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- 🏹 January 9th - The Chief Brief 🏹
🏹 January 9th - The Chief Brief 🏹
Portal pressure, pro pipelines, and the roster decisions
The Chief
January 09, 2026
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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹
TGIF Seminole!
Today’s edition spans the full spectrum from elite postseason stages and pro signings to transfer portal chess and roster-defining decisions that could ripple into 2026.
Here’s what’s ahead 👇
⛳ FSU Golf Heads to One of the Sport’s Biggest Stages ⛳
Tyler Weaver and Jack Bigham tee it up at the invitation-only Jones Cup, facing one of the deepest amateur fields of the year.
⚽ FSU Soccer’s Championship-to-Pros Pipeline Keeps Rolling ⚽
Two more Seminoles sign pro deals as Florida State continues turning titles into careers at the next level.
⚾ FSU Baseball Earns Early National Respect ⚾
Two Seminoles land Preseason All-America honors as Link Jarrett’s 2026 roster takes shape with star power, portal bats, and depth battles everywhere.
🏈 Special Teams Gets a Major Upgrade 🏈
FSU adds a Ray Guy semifinalist punter, hosts a decorated kicker, and continues reshaping a critical phase of the game.
🧱 Offensive Line Recruiting Enters a Crucial Window 🧱
A massive tackle decision looms as FSU battles Kentucky for a proven Power 4 starter.
🛡️ Secondary & Linebacker Evaluations Continue 🛡️
More portal visitors arrive as FSU searches for answers in the back seven.
🚨 The Desir Twins Saga Nears a Breaking Point 🚨
Negotiations drag on, offers are rejected, and the portal clock is now the central storyline.
🔁 Another Young Contributor Expected to Depart 🔁
A freshman defensive back with real snaps and starts is poised to test the portal market.
Big-picture takeaway: this is one of those editions where almost every section feeds into the same question — what does FSU’s 2026 roster actually look like when the dust settles?
Let’s get into it.
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⛳🔥 FSU Golfers Head to Elite Jones Cup Invitational 🔥⛳
Florida State will be represented on one of amateur golf’s biggest stages this week as Tyler Weaver and Jack Bigham compete at the prestigious Jones Cup Invitational.
🔥 Tournament Snapshot
Event: Jones Cup Invitational (invite-only amateur event)
Dates: Jan. 8–11
Location: Ocean Forest Golf Club (Sea Island, Georgia)
Format: 54 holes
⭐ Who’s Competing
Tyler Weaver
Ranked No. 12 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings
Third-highest ranked golfer in the field
Finished T-12 at the event last year
Jack Bigham
Ranked No. 91 in WAGR
Finished runner-up at the 2025 Jones Cup after a playoff
Proven performer on this course
⏰ Opening Tee Times (Friday)
Bigham: 10:10 a.m. (10th hole)
Weaver: 10:50 a.m. (1st tee)
🔍 Why It Matters
The Jones Cup regularly features the nation’s best amateurs, and with 23 of the top 50 players in the world rankings in the field, this is a major early-season test. Weaver and Bigham are legitimate contenders in a loaded draw.
⚽✨ FSU Soccer’s Pro Pipeline Delivers Again ✨⚽
Florida State’s national title run is translating directly to the pro ranks, with Giana Riley and Taylor Suarez officially signing professional contracts this week.
🔥 Two Seminoles, Two Pro Leagues
Giana Riley signed with Club América of Liga MX Femenil
Taylor Suarez signed with Angel City FC of the National Women's Soccer League
Both were key contributors to:
2025 National Championship
2024 ACC Tournament title
🧠 Why It Makes Sense
Riley brings international experience (USA U-20 World Cup bronze, Mexico U-23s) and attacking versatility to one of Liga MX Femenil’s top clubs.
Suarez earned All-America and All-ACC honors in 2025 and becomes the first Seminole to sign with Angel City FC since the club’s inaugural season.
🔍 Big Picture
That’s now four Seminoles turning pro this offseason, alongside Heather Gilchrist (Bay FC) and Mimi Van Zanten (San Diego Wave). The takeaway is simple: FSU is winning championships and consistently preparing players for the next level.
⚾🔥 FSU Baseball Opens 2026 with Preseason All-America Firepower 🔥⚾
Florida State Baseball is already stacking national respect before the first pitch is thrown.
According to Perfect Game, the Seminoles landed two Preseason All-Americans, a strong early signal for a roster blending elite transfers, proven returners, and high-end youth.
🔥 The Headliners
Trey Beard — First Team Preseason All-American (Transfer Pitcher)
Transferred from Florida Atlantic Owls
2025 stats: 7–1, 3.14 ERA, 118 K in 82 IP
One of just two transfers named to the First Team
Expected to anchor a rotation replacing first-rounder Jamie Arnold and sixth-rounder Joey Volini
Myles Bailey — Third Team Preseason All-American (1B)
2025 freshman season: .327 AVG, 19 HR, 56 RBI
Projected as one of the nation’s top power bats in 2026
Draft-eligible and viewed as a potential early-round pick
🧱 Core Returners Holding the Line
Several key contributors return after finishing last season as everyday starters under Link Jarrett:
Hunter Carns (C) — Everyday catcher, coming off an All-Star summer in the Cape Cod League
Cal Fisher (3B) — Stabilizing presence on the infield
Chase Williams (OF) — Late-season regular
Brody DeLamielleure (OF) — Productive part-time starter in 2025
🧲 Portal Bats Replacing Draft Losses
FSU aggressively attacked the transfer portal to offset departures like Alex Lodise, Drew Faurot, and Max Williams:
Eli Putnam (Davidson)
35 HR over last two seasons
Slugged .660+ in back-to-back years
Brayden Dowd (USC)
.524 SLG / .446 OBP in 2025
25 extra-base hits, 46 walks in 58 games
These additions give FSU real middle-of-the-order insurance — not just projections.
🌱 Young Talent with Real Upside
Several freshmen stood out in fall workouts and could factor in early:
Kelvyn Paulino Jr. (INF) — No. 3 3B nationally, No. 53 overall (Perfect Game)
John Stuetzer (OF) — No. 142 overall recruit
Charlie Buckles (1B) & Manny Lantigua (SS) — Both ranked inside the Top 225
This group adds legitimate internal competition across the diamond.
🎯 Pitching: Depth Still Up for Grabs
While Trey Beard and Wes Mendes give FSU experienced rotation pieces, plenty of innings remain open:
Returning arms: John Abraham, Ben Barrett, Chris Knier, Payton Manca
New challengers:
Gabe Nard (Duke transfer, reliever)
Brodie Purcell (USC transfer, reliever)
This staff will be shaped by competition — not reputation.
🔍 Big Picture
FSU enters 2026 with elite top-end talent, real portal production, and depth battles everywhere. That’s the exact formula programs need to survive a long season and it explains why national evaluators are already paying attention.
📅 Season Opener
Florida State opens the 2026 season Feb. 13 with a three-game home series against James Madison Dukes.
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🏈🎯 FSU Adds Proven Punter Daniel Hughes via Transfer Portal 🎯🏈
Florida State has filled a critical special teams need, signing Daniel Hughes, a transfer punter from the New Mexico Lobos.
The Move
Hughes committed after his Tuesday visit and canceled all other trips
Was shown around by FSU special teams analyst Jonathan Rutledge
Fills an immediate hole after Mac Chiumento transferred to Texas and Brunno Reus entered the portal
Why Hughes Matters
2025 Ray Guy Award semifinalist
One of the most efficient punters in the portal last season
2025 Production (New Mexico)
37 punts, 45.9 yards per punt
43.1 net average (Top 20 nationally, per PFF)
13 punts of 50+ yards
12 inside the 20, just 2 touchbacks
3.95-second average hang time
Mountain West honorable mention
Background
6’5”, 235 lbs
Native of Melbourne, Australia
Began college career at City College of San Francisco
Former Australian Rules Football player (VFL – Northern Bullants)
At least two years of eligibility, with a possible third pending JUCO ruling
🎯🦵 FSU Hosts Kicker Transfer Gabe Panikowski on Visit 🦵🎯
Florida State continues shoring up special teams, hosting Gabe Panikowski for a visit tonight and tomorrow.
Why Panikowski Is on the Radar
FSU needs kicking depth after Brunno Reus entered the portal
One of the most accomplished kickers available with a proven résumé
Career Snapshot
Began at Sacramento State Hornets (2022) as a kickoff specialist
JUCO season at Riverside City College: 15-of-21 FGs, long of 44
2024 breakout at Idaho State:
Perfect 15-for-15 on field goals
Winner of the Fred Mitchell Award (nation’s top non-FBS kicker)
Consensus FCS All-American (AFCA, AP, Walter Camp, SI, Stats Perform)
Spent 2025 at Oklahoma State Cowboys but did not record stats
Background
5’10” senior
Torrey Pines HS (San Diego) → IMG Academy Post-Grad program
One year of eligibility remaining
🧱⏳ FSU in Final Two for Auburn OT Xavier Chaplin ⏳🧱
Florida State is officially in decision mode with Xavier Chaplin, who wrapped up his visit to Tallahassee and plans to choose within 48 hours between Florida State Seminoles and Kentucky Wildcats.
Why FSU Has Momentum
Clear vision from OL coach Herb Hand on showcasing Chaplin’s dominance in space
Strong relationships with incoming transfers Bradyn Joiner and QB Ashton Daniels
Positive, no-pressure close from Gus Malzahn and Mike Norvell
Player Snapshot
6’7”, 348 lbs | LT
Started all 12 games at Auburn Tigers in 2025
PFF: 71.1 pass-block (56.1 run), 3 sacks allowed on 823 snaps
Prior to Auburn: starter at Virginia Tech Hokies, Honorable Mention All-ACC (2024), Third-Team All-American (2023)
Ranked No. 67 overall, No. 7 OT in the portal
🔍 Big Picture
Chaplin is a plug-and-play left tackle with proven Power 4 experience. With familiarity in the room and a defined role, FSU has made a compelling case—now it’s a short wait to see if the Seminoles close.
🛡️👀 FSU Hosting Notre Dame DB Karson Hobbs 👀🛡️
Florida State is set to host Karson Hobbs, a transfer defensive back from Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with the visit scheduled for Friday after his arrival Thursday night.
How FSU Views Him
Evaluated as a corner/safety hybrid
Greater immediate need — and likely projection — at safety
Another data point in FSU’s continued secondary rebuild
On-Field Snapshot
6’1”, 189 lbs | Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller)
2025 (sophomore):
Played in 7 games, 1 start (vs. Texas A&M)
5 tackles, 1 interception (vs. NC State)
108 defensive snaps
48.4 PFF defensive grade
2024 (freshman):
Played in 9 games
2 tackles, 1 pass breakup
Recruitment Context
Also visited Mississippi State Bulldogs
Ranked No. 235 overall and No. 17 CB in the transfer portal (247Sports)
🔍 Big Picture
With FSU prioritizing versatility and safety depth, this visit fits the broader theme of casting a wide net in the secondary and seeing who sticks as the roster takes shape.
🚨🧠 Desir Twins Negotiations Drag On as Portal Clock Looms 🧠🚨
Florida State’s ongoing negotiations with freshman defensive linemen Mandrell Desir and Darryll Desir remain unresolved — and the situation is now approaching a true inflection point.
Where Things Stand (as of Thursday night)
FSU made another revised offer Thursday afternoon, which was rejected
Despite that, there’s belief a new offer could still be in the works
The twins have not yet appeared in the Transfer Portal
The exact timing of their portal paperwork submission — and thus the 48-hour clock — remains unclear
Key Contract Details
Both twins signed new three-year deals just before the 2025 season
Total compensation: seven figures over three years (mid-six figures annually per player)
Estimated buyout/offset: near seven figures combined, potentially paid by an agency or future school
Compensation terms have not consistently been identical for Mandrell and Darryll, adding complexity
Why This Is So Delicate
If the twins’ names officially hit the portal and they take visits elsewhere, FSU’s leverage essentially disappears
Until that happens, talks can continue, even if the temperature has cooled
Once portal entry + travel occur, sources indicate the situation is likely final
If They Enter the Portal…
Ohio State has been mentioned as a potential first visit
LSU is expected to push aggressively
Other rumored programs include Clemson, Texas A&M, and Missouri
🔁🚨 FSU Freshman CB Shamar Arnoux Expected to Enter Transfer Portal 🚨🔁
Florida State is set to lose another young defensive back, as true freshman corner Shamar Arnoux is expected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.
What Happened
Appeared in 11 games with 4 starts as a true freshman
Stepped into a larger role after an injury to Ja’Bril Rawls
Logged 345 defensive snaps in 2025
Freshman Production
27 tackles
1 pass defended
58.0 PFF grade
Background
6’2”, 175 lbs
Flipped from Auburn to FSU on National Signing Day
Three-star recruit out of Carrollton High School (GA)
Will have three years of eligibility remaining
Why It Matters
FSU will return Rawls and already added South Alabama transfer Nehemiah Chandler, with Charles Lester III and Quindarrius Jones also in the CB2 mix. Arnoux’s departure continues a portal cycle marked by young contributors seeking clearer paths to consistent playing time.
And that’s a wrap!
That’s the picture right now.
Florida State is balancing proven upgrades, high-upside evaluations, and a few negotiations that could swing the entire offseason one way or another. Some pieces are locking in. Others are still very much in motion. And a few decisions — especially up front and along the defensive line — will tell us a lot about how aggressive FSU is willing to be when it matters most.
As always, we’ll keep tracking every turn.
Until tomorrow,
– The Chief
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