sunday marked the pivot from gathering intel to closing windows. Some targets moved on, others leaned in, and several decisions now sit within 24–72 hours. The QB board narrowed, the trench board strengthened, and Florida State’s portal cycle is clearly entering its decisive phase.

👉 Full Sunday portal timelines, sourcing, and visit intel from both sources here and here

And that’s a wrap!

That’s today’s snapshot — and there’s no denying we’re in the whirlwind that is portal season now.

Negotiations are happening in real time. Boards are tightening. And decisions that shape the entire offseason are now measured in hours, not weeks.

The next few days will tell us a lot about how aggressive Florida State is willing to be — and where it draws its lines.

We’ll be tracking every move.

— The Chief 🏹