Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Start your week strong with the latest from Florida State athletics and recruiting. Today’s edition is packed with exciting updates, from FSU’s latest transfer portal additions to recruiting wins and early season dominance in men’s tennis.

💨 Florida State Lands Speedy WR Squirrel White
The Seminoles bolstered their offense with Tennessee transfer Squirrel White, a lightning-fast receiver set to energize FSU’s passing game in 2025.

🏀 Seminoles Stay Hot in ACC Play
FSU women’s basketball kept their momentum going with a big win over Syracuse, showcasing balanced scoring and standout performances.

🛡️ Elijah Herring Joins FSU’s Linebacker Corps
Memphis transfer Elijah Herring adds leadership and run-stopping prowess to Florida State’s defense, rounding out a revamped linebacker unit.

🎾 Men’s Tennis Opens with a Commanding Win
The Seminoles dominated their season opener against Hawaii, sweeping all six singles matches in straight sets to start 2025 on a high note.

🏈 Recruiting Roundup: Top Prospects to Watch
FSU is making waves in recruiting, with visits lined up for elite 2026 and 2027 prospects. Find out who’s trending toward Tallahassee.

💨 Florida State Lands Speedy WR Squirrel White from Transfer Portal 💨 

Florida State has secured a dynamic offensive weapon in Tennessee transfer Squirrel White. The 5'10", 167-pound receiver committed to the Seminoles following a three-day visit, adding a burst of speed and proven playmaking ability to the offense.

Key Stats and Career Highlights:

• Tennessee Career: 131 receptions, 1,665 yards, 6 touchdowns over three seasons.

• Best Season: 2023 – 67 catches for 803 yards and 2 scores.

• Speedster: Recorded a blazing 10.68 seconds in the 100m dash and 21.58 in the 200m during high school.

• YAC Leader: Logged 459 yards after the catch in 2023.

Why White Chose FSU:
White praised the family-like atmosphere and offensive opportunities at FSU:
"It’s a place that feels like home. They see me as a key piece, and I’ll get plenty of touches to show what I can do."

What White Brings to FSU:

• Explosiveness: White’s agility and re-acceleration make him a nightmare in space, fitting perfectly into Gus Malzahn’s motion-heavy offense.

• Versatility: He’s a deep threat and a YAC machine, offering Malzahn flexibility in both vertical and horizontal schemes.

• Complementary Fit: Pairs seamlessly with Duce Robinson to create a multi-dimensional passing attack.

Challenges:
White’s smaller frame raises concerns about durability and blocking effectiveness. Injuries limited him in 2024, but his potential as a game-changer makes this a high-reward move.

Looking Ahead:
With one year of eligibility remaining, White joins a revamped receiver corps poised to reinvigorate FSU’s offense in 2025. His speed and skillset could be the key to turning the Seminoles into an explosive scoring machine.

👉 Read more about White’s commitment and potential impact here and here.

🏀 Seminoles Stay Hot, Defeat Syracuse 85-73 to Stay Unbeaten in ACC 🏀

The Florida State women’s basketball team improved to 13-2 overall and 3-0 in ACC play with a commanding 85-73 win over Syracuse on Sunday at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Ta’Niya Latson Shines: The standout guard led FSU with 25 points, adding seven assists and six steals to power the Seminoles on both ends.

• Timpson Dominates Inside: Makayla Timpson secured her eighth double-double of the season (17 points, 11 rebounds) and added two blocks, solidifying her role as a key paint presence.

• Balanced Scoring: Mariana Valenzuela contributed a season-high 15 points and six rebounds, while O’Mariah Gordon added 16 points, four assists, and three steals.

• Three-Point Barrage: FSU hit 10 three-pointers, with nine coming in the second half. Gordon tied her career-high with four triples, and Valenzuela added three more.

🕹️ Turning Point

After a slow start that saw Syracuse take a 35-32 halftime lead, the Seminoles erupted for 28 points in the third quarter. A 7-0 run in the final minutes sealed the win, as FSU’s shooting from beyond the arc and defensive intensity proved too much for the Orange.

📅 What’s Next?

The Seminoles head west for two matchups:

• Stanford: January 9

• California: January 11

👉 Read more about FSU’s victory here.

🛡️ Elijah Herring Joins Florida State’s Revamped Linebacker Corps 🛡️

Florida State has added Memphis transfer Elijah Herring to its linebacker group, marking the third portal addition at the position this cycle. Herring brings experience, versatility, and proven run-stopping ability to the Seminoles’ defense as they finalize their 2025 roster.

Key Stats and Career Highlights:

• 2024 (Memphis): 60 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 11 games.

• 2023 (Tennessee): Led the team with 76 tackles in 12 games.

• Career Stats: 147 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions across three seasons.

Strengths:

• Run Defense: Ranked 18th nationally in PFF Run Defense Grade (87.3) in 2024, showcasing his ability to process plays quickly and make decisive stops.

• Versatility: Experienced in multiple schemes, including Memphis’ 3-3 system, which aligns well with FSU’s defensive approach.

• Effort: High-motor player who consistently fights through blocks and delivers physical tackles.

Challenges:

• Coverage and Pass Rush: Displays limitations in deep coverage and lacks explosiveness as a pass rusher, which may cap his role in certain defensive packages.

• Open-Field Movement: Rigidity in his movements can affect his effectiveness against faster, more agile opponents.

Fit at FSU:
Herring’s size (6’2”, 230 lbs) and ability to stop the run make him a natural fit for Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense. Likely to play Mike linebacker, Herring will compete for a starting role while providing depth and leadership to FSU’s most complete linebacker unit in years.

Looking Ahead:
Herring joins Stefon Thompson (Nebraska) and Caleb LaVallee (North Carolina) as part of a bolstered linebacker group poised to make an immediate impact in 2025. His run-stopping prowess and scheme familiarity could make him a key contributor in FSU’s defensive resurgence.

👉 Read more about Herring’s commitment and potential impact here and here.

🎾 Florida State Men’s Tennis Opens Season with Commanding Win Over Hawaii 🎾

The Florida State men’s tennis team kicked off its 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Hawaii 6-1 in Honolulu. With this victory, the Seminoles extended their season-opening win streak to 24 matches dating back to 2002.

🔑 Key Highlights from the Match:

• Singles Dominance: FSU swept all six singles matches in straight sets, marking back-to-back season openers with six two-set wins.

• Standout Performances:

  • Azariah Rusher secured the first team point with a flawless second set in his debut on Court 5.

  • Jamie Connel debuted on Court 1, defeating a top-100 opponent, Azuma Visaya (#77), in a hard-fought battle.

  • Corey Craig and Erik Schiessl, both transfers, impressed in their first matches as Seminoles, clinching their singles matches in straight sets.

  • Seniors Alex Bulte and Joshua Dous-Karpenschif opened their seasons with dominant victories, dropping only a combined four games.

🛣️ What’s Next:
FSU returns to Tallahassee for a nine-match homestand, starting with Florida Gulf Coast and Alabama State on Saturday, followed by Georgia Southern on Sunday at the Scott Speicher Memorial Tennis Center.

👉 Read more about FSU’s victory here.

🏈 FSU Recruiting Roundup: Top Prospects to Watch 🏈

Florida State’s recruiting efforts remain in high gear as the Seminoles pursue top talent across multiple classes. Here’s a look at the key updates on high-priority prospects and emerging stars.

🔑 Top Targets Visiting FSU Soon

Kaiden Hall (2026 4⭐️ Safety)

• Vitals: 6’3”, 195 lbs, No. 20 safety nationally.

• Recruitment: Hall is down to 10 schools, including FSU, and will visit Tallahassee on January 18.

• Why FSU Stands Out: "They’ve been my dream school for the longest... Coach Surtain is one of the best DB coaches in the country."

Trenton Henderson (2026 5⭐️ Edge Rusher)

• Vitals: 6’4”, 225 lbs, No. 3 edge nationally.

• Recruitment: Visiting FSU on January 18 before heading to Clemson.

• Junior Stats: 50 solo tackles, 10 sacks, and 18 TFLs.

• Scouting: Explosive pass rusher with versatility to play off-ball or edge in a 3-4 scheme.

🌟 Emerging Talent to Keep an Eye On

Tedarius Hughes (2026 3⭐️ DB): Displayed great length and physicality during a recent 7-on-7 showcase. Projected as a safety, Hughes will visit FSU on January 18.

Ayden Pouncey (2026 4⭐️ Safety): A rangy 6’2.5” defender with Miami, Georgia, and FSU among his favorites. He’s already built a relationship with FSU safeties coach Evan Cooper.

Jabari Brady (2026 4⭐️ WR): Maintains a strong connection with new FSU WR coach Tim Harris Jr. Brady plans a return visit soon, with a decision potentially coming this month.

Karon Maycock (2026 LB/DB Hybrid): A standout at Miami Central, Maycock brings a unique blend of size and athleticism. He’s visiting FSU for Junior Day on January 18.

🚀 Names on the Rise

Nick Lennear (2027 4⭐️ WR): A smooth route-runner who caught 38 passes for 657 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. Miami, FSU, and Syracuse lead the race.

Trayvis Hunter (2027 WR): Younger brother of Travis Hunter, Trayvis is developing his own path with strong quickness and fluidity.

Zayden Gamble (2027 DB): Tallied four INTs in 2024; Miami and Kentucky are early contenders. FSU could be next to offer.

📅 What’s Next

FSU’s Junior Day on January 18 will bring top-tier talent to Tallahassee, positioning the Seminoles to solidify relationships with key recruits in the 2026 and 2027 classes.

👉 Read more about FSU recruiting efforts here, here, and here.

And that’s a wrap!

From securing dynamic playmakers like Squirrel White to setting the tone with dominant performances on the court, the Seminoles are firing on all cylinders. With key matchups ahead and recruiting heating up, the future looks bright for Florida State. Enjoy the first real work week of 2025 and go ‘Noles!! 🍢