Forwarded this email from a friend? Subscribe at the button below

Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Monday, Seminole!

Here’s what’s making waves in the world of FSU athletics today:

🏀 Jamir Watkins closes NBA Summer League with a statement
The former Nole dropped 23 points with 8 boards and 5 steals to lead the Wizards past the Knicks, capping an impressive Summer League run.

🏈 LB recruiting board takes shape with Maycock locked in
Maycock reaffirmed his pledge despite heavy SEC pressure, but FSU’s not done—multiple 4⭐ flips remain in play, from DQ Forkpa to Tennessee commit TJ White.

🏈 Resetting the EDGE board after summer misses
Two new offers—including an LSU commit and a Swedish standout—plus a renewed push for a Syracuse pledge show FSU is widening its EDGE net.

🏀 FSU joins the race for fast-rising 4⭐ forward Quinn Costello
The 6’10” sharpshooting stretch big has gone from unranked to Top 75 after a breakout AAU summer, and FSU’s NBA pedigree has his attention.

🩹 Former Nole Jermaine Johnson on Jets’ PUP list
Recovering from an Achilles tear, the 2023 Pro Bowler is trending toward a return during the season as New York eases him into camp.

🔒 DL commit James ‘Tank’ Carrington says he’s 100% locked in
The 2026 three-star spoke on why FSU felt like family, how they’ll use him inside and off the edge, and why his recruitment is officially over.

👉 Full stories and deeper breakdowns inside.

Let’s dive in 👇️ 

Groundbreaking devices that make everything loud and clear.

Hearing aids have come a long way over the years, with modern benefits including smartphone connectivity and Bluetooth streaming. But hear.com’s IX hearing aids offer something more: They can process speech and background noise independently, then recombine them for unparalleled, crystal clear sound. These are the world’s first hearing aids with multi-stream processing, so you can follow the conversation wherever it goes, even when there’s ambient noise or multiple people are talking at once. The state-of-the-art noise suppression and lightning-fast dual processing technology result in the most natural listening experience you’ll find on the market. Join over 540,000 happy customers who can hear better thanks to these game-changing hearing aids.

🏀✨ Jamir Watkins Closes Summer League with a Statement Game ✨🏀

Jamir Watkins wrapped up his NBA Summer League stint in style, powering the Washington Wizards to a 94–85 win over the Knicks in Las Vegas.

🔥 Stat Sheet Stuffer

• 23 points in nearly 35 minutes

• 8-of-18 FG (44.4%), 4-of-11 from three (36.4%)

• 3-of-4 at the line (75.0%)

• 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists

• 3 turnovers

Watkins’ two-way impact—efficient scoring, active defense, and work on the glass—capped off a strong showing that should keep him firmly in the mix for a roster spot when the Wizards reconvene this fall.

👉 Full breakdown of Watkins’ Summer League run here.

🏈🔥 FSU LB Recruiting Update: Maycock Locked In, More Moves Coming 🔥🏈

Florida State solidified a key piece at linebacker for the 2026 class when Maycock reaffirmed his commitment, despite heavy pressure from Alabama, Miami, and Syracuse.

💥 Why Maycock Matters

• Described FSU as “family” with daily check-ins from the staff

• Joins Noah LaVallee as the second LB pledge in the 2026 cycle

• Still a major need for at least two more linebackers

🎯 What’s Next at LB?

• Colton (Colorado commit): FSU hasn’t stopped recruiting him and could ramp up its pitch.

• DQ Forkpa (4⭐ priority): Florida & Michigan were pushing, but delayed decision helps FSU. Strong bond with LBs coach John Papuchis.

• TJ White (4⭐ Tennessee commit): FSU led early, but stability concerns swayed him. A strong season at LB could re-open the door.

• Izayia Williams (4⭐ Ole Miss commit): Previously pledged to FSU & UF—could visit again this fall.

• Xavier Griffin (4⭐ Bama commit): Long shot unless his Alabama pledge wavers.

• Adam Bologoun-Ali (4⭐ Auburn commit): FSU may turn up the heat.

• Antoine Sharp (WVU commit): Early interest could pick back up.

🎯 Big Picture
With two LB commits secured, Florida State is staying aggressive, keeping in touch with flips and high-ceiling targets. On-field linebacker play this fall could be the deciding factor in whether the Seminoles can close on this next wave of talent.

👉 Full LB recruiting breakdown + where the board stands here.

Apple Is Coming for the Smart Home — And Fast

Apple’s rumored Face-ID door lock and smart display hub are more than just new products. It’s a clear signal: they’re going all-in on smart home automation.

The tech giant is doubling down on the smart home, the $158B industry that’s growing 23% annually.

And with Apple’s entry, investors are looking for the next breakout company - and potential acquisition target.

They’re chasing Google (acquired Nest, $3.2B) and Amazon (acquired Ring, $1.2B).

History shows: when Apple plays catch-up, they go big.

And there’s one startup perfectly positioned to benefit.

With 10+ patents, distribution in over 100 Best Buy stores, and revenue growth that doubled year-over-year, they’re built for a huge breakout.

Early investors in Ring and Nest saw life-changing returns.

🏈🔥 FSU Resets EDGE Recruiting Board After Summer Misses 🔥🏈

After exiting June without a single EDGE commitment, Florida State’s staff hit the reset button. Over the past week, the Seminoles have expanded the board with two new offers and reignited talks with another key target. Here’s how the new-look EDGE board shapes up:

💥 4⭐ Jarius Rodgers (Syracuse commit)

• Frequent visitor to Tallahassee in 2024–early 2025

• FSU slowed pursuit in spring but circled back after summer misses

• Has added good weight, prompting renewed interest

• Official visit set for Miami game in October—performance early in the season will be critical if FSU wants to flip him

💥 3⭐ DeAnthony Lafayette (LSU commit)

• Orlando Lake Nona standout committed to LSU earlier this month

• Told Noles247 he grew up rooting for the Seminoles

• Plans to give FSU a serious look—visit likely for season opener vs. Alabama (Aug. 30)

• FSU pitching him as a perfect JACK linebacker fit

💥 3⭐ Gustaf Henriks Ras (Sweden)

• 6’4”, 235-pound international prospect from RIG Academy

• FSU watched film & offered after internal staff meetings

• Already holds offers from South Carolina, Ole Miss, Georgia & more

• Planning to visit for FSU-Bama opener next month

🎯 Big Picture
Missing on early summer EDGE targets forced Florida State to expand its scope—both in-state and internationally. The next few months will be key as visits line up for Lafayette and Ras, while Rodgers’ October visit looms large.

👉 Full breakdown of the EDGE board + FSU’s flip chances here.

🏀 FSU Joins Chase for 4⭐ 2026 Forward Quinn Costello 🏀

One of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2026 class, Quinn Costello has gone from unranked to a Top 75 national recruit after a breakout spring and summer with Middlesex Magic on the Under Armour circuit. The 6’10”, 195-pound stretch forward brings a unique mix of shooting, length, mobility, and versatility that’s catching major attention.

💥 Recruitment Heating Up

• Florida State & Villanova recently jumped into the mix

• Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame & Purdue have been heavily involved

• Plans to cut his list in Sept/Oct after AAU wraps

• No visits locked in yet but that process starts soon

💥 Why FSU Is Intriguing
Costello says the Seminoles’ NBA pedigree and development track record are big selling points:

💥 Style of Play Matters
Costello is looking for a system that values his shooting, floor-spacing, and ability to rebound and move the ball. Programs like Wisconsin, UNC, and Minnesota are also pushing hard with offensive systems that fit his skill set.

🎯 Scouting Report
247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein:

👉 Full breakdown of Costello’s game + FSU’s chances in this fast-rising recruitment here.

🩹 Former Nole Jermaine Johnson Starts Jets Camp on PUP List 🩹

Former Florida State star Jermaine Johnson is working his way back from an Achilles injury as the New York Jets placed him on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list ahead of training camp.

💥 What It Means

• Johnson can attend team meetings & use facilities

• Not eligible to practice until cleared but can be activated anytime

• Jets open camp July 22 with a 90-man roster

💥 Injury Update

• Ruptured Achilles in Week 2 vs. Tennessee last season

• Trending in the right direction per his social media

• Shared recent workout clips showing progress

💥 Career Snapshot

• 2023 Pro Bowler: 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, 11 TFL, 16 QB hits, 1 INT TD

• Rookie Year (2022): Played 14 games, 2.5 sacks over 312 snaps

• Former No. 26 overall pick in 2022 NFL Draft

🎯 Big Picture
The Jets are cautiously optimistic Johnson will return this season. A healthy Johnson would be a key piece of New York’s pass rush as they chase an AFC playoff berth.

👉 Full update + Johnson’s rehab outlook here.

🔒 FSU DL Commit James ‘Tank’ Carrington 100% Locked In 🔒

Florida State defensive line commit James “Tank” Carrington sat down with Noles247 for a Q&A on his decision to join the Seminoles, his connection with the staff, and what’s next before he enrolls in January.

💥 Why FSU Felt Like Home

• Loved the family vibe in the DL room during his official visit

• Impressed by having three veteran DL coaches (Knighton, Meech, Haggins)

• Noticed how the staff supported every recruit that weekend, not just their position group

💥 Connection with Coaches

• First spoke with DL coach Terrance Knighton just a month before his OV

• Praised Knighton’s NFL experience and family-like approach

• Also has strong ties with legendary DL coach Odell Haggins

💥 How FSU Plans to Use Him

• Versatile enough to play both edge and inside at 3-tech

• Will bring speed on the edge + strength inside

💥 Recruitment Status

• 6’2”, 263 pounds, ranked No. 459 overall in 2026

• Chose FSU over Nebraska and others

• Says he’s “100% locked in” and done with the process

• Plans to enroll early in January

💥 Looking Ahead
Carrington still plans to attend games this fall, but his focus is already on learning from Knighton and Haggins while developing into a key piece for FSU’s future defensive front.

👉 Full Q&A with Carrington + his full backstory here.

And that’s a wrap!

From Jamir Watkins’ NBA Summer League statement to FSU reshaping its recruiting boards on both sides of the ball, it’s clear the Seminoles are making moves across every level. Add in a rising 4⭐ hoops target, a locked-in DL commit, and even a former Nole working his way back from injury in the NFL, and there’s plenty to keep an eye on heading into the fall.

Tomorrow? We’ll have more on FSU recruiting momentum, summer workouts, and the latest national buzz around the Garnet & Gold.

Until then, stay locked in and Go Noles! 🏹