Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Thursday, Seminole!

It’s the first day of camp and we’ve got a lot of updates for you overall:

🏌️‍♂️ FSU Men's Golf Team Excels in Academics and Athletics 🏌️‍♂️

Nine members of the NCAA runner-up FSU men's golf team were named to the 2024 ACC Academic Honor Roll. Cole Anderson and Frederik Kjettrup led the way, contributing to a season that saw the team finish No. 5 nationally.

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball Team Earns Academic Honors 🏀

FSU women's basketball achieved a 3.41 GPA, the highest in the ACC, earning special mention in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll. Ten players made the ACC Academic Honor Roll.

🌟 FSU Basketball Adds European Standout Anastasios Rozakeas 🌟

Greek forward Anastasios Rozakeas joins FSU, bringing versatile skills and international experience. He will play in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championship before joining the team.

⚽ FSU Women's Soccer: 2024 Schedule Announced ⚽

The defending national champions will play nine home games and face tough competition, including a rematch with Clemson and the Sunshine Showdown against Florida.

🏈 FSU Football Kicks Off Fall Camp and NIL Deals 🏈

FSU football begins fall camp with high energy and execution. The Battle's End NIL collective announced new deals for several players, including Aaron Hester and Kyle Morlock.

🌟 Recruitment Update: Jalon Copeland's Upcoming Visits 🌟

Three-star cornerback Jalon Copeland will visit FSU and Georgia this weekend. He has 17 offers and is highly regarded in the 2026 cycle.

🔄 Conference Realignment Buzz: FSU and Clemson's Future 🔄

Speculation about FSU and Clemson leaving the ACC continues. Steve Spurrier endorses both schools for the SEC, though their future destinations remain uncertain.

🏈 Seminoles Kick Off Fall Camp: Day 1 Observations 🏈

FSU's first day of fall camp showcased high speed, solid execution, and standout performances from key players, including Brock Glenn and Elijah Moore.

🏌️‍♂️ FSU Men's Golf Team Excels in Academics and Athletics 🏌️‍♂️

Nine members of the NCAA runner-up Florida State men's golf team have been named to the 2024 ACC Academic Honor Roll.

This impressive list includes senior Cole Anderson, honored for the fifth time, and Frederik Kjettrup, recognized for the fourth time. Joining them are Gray Albright, Wilmer Edero, Sam Kodak, Michael Mays, Patrick McCann, James Tureskis, and Tyler Weaver.

🏆 Stellar Season Recap 

The Seminoles concluded the 2023-24 season with runner-up finishes at both the ACC and NCAA Championships. They also secured victories at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup and Valspar Collegiate Invitational, finishing with a No. 5 national ranking in the final Scoreboard Rankings by Clippd.

🌟 Spotlight on Cole Anderson 

Anderson's academic dedication is a testament to his upbringing. "My mom always instilled that despite my obsession with athletics, my education came first," Anderson shared. Graduating with a degree in finance in 2023, he continued to compete as a graduate student in 2024.

He was also named to the 2024 All-ACC Academic Men's Golf Team and the ACC Academic Honor Roll from 2020 to 2024. Anderson finished his career ranked fifth in school history with a 71.80 career scoring average.

🌟 Spotlight on Frederik 

Kjettrup Kjettrup, a three-time All-American who finished eighth in the 2024 PGA Tour University rankings, also earned Dean's List honors while completing his degree in sport management from Florida State in 2024.

Read more here

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball Team Earns Academic Honors 🏀

The Florida State women's basketball team has been recognized by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) with a special mention for the 2023-24 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll.

The Seminoles achieved an impressive 3.41 GPA for the season, marking the highest GPA in the ACC. They also posted a program-best 3.492 GPA in Fall 2023.

🌟 Honor Roll and Special Mentions

To qualify for the WBCA honor, teams must have a combined 3.0 GPA for consideration. Although the Seminoles were listed outside the top 25 for NCAA Division I, they received a special mention for their academic achievements.

Ten student-athletes were named to the 2023-24 ACC Academic Honor Roll:

• Amaya Bonner

• O'Mariah Gordon

• Ta'Niya Latson

• Makayla Timpson

• Avery Treadwell

• Mariana Valenzuela

• Carla Viegas

Additionally, Bonner, Gordon, Latson, Timpson, Treadwell, and Viegas were part of the 2023-24 All-ACC Academic Team.

Read more here

🌟 Florida State Basketball Adds European Standout Anastasios Rozakeas 🌟

Anastasios Rozakeas, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward from Athens, Greece, has signed a Grant in Aid to play basketball at Florida State under Head Coach Leonard Hamilton. Rozakeas, known as one of Europe's top young players, will bring his impressive skills and experience to the Seminoles.

🏀 Impressive Credentials Rozakeas will represent Greece in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championship in Finland starting July 27, 2024. He was named to the All-Tournament team at the Greek Rising Stars U18 tournament and led the Greek Olympiacos U18 team to an undefeated season, winning the 2024 Greek U18 Championship.

🔝 Skill Set and Performance Rozakeas is celebrated for his ability to move effectively off the ball, navigate screens, and create opportunities. He excels in executing pick-and-roll plays and is known for his mature mindset and versatile skill set.

In the 2024 ADIDAS Next Generation Tournament, Rozakeas played for the U18 Olympiacos Piraeus team, scoring notable points against U18 Paris Basketball, U18 Panathinaikos Athens, and U18 Juventus.

💬 Coach Hamilton’s Perspective "Anastasios brings a very mature mindset to our program," said Coach Hamilton. "He can play multiple positions, bring the ball up the court, rebound, and is a strong ball handler. He's well-schooled in the fundamentals of basketball and will fit in very well with our roster."

🌍 Rozakeas' Commitment and Family Support "I can't wait to put all my passion on the court to make Florida State and our fans proud," said Rozakeas. "The hard work, dedication, and discipline that have brought me to FSU will continue to drive my efforts."

Rozakeas' family is thrilled about his decision. "We are delighted and honored that Anastasios has joined the Florida State program," said his mom, Maria. "Florida State will help Anastasios grow academically and athletically. We are ready to support him all the way."

Read more here

⚽ Florida State Women's Soccer: 2024 Schedule Announced ⚽

The defending national champion Florida State women's soccer team is set to play nine regular-season home games and 12 games in the state of Florida for the 2024 season.

"We're excited for the challenging schedule ahead," head coach Brian Pensky said. "The conference slate is always a bear, and our non-conference play will give us all we can handle. Add the unique challenge of the U-20 Women's World Cup in the early portion of the season and it will be a fun challenge."

🏆 Title Defense Begins The Seminoles, fresh off their fourth national championship, kick off their title defense with an exhibition match against TCU at home on August 9 at 7 p.m. The regular season begins on August 15 at South Florida, marking the earliest start in the program's history.

🏟️ Home Games and Key Matches

• Home Opener: The Seminoles host North Florida on August 18.

• Five-Game Homestand: Includes matches against Rice, Georgia, and Villanova.

• Sunshine Showdown: Florida State will face Florida in Gainesville on September 8, aiming to extend their six-game winning streak against the Gators.

• Conference Play: Begins at home against Syracuse on September 19.

🔥 Tough Road Ahead

• First Trip to Dallas: Florida State will play new conference member SMU.

• Rematch with Clemson: At home on September 26, a replay of last season's ACC Tournament Championship.

• Longest Away Stretch: Three consecutive road games against Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, and Boston College.

🏅 End of Season and Homestand

• Homestand to End Regular Season: Games against Virginia, Pittsburgh, and North Carolina, all strong competitors.

• Final Regular Season Game: Against Miami in Coral Gables on Halloween night.

🗓️ 2024 Florida State Soccer Schedule

Read more here

🏈 Florida State Football Kicks Off Fall Camp and NIL Deals 🏈

With the start of Florida State's 2024 football campaign, the leading NIL collective, The Battle's End (TBE), has announced new deals with several FSU football players. Here's a look at the latest additions:

DE Aaron Hester

Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Aaron Hester was the first new addition TBE announced this week. "Fall Camp is underway and we are excited to announce the addition of @theaaronhesterr to The Battle's End! Welcome to the family, big man!"

Despite a quiet first two years, Hester surged in spring football, earning a spot in the defensive line rotation. His impressive performance has earned him recognition and support from TBE.

DE Sione Lolohea

Sione Lolohea, a transfer from Oregon State with one year of eligibility remaining, also joined TBE. "We are thrilled to announce the addition of @slo1ohea to The Battle's End! Welcome to the family, big man!"

Lolohea has accumulated 88 total tackles, 15 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 FR, and 4 FF throughout his four years at Oregon State. He is expected to contribute as a run-stopping defensive end in FSU's two-deep this fall.

DE DD Holmes

Blue-chip 2024 signee DD Holmes was another addition to TBE's roster. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound defensive end is not expected to have a significant role in his first year but aims to be a key piece in FSU's future defensive plans.

TE Kyle Morlock

Kyle Morlock, who made the transition from D2 Shorter University to FSU last year, inked a new deal with TBE for the upcoming year. Morlock is set to be FSU's starting tight end this fall after serving as TE2 behind NFL Draft pick Jaheim Bell in 2023.

Read more here

🌟 Recruitment Update: Jalon Copeland's Upcoming Visits 🌟

Valdosta (Ga.) three-star cornerback Jalon Copeland will visit Florida State and Georgia when the dead period lifts this weekend. Copeland, who has 17 offers, is rated 87 by 247Sports and ranks as the No. 33 cornerback and No. 34 player in Georgia for the 2026 cycle.

Upcoming Visits:

• Georgia: Friday

• Florida State: Saturday

Neither program has offered yet, but both drew Copeland in the spring. “It was a great visit," Copeland said of his FSU visit. "They are very high on academics and football. I have an amazing bond with coach Surtain and coach Fuller."

Penn State recently entered the mix, offering Copeland last weekend. Stay tuned for more updates on his recruitment journey.

Read more here

🔄 Conference Realignment Buzz: Florida State and Clemson's Future 🔄

Conference realignment discussions are heating up again this summer. Despite reports indicating Clemson and Florida State are unlikely to announce a move from the ACC before the August 15 deadline, speculation continues about their future.

Steve Spurrier's Take: Former college football coach Steve Spurrier weighed in, endorsing both schools for the SEC. "I think FSU definitely belongs in the SEC, but Clemson sort of belongs there also," Spurrier said. He also speculated about the possibility of the Big Ten being interested.

Potential Destinations: While initial reports linked Florida State to the SEC and Big Ten, recent information suggests limited momentum for a move to the Big 12.

Spurrier's Perspective: "[Florida State would] do very well (in the SEC) the way they played last year," Spurrier said. "And I think Clemson would do pretty well. They would do better in the ACC for winning championships, but they want to play in the big-time. Within maybe two or three years, they will be in a different conference."

Historical Context: Clemson (21) and Florida State (16) hold the most ACC Championships in football. They have dominated the conference, winning 12 of the past 13 titles since 2011 and are favorites for the 2024 crown.

Read more here

🏈 Seminoles Kick Off Fall Camp: Day 1 Observations 🏈

Football season is officially here for Florida State! The Seminoles wrapped up a crisp Day 1 of preseason camp on Wednesday, with head coach Mike Norvell exiting practice pleased with the team's energy and execution. Here are the key takeaways from the first day:

1. Efficient Start to Camp

Day 1 was marked by high speed and solid execution. Norvell noted the team's "good speed" and confidence, highlighting the productive use of time and reps. The newcomers meshed well, contributing to a surprisingly clean practice.

2. Cornerback Duo Shines

Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress lived up to expectations, making multiple plays on the ball and showcasing high-end effort and athleticism. They set the tone for camp, with Quindarrius Jones and Edwin Joseph also standing out.

3. Impressive Freshman Class

Freshman WR Elijah Moore turned heads with his effortless movement and strong hands, recording a score in Team drills. Other newcomers like RB Micahi Danzy, CB Charles Lester, and TE/DE Amaree Williams also impressed, showing they could contribute this season.

4. Solid Quarterback Performance

DJ Uiagalelei was steady, Brock Glenn showcased his arm talent with impressive throws, and Luke Kromenhoek delivered the ball on target consistently. Glenn's performance, in particular, was noteworthy, with standout throws in both 1-on-1 and 7-on-7 drills.

5. Team Speed and Size

The team's overall speed and size stood out, particularly in the WR and DB rooms. The players' fluid and explosive movements reflected the hard work put in during the offseason. Coach Josh Storms' conditioning program has clearly paid off.

Additional Highlights:

• Brock Glenn connected on deep throws and was sharp throughout practice.

• DJ Uiagalelei made key completions under tight coverage.

• Elijah Moore shined in his first practice, making multiple big plays.

• The defensive backfield, led by Thomas and Cypress, displayed tight coverage.

• Punter Alex Mastromanno boomed multiple 60+ yard kicks, impressing with his range.

The first day of fall camp set a promising tone for the Seminoles, with strong performances across the board.

Read more here and here

And that’s a wrap!

Thank you for joining us for this edition of The Chief Brief!

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to follow FSU's journey through camp.

Go Noles!