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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

Keeping you keyed up on all the portal updates, a great overview of the new additions at the end, and 2 other quick updates at the top:

🏀 Record-Breaking Performance Alert
Ta’Niya Latson claims her third ACC Player of the Week honor this season, after a historic week featuring a 40-point game and national-best scoring stats.

⚾ Baseball is Back (Almost)
Florida State lands at No. 6 in Perfect Game’s preseason rankings. Can the Seminoles build on last year’s stunning College World Series run?

🛠️ Offensive Line Boost Incoming
FSU prepares to host 6’8” offensive tackle Ben Congdon next weekend as part of a critical recruiting push.

🛡️ Maycock Eyes FSU Junior Day Visit
Miami Central’s Karon Maycock shares why he’s intrigued by FSU’s potential despite a tough 2024 season.

🏈 Keenyi Pepe in Focus
The No. 4 offensive tackle in the 2026 class keeps FSU in the mix as he narrows his list and plans spring visits.

✨ Prothro’s Recruitment Heats Up
Four-star tight end Kaiden Prothro has Florida State on his radar. Will his official visits swing the momentum?

🛡️ Transfer Tier List Revealed
From Squirrel White to Thomas Castellanos, we rank FSU’s latest transfer additions and their potential impact for 2025.

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🏀 Ta’Niya Latson Earns ACC Player of the Week Honors 🏀

Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State’s electrifying junior guard, has once again been named the ACC Player of the Week by the league's Blue Ribbon Panel, marking her third win this season and the 17th of her career.

🌟 Latson’s Historic Week:

• Record-Breaking Night: In a 105-74 win over Virginia Tech, Latson dropped a career-high 40 points, tying the program record set in 2014. She also set the school record with 18 field goals in a single game.

• All-Around Excellence: Latson became just the eighth player since 2002 to post 40+ points, five assists, and five steals in one game.

• Consistency at Home: Against Syracuse, she continued her dominance with 25 points, seven assists, and six steals in an 85-73 victory.

📊 Season Highlights:

• Nation’s Best Scorer: Leads the country in scoring with 27.9 PPG and ranks second in total points (391).

• Unstoppable Force: Scored 20+ points in 13 games this season and has 20 career games with 30+ points.

• Team Impact: FSU boasts the second-highest scoring average nationally at 94.9 points per game.

📅 What’s Next:
Latson and the Seminoles hit the road for a challenging West Coast trip, taking on Stanford on Thursday and California on Sunday.

👉 Read more about Latson’s historic performances here.

⚾ Florida State Baseball Lands at No. 6 in Preseason Rankings ⚾

Florida State baseball is gearing up for the 2025 season, earning the No. 6 spot in Perfect Game’s preseason top 25 rankings. The Seminoles open their season in 39 days with a three-game home series against James Madison on February 14.

Building on Last Season's Success

• Historic Turnaround: After missing the postseason in 2023, FSU improved by 26 wins in 2024, reaching the College World Series before falling to eventual champions Tennessee.

• ACC Powerhouse: FSU ranks as the second-highest ACC team in the preseason poll, behind No. 3 Virginia.

Key Roster Changes

• Offensive Departures: The Seminoles must replace the core of their lineup, including last season’s No. 2-6 hitters.

• Returning Stars: Center fielder Max Williams, middle infielders Alex Lodise and Drew Faurot, and catcher Jaxson West will anchor the lineup.

• New Additions: Texas Tech transfer Gage Harrelson and JUCO standouts Chase Williams, Blaydon Plain, and Carter McCulley are expected to make an impact, alongside top freshmen Hunter Carns and Myles Bailey.

Pitching Staff Outlook

• Ace Watch: Jamie Arnold returns as the team’s ace and is projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming MLB Draft.

• Reinforcements: Transfers Wes Mendes (Ole Miss), Joey Volini (USF), Evan Chrest (JU), and Peyton Prescott (JU) bolster the rotation.

• X-Factor: Cam Leiter’s return from injury remains uncertain but could significantly elevate the pitching staff.

2025 Schedule Highlights

• Competitive Slate: The Seminoles will face nine games against College World Series teams and eight NCAA Tournament qualifiers from 2024.

• Home-Field Advantage: FSU plays 35 of its 54 games at Dick Howser Stadium and 42 games within Florida.

With high expectations and a roster blending experience and new talent, the Seminoles aim to make another deep postseason run.

👉 Read more about FSU baseball’s preseason ranking and outlook here.

🛠️ Florida State Targets OT Ben Congdon in Key Visit 🛠️

Florida State is set to host 6'8", 280-pound offensive tackle Ben Congdon from Mineral City, Ohio, next weekend as the Seminoles look to bolster their offensive line for the future. The three-star Tuscarawas Valley standout has already received offers from FSU and Miami (Fla.) in December.

Recruitment Highlights

• Upcoming Visits:

  • Arkansas this weekend, where an offer could be extended.

  • Florida State and Miami next weekend, both schools prioritizing Congdon.

• Strong Interest: Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma are also vying to secure visits.

Athletic Profile

• Multi-Sport Star: In addition to football, Congdon excels as a wrestler, showcasing agility and strength crucial for success on the line.

• Impressive Frame: At 6'8" and 280 pounds, Congdon’s size and skill set make him a high-upside prospect for Power Five programs.

👉 Read more about Congdon’s recruitment and visit schedule here.

🛡️ FSU Targets Versatile Defender Karon Maycock for 2026 Class 🛡️

Florida State is making a strong push for Miami Central’s Karon Maycock, a rising star in South Florida’s 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot, 180-pound linebacker/defensive back hybrid is set to visit Tallahassee for FSU’s Junior Day on January 18, where he’ll have the opportunity to deepen his connection with head coach Mike Norvell.

Recruitment Highlights

• Key Contenders: Florida State, Miami, Alabama, Missouri, and Penn State are leading the charge for Maycock’s commitment.

• Upcoming Visit: Maycock’s January 18 visit to FSU comes with a personal invitation from Norvell, whom Maycock praised for his dedication to player development both on and off the field.

• Decision Timeline: Maycock plans to finalize his college decision this summer, leaving programs like FSU and Miami in a race to secure his commitment.

Why FSU Stands Out

Despite a challenging 2024 season, Maycock remains optimistic about the Seminoles’ future: “They’re still a top school even though they didn’t have a good season... I feel like they’re going to build.”

Competition Heating Up

Miami is aggressively pursuing Maycock, staying in daily contact and emphasizing their desire to keep him close to home. With Alabama and Penn State also in the mix, FSU’s defensive staff will need to act quickly to solidify relationships and outpace its rivals.

👉 Read more about Maycock’s visit and recruitment here.

🏈 Top OT Prospect Keenyi Pepe Keeping FSU in the Mix 🏈

Keenyi Pepe, the No. 4 offensive tackle and No. 19 overall prospect in the 2026 class, has his sights set on several top programs as he navigates his recruitment. The Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy standout is weighing his options with a focus on player development, relationships, and environment.

Recruitment Highlights

• Upcoming Top 10 List: Pepe plans to narrow his options in January or February, with official visits likely to follow in the spring and summer.

• Confirmed Official Visits: Oregon, Georgia, Washington, Miami, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas are already penciled in for visits.

• Gameday Visits Last Fall: Pepe attended games at UCLA, USC, Washington, Florida State, Miami, and Florida.

Why FSU Stands Out

Florida State hosted Pepe for a gameday visit in 2024, giving the Seminoles a foothold in his recruitment. With a strong focus on relationships and player development, FSU’s ability to build a connection with Pepe and showcase its offensive line pipeline will be critical moving forward.

Scouting Report

• Strengths: Quick feet, smooth pass protection, and strong reactionary skills. Excels as a balanced, technically advanced corner protector.

• Areas for Growth: Needs continued development as a run blocker and improved lower-body engagement.

• Projection: Pepe has rare NFL traits and potential to become a multi-year starter at the Power Four level.

What’s Next?

Pepe has expressed strong interest in visiting Oregon, citing his relationship with offensive line coach A'lique Terry. Texas, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Michigan are also on his spring wish list. As FSU works to remain in contention, strengthening its relationship with the towering tackle will be key.

👉 Read more about Pepe’s recruitment here.

🏈 Elite TE Prospect Kaiden Prothro Weighing Top Options 🏈

Four-star tight end Kaiden Prothro, ranked as the No. 3 tight end in the 2026 class, is solidifying himself as one of the top athletes in the country. The 6’7”, 210-pound standout from Bowden (Ga.) has been turning heads after a stellar performance at the Under Armour All-America practices, where he showcased his rare athleticism and versatility.

Recruitment Highlights

• Recent Visits: Prothro visited Alabama, Florida, Florida State, and Georgia during the fall.

• Upcoming Visits: Plans to visit Texas and take official visits to Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Miami.

• Decision Timeline: Prothro will decide after completing his official visits, with plans to narrow down his choices soon.

Why FSU Stands Out

Prothro included Florida State among his key gameday visits, where the Seminoles made a strong impression. With Mike Norvell’s offensive vision and a clear path for tight end development, FSU remains in contention as Prothro navigates his options.

Scouting Report

• Physical Traits: Verified 4.6-second 40-yard dash at 6’7” and 210 pounds.

• Skillset: Dynamic receiving ability, dominating as a wide receiver during Under Armour practices. Can create separation against top-tier defenders and has excellent body control.

• Production: Prothro tallied 56 receptions for 1,203 yards and 22 touchdowns in his junior season, averaging 21.5 yards per catch.

Top Contenders

• Alabama: “Always a top contender, producing NFL talent consistently.”

• Georgia: “In-state powerhouse known for developing tight ends.”

• Florida: “Strong tight end legacy with recent improvements under DJ Lagway.”

• Miami: “Winning culture and a beautiful campus under Coach Cristobal.”

👉 Read more about Prothro’s recruitment here.

🛡️ FSU Transfer Portal Tier List: Ranking the New Additions for 2025 🛡️

With 16 players brought in through the NCAA Transfer Portal, Florida State has addressed critical roster needs ahead of the 2025 season. Here’s how these new Seminoles stack up based on their expected impact.

S-Tier: The Game-Changer

Thomas Castellanos (QB)
The season rides on Castellanos, the likely starting quarterback and leader of FSU’s offensive resurgence. His performance could make or break the Seminoles’ success in 2025.

A-Tier: Core Contributors

• Duce Robinson (WR): A prototypical big-play receiver poised to elevate FSU’s passing game with his size and athleticism.

• Micah Pettus (RT): A dominant run-blocker who could anchor a revamped offensive line.

• Gunnar Hansen (LT): The experienced left tackle offers stability at a key position.

• Squirrel White (WR): Speed and playmaking ability make him a vital piece in Gus Malzahn’s offensive scheme.

• Luke Petitbon (C): A steady presence to stabilize FSU’s center position.

• James Williams (DE): A high-ceiling pass-rusher and leader for FSU’s new-look defensive line.

B-Tier: Likely Starters & Key Rotational Players

• Adrian Medley (LG): Reliable starter at left guard with familiarity in Malzahn’s system.

• Randy Pittman (TE): Versatile tight end who fits seamlessly into FSU’s offensive plans.

• Deante McCray (DL): A versatile lineman with the potential to shine in a rotational role.

• Jayson Jenkins (DE): Explosive pass-rusher with significant upside on the edge.

• Elijah Herring (LB): Run-stopping standout competing for the starting Mike linebacker role.

C-Tier: Depth with Potential

• Stefon Thompson (LB): A dependable veteran who provides valuable depth and versatility.

• Caleb LaVallee (LB): An emerging talent with a bright future following a breakout bowl game.

• Deamontae Diggs (DE): Solid rotational option on the defensive line.

• Markeston Douglas (TE): Stabilizes the traditional tight end role with experience and physicality.

👉 Read more about FSU’s transfer portal additions here.

And that’s a wrap!

Another exciting chapter unfolds for FSU, from electrifying performances on the court to strategic moves on the field. With so much momentum across programs, the Seminole spirit is stronger than ever.

Stay tuned for updates, and as always, Go Noles! 🏹✨