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Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Sunday, Seminole!

⚾💣 Cal Raleigh Makes AL History 💣⚾
The former Seminole slugger now holds the American League record for most home runs before the All-Star break — and he’s coming for Barry Bonds’ all-time mark.

🏀🌴 Noles in NBA Summer League 🌴🏀
Jamir Watkins saw action while Gainey and Butler Jr. remained sidelined. Full stats and what to watch for as the week rolls on.

🧨🚫 FSU Misses on Three Recruits 🚫🧨
The 'Noles struck out on Kent, Colton, and Webb — and now pivot to new linebacker and edge targets. One blue-chip decision is delayed.

🔥⏳ RB Derrek Cooper Nearing Decision ⏳🔥
FSU is one of five finalists for Top 50 national recruit Derrek Cooper, who will announce his commitment on July 20.

⚾📋 FSU’s MLB Draft Outlook 📋⚾
With 38 draft-eligible players and commits, Florida State is poised to be one of the most active programs in this year’s MLB Draft. Find out who’s rising — and who may return to campus.

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💣⚾ Cal Raleigh Breaks AL Home Run Record Before All-Star Break ⚾💣

Former Seminole Cal Raleigh is mashing his way into the history books.

In Seattle’s 12–3 win over Detroit on Friday, Raleigh launched home runs No. 37 and 38 of the season — the second being a grand slam — setting a new American League record for most first-half homers.

📊 Historic Numbers:
• 38 HRs before the break (AL record)
• 81 RBI — first player since 1933 with 38+ HR and 80+ RBI pre-All-Star
• 8 multi-HR games — ties Mariners’ record (Ken Griffey Jr., 1997)
• 405-foot grand slam — No. 38 on the year
• Just 1 shy of Barry Bonds’ all-time record (39 HRs pre-ASB in 2001)

🗣️ Raleigh via MLB.com:
"I don't really have words for it... I'm just trying to stay consistent in what I do and keep it rolling."

🎯 What’s Next:
Raleigh will compete in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday with a chance to make even more noise on the national stage.

👉 Full story and highlights here.

🏀🌴 Noles in the NBA Summer League: Early Action Recap 🌴🏀

The Las Vegas Summer League tipped off Thursday, with a few former Seminoles taking the floor — and a few still waiting their turn.

📊 Notables:
• Jamir Watkins (Wizards): 4 pts, 1 reb, 3 stl in 14 mins
• Jaylan Gainey (Jazz): DNP – coach’s decision
• John Butler Jr. (Bucks): DNP – coach’s decision

🔑 Bottom Line:
Watkins showed flashes defensively, while Gainey and Butler Jr. await their opportunity. Stay tuned as the Summer League rolls on.

👉 More stats and player updates here.

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🧨🚫 FSU Strikes Out on Trio of Top Targets, Forkpa Delays Decision 🚫🧨

Saturday brought a flurry of recruiting news — and unfortunately for Florida State, none of it broke their way. The Seminoles went 0-for-3 on key 2026 targets, while another prospect delayed his announcement.

📉 The Misses:
• 4⭐ LB Rodney Colton Jr. → Committed to Colorado
A surprise pick, especially over FSU and Ole Miss. The Buffs now have just 9 total commits, and Colton becomes one of their headliners.

• 4⭐ TE Heze Kent → Committed to Florida
Despite late pushes from FSU, Miami, and Texas, Kent cited Florida’s staff and offensive scheme as decisive factors. He becomes commit No. 18 for the Gators.

• 3⭐ EDGE Katrell Webb → Committed to Purdue
After missing on Chris Addison (Michigan State), FSU made Webb a priority — but the 6'3" edge from Georgia chose the Boilermakers instead.

⏳ The Delay:
• 4⭐ LB Duyon Forkpa Jr. → Decision postponed
Initially set to commit this weekend, Forkpa pushed back his timeline. While Florida is rumored to be the favorite, Forkpa had a strong official visit to FSU, which could keep the 'Noles in play.

🔎 Big Picture:
FSU is being selective — and financially disciplined — in this cycle, with linebacker and edge becoming areas of concern. They may have to pivot to flips later in the year or revisit Colton if things unravel at Colorado.

👉 Full recap and recruiting board reset here.

🔥⏳ Top RB Derrek Cooper Sets Commitment Date ⏳🔥

One of the top uncommitted players in the 2025 class is almost ready to make it official. Hollywood (FL) Chaminade-Madonna star Derrek Cooper will announce his college decision on Saturday, July 20 — and Florida State is one of five finalists.

📍 Final Five:
• Florida State
• Miami
• Texas
• Ohio State
• Georgia

🧠 What Matters to Cooper:
Coaching, player development, and comfort will be the deciding factors. “I want to be developed to the next level… coached by the best,” he said.

📈 The Resume:
• No. 39 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 (Top247)
• 905 rushing yards, 13 TDs + 156 receiving yards, 1 TD as a junior

🔑 Bottom Line:
The Seminoles are firmly in the mix, but Cooper’s recruitment remains wide open. His July 20 decision will be a pivotal domino in the national RB landscape — and FSU’s 2025 class hopes.

👉 More on Cooper’s recruitment and what’s next here.

⚾📋 FSU’s Full MLB Draft Forecast: Who’s Rising, Who’s Returning? 📋⚾

The 2025 MLB Draft kicks off Sunday at 6 PM (Rounds 1–3) and continues Monday (Rounds 4–20 at 11:30 AM). Florida State has 38 draft-eligible players and commits — and multiple could hear their names called early.

🎯 Top Projections:
• LHP Jamie Arnold – Projected Top 10 pick | Signing confidence: 10/10
• SS Alex Lodise – Picks 25–50 | Signing confidence: 10/10
• RHP Cam Leiter – End of 1st to 2nd | Confidence: 7/10 (elite arm, recent layoff)

📊 Notable Names to Watch:
• OF Max Williams – 2nd–4th | Confidence: 9/10
• MIF Drew Faurot – 3rd–5th | Confidence: 10/10
• LHP Joey Volini & OF Gage Harrelson – 5th–7th
• RHP Peyton Prescott – 7th–9th (recovering from Tommy John)

🔁 Potential Returners:
• RHP Evan Chrest – Confidence: 6/10 (likely to bet on himself again)
• HS C Ty Harvey – Leaning to sign, but still a toss-up

🧠 Deep Cuts:
• Late-round flyers and UDFAs include RHP Maison Martinez, C Jaxson West, and LHP Connor Hults — all seen as potential bounce-back candidates with strong tools despite tough seasons.

🔑 Bottom Line:
FSU could see a strong blend of current stars, JUCO transfers, and incoming freshmen either start their pro journeys or return to Tallahassee. Jamie Arnold and Alex Lodise lead the pack, but every round will carry big implications for the 2026 roster.

👉 Full list of prospects, signing projections, and draft tracker here.

And that’s a wrap!

From Cal Raleigh chasing history to FSU chasing its next top commit, today’s edition proves that July doesn’t mean things slow down in the sports world — it just gets hotter. We'll be tracking MLB Draft selections live tomorrow, keeping an eye on Cooper’s upcoming decision, and, as always, bringing the heat every morning.

Yours in the grind,
The Chief