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Yesterday’s Poll Results
Today’s Poll
How do you feel about FSU’s QB direction with Ashton Daniels?
🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹
Happy hump day, Seminole!
This edition is a full snapshot of where Florida State stands right now — on the field, in the portal, and behind the scenes — as wins stack up in the pool and roster churn accelerates everywhere else.
⚽ FSU Swimming & Diving Closes Home Slate in Style ⚽
A dominant Senior Day sweep of Villanova sends the Seminoles into the heart of the season with momentum, depth, and star power on full display.
🏐 Seminoles Shine in the Classroom 🏐
Duce Robinson headlines three FSU standouts earning Academic All-District honors after one of the most productive seasons by a receiver in program history.
🏈 FSU Locks in Its QB Direction for 2026 🏈
Ashton Daniels commits, the quarterback board tightens, and Florida State makes a clear philosophical bet on mobility, experience, and a run-first reset under Gus Malzahn.
🧠 QB Room Still Expanding 🧠
Even with Daniels in place, FSU continues building depth by extending a JUCO offer — signaling this room isn’t finished yet.
🛡️ Portal Additions Continue in the Trenches 🛡️
Edge rusher Rylan Kennedy and interior lineman Bradyn Joiner add experience, reliability, and snap volume to key depth areas.
🧱 Offensive Line Board Heats Up 🧱
Nate Pabst commits, Paul Bowling visits, and Florida State continues stacking versatile, game-tested bodies up front.
🧲 Tight End Board Gets a New Piece 🧲
Desirrio Riles commits, adding athleticism and developmental upside to an evolving tight end room.
🧠 Linebacker Evaluations Continue 🧠
USC transfer Matai Tagoa’i visits as FSU explores upside plays with length, pedigree, and remaining eligibility.
🔁 Portal Departures Reshape the Roster 🔁
Four Seminoles — including a starting safety and a key receiver — enter the portal, underscoring why this cycle remains far from settled.
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🏊♂️🎓 FSU Swimming & Diving Dominates Villanova on Senior Day 🎓🏊♀️
Florida State closed its home slate in emphatic fashion, sweeping past Villanova on Senior Day at Morcom Aquatics Center.
🔥 By the Numbers
Men (No. 12): 261–59 win
Women: 205–114 win
30 of 34 events won
15 sweeps (1–2–3) and 9 more 1–2 finishes
⭐ Standout Performances
Michel Arkhangelsky (So.): three wins for the men (50 free, 50 back, 100 free)
Julia Mansson (Sr.): swept all three breaststroke events for the women
Multiple relay sweeps to open and close the meet
⏭️ Up Next
FSU heads to Athens on Saturday to face No. 7/18 Georgia and Arkansas in a high-level road test.
🎓📚 FSU Trio Earns Academic All-District Honors 📚🎓
Florida State picked up some off-the-field wins Monday, with three Seminoles recognized for excellence in the classroom and on the field.
🏆 Who Was Honored
Duce Robinson — First-team All-ACC WR
AJ Cottrill — Linebacker / special teams standout
Jayden Todd — Offensive lineman / special teams contributor
All three were named to the Collegiate Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, with Academic All-America honors to be announced January 27.
🔥 Robinson’s Historic Season
56 catches, 1,081 yards, 6 TDs
First 1,000-yard FSU receiver since 2019
Ranked 9th nationally in receiving yards
Five 120-yard games (most among Power 4 receivers)
Led the ACC in explosive plays (20+, 30+, and 40-yard catches)
🛡️ Cottrill’s Impact
Named FSU’s Special Teams MVP
15 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks
Logged sacks against Pitt, Wake Forest, and ETAMU
🧱 Todd’s Role
Appeared in all 12 games
Contributed on offense and special teams
Part of field goal and PAT units as a redshirt freshman
🏈🔒 FSU Lands QB Ashton Daniels, Clarifies 2026 Offensive Direction 🔒🏈
Florida State has its quarterback for 2026.
Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels committed to the Seminoles following his visit Monday, giving FSU a veteran, mobile signal-caller to anchor what is increasingly shaping up as a run-first offensive reset.
🔥 The Commitment
Daniels committed quietly after wrapping up his visit
Graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining
Ranked No. 26 QB in the portal (247Sports, 86 grade)
Will immediately compete for the starting job
“FSU is a dream school for me to be able to finish my college career… nothing excites me more than that,” Daniels said.
📊 Career Snapshot
Stanford (2023–24, two-year starter)
3,986 passing yards, 21 TD, 20 INT
1,117 rushing yards, 9 TD
Auburn (2025, late-season starter)
797 passing yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
280 rushing yards, 2 TD
Profile:
6’2”, 219 lbs
Physical, durable runner with long-stride speed
Passing production has been modest but functional, rushing value consistent
🧠 Why FSU Took Daniels
This is not a splash move — it’s a fit move.
Daniels checks boxes that matter for where FSU is headed:
High-end mobility that stresses defenses
Comfortable in RPO-heavy, QB-run concepts
Experience in Power 4 environments
Maturity and readiness for a one-year window
FSU also added Texas RB Tre Wisner, returns Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton, and has Gus Malzahn coordinating the offense. The through-line is obvious.
This is a commitment to running the football.
⚠️ Limitations to Know
Daniels’ ceiling is real — but so is his cap.
Accuracy has been below average relative to P4 peers
Inconsistent mechanics and touch
Tends to bail from clean pockets
Passing efficiency has declined year-over-year
In short: Daniels is unlikely to carry an offense with his arm alone.
🎯 The Fit with Gus Malzahn
This is where the move makes sense.
Malzahn’s system:
Reduces full-field reads
Leans on RPOs, QB runs, and vertical shots
Accentuates mobility and physicality
Daniels’ strengths (running, toughness, arm zip) are emphasized.
His weaknesses (precision passing, layered throws) are partially masked.
That doesn’t make him elite — but it makes him functional in the right ecosystem.
🔍 QB Room Context
Daniels: veteran portal addition
Kevin Sperry: redshirt freshman, developing
JUCO options still being monitored
Colandrea and Lagway now clearly off the board
Whether Daniels is the only portal QB or the clear QB1 remains to be seen — but the board has unquestionably tightened.
🧠 Big Picture
This is a directional decision.
FSU opted for:
Stability over volatility
Fit over flash
Run-game synergy over arm-talent chasing
Daniels doesn’t raise the ceiling dramatically — but he can raise the floor, especially if the offensive line and run game come together.
For a program trying to reset credibility and stack wins again, that trade-off is intentional.
👉 Full commitment details, film-based evaluation, and portal context from both sources here and here
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🏈➕ FSU Extends JUCO QB Offer as Board Expands ➕🏈
Florida State is continuing to build out its quarterback room for 2026.
The Move
FSU has extended an offer to Tyler Junior College QB Tre Guerra
Signals intent to add another quarterback after landing Ashton Daniels
Guerra’s Profile
6’2”, 195 lbs | Rising redshirt junior
2025 (Tyler JC):
2,811 passing yards
24 TDs, 14 INT
62.2% completion
Team went 11–1
Also passed for 999 yards the prior season
Began career at Central Arkansas (Mike Norvell’s alma mater)
Why He’s on FSU’s Radar
Experience + developmental upside
Fits the secondary-QB / depth-plus-evaluation lane
Holding an 86 grade from 247Sports
Recently added offers from Kentucky, Arkansas, and Texas Tech
Big Picture
With Ashton Daniels now in place, FSU is clearly looking to round out the room, not stop at one addition. Guerra represents a competitive, affordable developmental option with live reps and Power Four interest — exactly the type of profile programs target once the QB1 domino falls.
🛡️🔥 FSU Lands Texas A&M Edge Transfer Rylan Kennedy 🔥🛡️
Florida State added another trench piece to its portal haul, landing Texas A&M edge rusher Rylan Kennedy following his official visit.
The Addition
6’3”, 239 lbs | EDGE
Three seasons at Texas A&M Aggies
Appeared in 35 games with steady rotational production
Production Snapshot
Career totals:
40 tackles
5.5 TFL
3.5 sacks
2025 season:
14 tackles
3.5 TFL
2.0 sacks
Why FSU Targeted Him
Above-average pass-rush efficiency:
76.0 PFF pass-rush grade (2024)
66.0 pass-rush grade (2025)
26 combined QB pressures over last two seasons
Brings SEC-tested depth and reliability off the edge
Recruiting & Portal Value
87 transfer grade (247Sports)
No. 248 overall player, No. 33 EDGE in the portal
Mansfield, Texas native (Lake Ridge HS)
Former three-star recruit, No. 69 EDGE nationally in 2023 class
🔍 Big Picture
Kennedy isn’t a splashy headliner — he’s a functional add. Experienced, durable, and effective as a rotational rusher, he strengthens FSU’s edge depth at a time when proven snaps matter more than projection.
🧱🔁 FSU Adds Versatile Interior OL Bradyn Joiner 🔁🧱
Florida State quietly strengthened its offensive line depth, landing Purdue transfer Bradyn Joiner after wrapping up his official visit Tuesday.
The Addition
6’2”, 310 lbs | Interior OL
Signed with Florida State Seminoles following his visit
Two years of eligibility remaining (entering redshirt junior season)
Career Path
Originally signed with Auburn Tigers in the 2023 class
Redshirted as a freshman
2024: Appeared in 10 games with 5 starts at left guard
2025: Transferred to Purdue Boilermakers, starting all 12 games at center
2025 Performance (PFF)
Overall offensive grade: 62.7
Pass blocking: 63.2
Run blocking: 61.7
Allowed:
1 sack
2 QB hits
26 pressures
Why This Matters
Joiner brings multi-position experience (LG + C)
Familiarity with the staff: recruited out of high school by Gus Malzahn and Herb Hand during their UCF tenure
Adds dependable, game-tested depth as FSU continues rebuilding the interior OL
🔍 Big Picture
This is a stability move. Joiner isn’t about upside hype — he’s about snaps, flexibility, and trust. In a portal cycle focused on reducing volatility up front, that has real value.
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🧱✍️ FSU Lands Bowling Green OT Nate Pabst ✍️🧱
Florida State added another experienced trench piece to its portal haul, securing a commitment from Bowling Green offensive tackle Nate Pabst following his official visit to Tallahassee.
Why Pabst Chose FSU
Committed during his Sunday visit
Cited OL coach Herb Hand and overall development opportunity
“I believe coach Hand and all the people at FSU will give me the best opportunity to grow as a player and person.”
Experience That Matters
Graduate transfer from Bowling Green
42 career games, 38 starts
2025 usage:
783 total snaps (766 offense)
493 at right tackle, 273 at right guard
Team captain + Second Team All-MAC
Pass Protection Growth
Allowed just 1 sack on 354 pass-block snaps in 2025
Only 14 QB pressures this season after giving up 34 pressures and 8 sacks over the prior two years
PFF progression:
2023: 47.9
2024: 58.9
2025: 70.3 (68.5 run block, 69.0 pass block)
Positional Flexibility
Most experience at right guard
Has also played left guard and both tackle spots
Over 2,100 career snaps on the offensive line
🔍 Big Picture
Pabst fits the exact profile FSU has targeted up front: battle-tested, position-flexible, and trending upward. Between his leadership background and clear pass-protection improvement, this is another low-risk, high-utility addition for the Seminoles’ 2026 offensive line.
🧲🔥 FSU Lands ECU TE Transfer Desirrio Riles 🔥🧲
Florida State added another piece to its offensive puzzle, securing a commitment from East Carolina tight end Desirrio Riles following a busy visit weekend.
The Commitment
Took an official visit to FSU over the weekend
Traveled to Ole Miss afterward, then chose the Seminoles
Decision came quickly coming off the two-stop visit swing
Production Snapshot
2025 (ECU):
28 receptions
362 yards
2 touchdowns
Athletic tight end with experience getting the ball in space
Background & Development
Jacksonville native (University Christian HS)
Originally signed with Indiana as a three-star outside linebacker in the 2023 class
Released from his LOI and landed at ECU, where he converted to tight end
Still early in his positional development, with room to grow
Portal Value
Ranked No. 332 overall player
No. 23 tight end in the Transfer Portal (247Sports)
🔍 Big Picture
Riles gives FSU another versatile tight end option with upside — a former defender still refining his offensive game, but already showing production and fit in space. It’s a developmental add with immediate depth value and schematic flexibility.
🧱🔍 FSU Makes Strong Impression on Troy OL Transfer Paul Bowling 🔍🧱
Florida State may be closing in on another offensive line addition after hosting Troy transfer Paul Bowling early this week.
The Visit
Bowling visited FSU Monday night into Tuesday after a weekend trip to Georgia Tech
Called it a “great visit” and said it will be his final campus stop
Plans to decide during his drive home, with a commitment expected by Thursday
Position Fit
Primarily played center at Troy, with experience at guard
FSU staff indicated he could play either spot
With Bradyn Joiner already signed at center, Bowling would likely project inside at guard
Why FSU Resonated
Spent significant time with OL coach Herb Hand, learning his coaching style and approach
Bowling emphasized development, fit, chemistry, and winning as top priorities
On-Field Résumé
6’4”, 315 lbs
Started all 12 games as a freshman (9 at center, 3 at guard)
PFF grades:
68.3 pass blocking
64.5 run blocking
Three years of eligibility remaining
Recruitment Context
Also holds offers from North Carolina, Kansas State, and others
Would join recent OL transfer commits Nate Pabst (Bowling Green) and Bradyn Joiner (Purdue)
🔍 Big Picture
FSU is clearly stockpiling experienced, versatile offensive linemen. Bowling fits the trend: young, multi-position capable, and development-focused. With a decision coming quickly, this is one to monitor closely.
🧠🔎 FSU Hosts USC LB Transfer Matai Tagoa’i 🔎🧠
Florida State continues to work the linebacker board, hosting USC transfer Matai Tagoa’i for a visit on Tuesday.
Quick Snapshot
6’4”, 205 lbs linebacker
Former four-star recruit (No. 168 overall in the 2025 class)
Ranked No. 389 overall and No. 25 LB in the portal (247Sports)
Recent Context
Arrived in Tallahassee after a visit to Clemson
Played in 5 games as a true freshman at USC
Logged 4 tackles and a forced fumble on 35 defensive snaps
Why He’s Interesting
Long, athletic frame with upside
Still very early in his development
Three years of eligibility remaining
🔍 Big Picture
This is a classic upside evaluation visit. Tagoa’i hasn’t played much yet, but the pedigree, length, and remaining eligibility make him a developmental linebacker worth a closer look as FSU reshapes its depth.
🔁🚨 Portal Departures Roundup: Four Seminoles Enter the Transfer Portal 🚨🔁
Florida State’s roster reshaping continued this week, with four more Seminoles — including a starting defensive back and a key rotational receiver — opting to explore transfer options. Here’s how each move impacts the board.
🛡️ Earl Little Jr. — Starting Safety Tests the Market
Expected to enter the portal after initially declaring for the NFL Draft
Two-year contributor at FSU after transferring from Alabama
2025 production:
Team-high 76 tackles (33 solo)
4 interceptions (83 return yards)
2 forced fumbles
Led FSU in tackles and interceptions
Finished with a 69.7 PFF grade, though consistency dipped late in the year
Why it matters:
This is the biggest name in the group. Losing a multi-position defensive back with proven production creates an immediate hole in the secondary — and adds urgency to FSU’s DB portal efforts.
🎯 Lawayne McCoy — WR Depth Takes a Hit
FSU’s third-leading receiver in 2025
Season line: 27 catches, 396 yards, 3 TDs (in 10 games)
Finished the year strong, starting seven games down the stretch
One of only four players in FSU history to score TDs vs. Miami, Clemson, and Florida in the same season
Why it matters:
McCoy’s exit removes a reliable, ascending wideout who was carving out a bigger role late in the year — increasing pressure on portal WR additions and young depth.
🧱 Ja’Elyne Matthews — OL Continues Moving On
Former Rutgers transfer who joined FSU after spring
Did not appear in a game this season
6’6”, 350 lbs with four years of eligibility remaining
Why it matters:
This one is more about roster churn than on-field loss. Matthews never cracked the rotation, and FSU’s aggressive OL portal strategy makes this a cleaner exit.
🎯 Brunno Reus — Special Teams Vacancy Grows
Freshman kicker/punter from Venice High School
Played in four games, preserved redshirt
2025 stats:
2-for-2 on PATs
7 kickoffs, all touchbacks
Former No. 4 kicker prospect in the 2025 class
Why it matters:
With Mac Chiumento already gone, Reus’ departure creates another opening at both kicker and punter — solidifying special teams as a portal priority this offseason.
🔍 Big Picture
This group highlights the dual reality of portal season: some losses sting (Little, McCoy), others streamline the roster (Matthews), and a few quietly create new needs (Reus). Taken together, these moves further explain why Florida State remains aggressive — and far from finished — in the portal.
