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Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Portal Tuesday, Seminole!

Here’s what’s inside today’s loaded portal edition — from major quarterback movement to roster turnover, key additions, and behind-the-scenes clarity at the top.

🏊‍♂️ FSU Swimming & Diving Honors Senior Class 🏊‍♀️
Senior Day arrives at Morcom Aquatics Center as the Seminoles celebrate 16 swimmers and divers and open the 2026 portion of the season.

🏃 FSU Lands Texas RB Transfer Tre Wisner 🏃
A proven SEC back commits after his visit, giving the Seminoles an experienced, versatile playmaker for the 2026 offense.

🎯 FSU Secures Long Snapper Caleb Bowers 🎯
A quiet but important addition locks down the long snapper position with a multi-year starter from North Dakota State.

🚨 Freshman DL Twins Mandrell & Darryll Desir Enter the Portal 🚨
FSU faces a significant defensive line loss as both freshman contributors — including an All-American pass rusher — explore transfer options.

🔁 Two-Way Contributor Amaree Williams Moves On 🔁
A versatile depth piece who played both tight end and defensive end departs Tallahassee.

🔁 LB Justin Cryer Enters Transfer Portal 🔁
An experienced ACC linebacker with multiple starts exits as the front seven continues to turn over.

🏈 DJ Lagway Visits FSU, Leaves Door Open 🏈
One of the highest-upside quarterbacks in the portal comes through Tallahassee and departs encouraged — but undecided.

🏈 QB Board Tightens as Ashton Daniels Trends Toward FSU 🏈
Momentum builds around Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels as FSU’s quarterback search nears a critical decision point.

🏢 Inside FSU’s New Football Power Structure 🏢
Mike Norvell, Michael Alford, and John Garrett clarify how decisions, negotiations, NIL, and roster construction now operate.

That’s the full board — let’s dive in.

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🏊‍♂️🎓 FSU Swimming & Diving Honors 16 Seniors on Tuesday 🎓🏊‍♀️

Florida State’s swimming and diving program will celebrate Senior Day on Tuesday afternoon as the Florida State Seminoles swimming and diving host Villanova at Morcom Aquatics Center.

What to Know

• When: Tuesday, Jan. 6

  • Senior ceremony: 1:30 p.m. ET

  • Meet start: 2:00 p.m. ET

• Where: Morcom Aquatics Center

• Admission: Free

• Watch/Follow: Live results on Meet Mobile; live stream on the Florida State Seminoles YouTube channel

Why It Matters

• FSU will honor 16 seniors concluding their careers in Tallahassee

• Marks FSU’s first meet of the 2026 portion of the season

• The men enter ranked No. 12 after climbing four spots in the CSCAA Coaches Poll

Head coach Neal Studd called it a special moment for a group that has “given so much to our program,” as the Seminoles close out their home slate before heading to Georgia later this week.

👉 Full meet details, senior list, and viewing info at the source

🏃🔥 FSU Lands Texas RB Transfer Tre Wisner 🔥🏃

Florida State added a proven SEC-tested running back to its offense with the commitment of Texas transfer Tre Wisner, who pledged to the Seminoles following his visit.

Why Wisner Chose FSU

• Arrived Sunday night, committed during his Monday visit

• Strong connection with new RB coach Kam Martin, who Wisner believes can elevate his production

• Longstanding relationship with Mike Norvell, who was Wisner’s first-ever scholarship offer

• Drawn to Gus Malzahn’s history of maximizing RB versatility (run game + pass game)

Production That Travels

• 2025 (Texas): 597 rushing yards, 3 TDs (4.6 YPC) + 22 catches

• 2024 (Breakout): 1,064 rushing yards, 5 TDs + 44 receptions

• Proven every-down back with receiving and alignment flexibility

How He Fits at FSU

• Expected to factor immediately into the 2026 RB rotation

• Complements returning backs Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton

• Adds experience, reliability, and pass-game value

Portal Value

• 6’0”, 194 lbs | DeSoto, Texas

• No. 39 overall player, No. 3 RB in the portal (247Sports)

• One year of eligibility remaining

🔍 Big Picture
This is a high-floor addition at a premium position. Wisner brings production, maturity, and scheme familiarity to an offense looking for dependable playmakers right away.

👉 Full commitment details, quotes, and visit context at the source

🎯 FSU Locks in Long Snapper for 2026 with Caleb Bowers Commitment 🎯

Florida State quietly checked an important box for the 2026 roster, landing a specialist with a proven, mistake-free résumé.

The Commitment

• North Dakota State long snapper Caleb Bowers committed to FSU following his Monday visit

• Rising senior with multi-year starting experience at an elite FCS program

Why Bowers Matters

• Served as NDSU’s starting long snapper across multiple seasons

• Handled FG/PAT duties in 2023 and added punt snapping from 2024–25

• Zero wild snaps on kicking attempts over the last two seasons, per NDSU bio

• Brings immediate stability to a detail-critical position

Special Teams Picture

• Long snapper spot now secured for 2026

• FSU still needs to:

  • Add a punter to replace Mac Chiumento (transferred to Texas)

  • Sort out a place-kicker competition between Jake Weinberg and Brunno Reus

🔍 Big Picture
This won’t grab headlines, but it matters. Reliable long snapping eliminates chaos on special teams — and Bowers gives FSU a proven, low-variance answer at a position where mistakes are costly.

👉 Commitment details and special teams context at the source

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🚨 FSU Freshman DL Twins Mandrell & Darryll Desir Enter Transfer Portal 🚨

Florida State is set to (maybe) lose two young defensive line contributors as freshman twins Mandrell and Darryll Desir plan to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.

The News

• Mandrell Desir and Darryll Desir will explore transfer options, per Hayes Fawcett citing their agency

• Miami natives and Norland High School products

• Both appeared in 12 games as true freshmen in Tallahassee

Mandrell Desir: A Major Loss Up Front

• 6’4”, 262 lbs | EDGE / DL

• True freshman All-American + All-ACC Honorable Mention

• 2025 production:

  • 30 tackles

  • 7.5 TFLs

  • 6.5 sacks (led all ACC freshmen)

• 6.5 sacks = third-most by a true freshman in FSU history (behind Ron Simmons, Brian Burns)

• Recorded a sack in five straight games, longest FSU streak since 2016

Darryll Desir: Rotational Contributor

• 6’5”, 262 lbs | DL

• 12 games played, 2 starts

• 23 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 sack

• Served as a steady depth and rotation piece in Year One

Eligibility & Context

• Both players have four years remaining to play three seasons

• Their exits add pressure to an already aggressive portal plan along the defensive front

🔍 Big Picture
Mandrell’s departure is the headline — losing a proven, disruptive freshman pass rusher stings. Together, the Desir twins’ exits underscore how volatile roster management has become, especially at premium positions like defensive line, and further explain why FSU is pushing hard for experienced portal reinforcements.

👉 Full portal update and player context via the source

🔁 FSU Two-Way Contributor Amaree Williams Enters Transfer Portal 🔁

Florida State will be losing a versatile depth piece as sophomore Amaree Williams plans to continue his career elsewhere.

The Move

• Amaree Williams is entering the NCAA Transfer Portal after two seasons at FSU

• North Palm Beach native who played both tight end and defensive end

A True Two-Way Role

• 2025 production:

  • Tight end: 2 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

  • Defense: 10 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 QB hurry

• One of the few Seminoles to contribute on both sides of the ball in the same season

Early Career at FSU

• 2024 (freshman):

  • Appeared in final eight games

  • Played exclusively at tight end

  • 5 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs

  • Added an 11-yard kick return

What Comes Next

• 6’4”, 236 lbs with positional flexibility

• Will have two seasons of eligibility remaining at his next stop

🔍 Big Picture
Williams never locked down a full-time role, but his two-way usage made him a unique roster piece. His departure continues a portal cycle defined by turnover at depth positions as FSU reshapes the roster with clearer role definitions on both sides of the ball.

👉 Transfer update and player background via the source

🔁 FSU LB Justin Cryer Enters Transfer Portal 🔁

Florida State will see another experienced defender move on as junior linebacker Justin Cryer departs the program.

The Move

• Justin Cryer is entering the NCAA Transfer Portal after three seasons at FSU

• Originally enrolled at Northwestern before transferring to Tallahassee prior to his freshman year

2025 Role & Production

• Played in 12 games with 8 starts

• 43 total tackles (15 solo), tied for third on the team

• Added 5.0 TFLs, 1 sack, and 3 QB hurries

Previous Seasons

• 2024:

  • Appeared in first nine games before a season-ending injury

  • 32 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery

• 2023 (Freshman):

  • Played all 13 games

  • Notably recorded 6 tackles vs. Georgia in the Orange Bowl

What Comes Next

• 6’1”, 238 lbs with starting experience in the ACC

• Will have one season of eligibility remaining at his next stop

🔍 Big Picture
Cryer’s exit removes a proven, physical linebacker with starting reps and production. His departure continues a portal cycle where Florida State is reshaping the defensive front seven with speed, availability, and role clarity as top priorities.

👉 Transfer update and career context via the source

🏈 DJ Lagway Visits FSU, Leaves Door Wide Open 🏈

Florida State hosted one of the biggest quarterback names in the portal on Monday — and the visit clearly made an impression.

🔥 The Visit

• Florida transfer QB DJ Lagway visited FSU on Monday with his father

• Spent extended time with Mike Norvell, Gus Malzahn, and Austin Tucker

• Left Tallahassee “on cloud nine,” citing people, facilities, and genuine energy inside the building

🧠 On-Film Fit & Malzahn Connection

• Lagway said his favorite part of the visit was watching film with Malzahn and Tucker

• Malzahn showed him cut-ups and discussed how he’d be used in the offense

• Lagway said Malzahn compared his skill set to Cam Newton, emphasizing size, arm talent, and dual-threat ability

📊 Career Context (Upside + Volatility)

• Former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class

• Two years of starting experience at Florida

  • 2024: Sparked a 6–1 finish after taking over midseason

  • 2025: Regression as full-time starter amid injuries and instability

• Advanced metrics dipped significantly year-over-year, but raw traits remain obvious

🏃 Dual-Threat Confidence

• Lagway pushed back on concerns about his mobility

• Said Florida limited designed runs due to health, not ability

• Emphasized he’s “always been a true dual-threat guy” and expects that to show again

⏭️ What’s Next

• Left FSU and immediately headed to Virginia for his next visit

• No firm timeline, but said he’s weighing options carefully and leaning on faith and family

• FSU was his first major visit — often the most important one in portal QB recruitments

🔍 Big Picture
Lagway didn’t commit — but he didn’t cool off either. The visit reinforced mutual interest, clarified offensive fit, and kept Florida State firmly in the race for one of the highest-upside quarterbacks in the portal.

👉 Full visit recap, quotes, and context from both sources linked here and here

🏈 QB Board Tightens: Ashton Daniels Trending Toward FSU 🏈

Florida State’s quarterback search took a meaningful turn Monday — and momentum now appears to be consolidating.

🔥 Two QBs on Campus, One Trend Emerging

• FSU hosted DJ Lagway and Ashton Daniels on the same day

• Lagway departed for Virginia, while Daniels’ visit immediately fueled optimism internally

• Since then, multiple signals point toward Daniels becoming the focal point

🧠 Why Daniels Fit Clicked

• Daniels emphasized staff quality, development, and winning as his top priorities

• Spent extensive time with Gus Malzahn, watching tape of Malzahn-led QBs (Cam Newton, Nick Marshall)

• Clear alignment on building an offense around the quarterback — not forcing a system

With one year of eligibility left, Daniels made it clear he’s chasing QB1 reps, wins, and an NFL runway.

📈 Behind-the-Scenes Shift

• Sources indicate FSU’s offer to Anthony Colandrea has been tabled

• Daniels has been led to believe he is FSU’s quarterback option at this stage

• There’s growing belief a decision could come quickly — possibly within 24 hours

What’s still unclear: whether Daniels would be taken as QB1 outright or if FSU would still pursue an additional portal quarterback depending on how the board shakes out.

🔮 National Intel Aligns

• On3 insider Pete Nakos logged an expert prediction for Daniels to land at Florida State

• The rationale: Colandrea and Lagway exploring other options, while FSU presents Daniels a real ACC starting opportunity

🔍 Big Picture
After weeks of domino-watching, FSU’s QB board may finally be settling. Daniels checks the urgency box (one year, ready to start), the scheme box (Malzahn fit), and the momentum box (internal and national confidence aligning). In portal season, that combination usually doesn’t linger long.

👉 Full visit quotes, sourcing, and QB-board context from all three sources linked here and here

🏢 Inside FSU’s New Football Power Structure 🏢

Florida State’s front office overhaul is no longer theoretical and Monday’s joint press conference finally clarified how the pieces fit together.

🔥 Norvell Has Final Say

• Mike Norvell retains final authority over all football decisions

• John Garrett and the personnel staff operate in support, not parallel power

• As Michael Alford put it: “Coach will continue to set the direction of this program and have final determination in all aspects.”

• Norvell emphasized consensus: no player is added without shared agreement

🧠 Why the Front Office Shift Happened

• Alford acknowledged the modern workload has exploded: contracts, NIL, portal, roster construction

• FSU had discussed adding help for years, but the move crystallized after seeing the full scope of today’s demands

• Timing mattered: evaluations waited until after the season to avoid disrupting roster management and staff access

• Garrett stood out as a rare college + NFL hybrid candidate

🧩 More Help Is Coming

• This is not the finished product

• Additional front-office roles will be added

• Garrett and Taylor Edwards will help define what support they actually need before hires are finalized

💰 How NIL, Negotiations & the “Cap” Work

• Norvell will not negotiate directly with players

• He will stay informed on roster budgets and resource allocation

• FSU views the “cap” as what the university can provide — not a limit on total earning potential

• Alford made it clear: NIL earnings outside the institution remain uncapped, and FSU plans to help players maximize those opportunities

🔍 Big Picture
FSU now operates with clearer lanes: Norvell sets vision and makes final calls, Garrett and the front office handle valuation and execution, and Alford oversees the ecosystem. In a portal-driven era, clarity like this isn’t optional — it’s foundational.

👉 Full press conference context, quotes, and structural breakdowns from the source

And that’s a wrap!

Portal season doesn’t slow down — it sharpens priorities.

Florida State added real pieces, lost others, and finally clarified how decisions are being made at the top. The quarterback board is narrowing, the trenches are being rebuilt with intent, and the roster math is getting clearer by the day.

Some moves make noise. Others quietly matter more.
We’ll be here for all of it.

— The Chief