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Yesterday’s Poll Results
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Which development is the biggest win today?
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TGIF Seminole!
The recruiting momentum kept rolling on Thursday while Florida State baseball continued rebuilding its roster through the transfer portal. Elsewhere, camp season produced new offers, familiar faces returned to campus, and several key recruiting storylines took another step forward. Here's what we're covering today:
⚾🔥 Seminoles Land One of the Portal's Top Arms 🔥⚾
Florida State secured a major addition to its 2027 pitching staff with UConn transfer and Big East Pitcher of the Year Cayden Suchy, giving Link Jarrett another proven weekend starter to build around.
🏈💥 Linebacker Room Reloads Again 💥🏈
Just days after losing a linebacker commitment, Florida State responded by landing productive Georgia defender Olrick Johnson III following his official visit.
🏈⭐ First 2028 Commit Is In ⭐🏈
Chayse Brown wasted little time after earning an offer, becoming the first member of Florida State's 2028 recruiting class less than 24 hours later.
🏈👀 Edge Prospect Continues Climbing the Board 👀🏈
Georgia pass rusher Stevan Thornton III impressed at Big Man Camp and earned another return trip to Tallahassee as the Seminoles continue evaluating his future fit.
🏈🔄 Former FSU Commit Returns to Campus 🔄🏈
Four-star safety Mekhi Williams was back in Tallahassee just weeks after flipping to Wisconsin, and while his recruitment remains closed, the relationship with Florida State appears intact.
🏈🔒 Sean Green Shuts It Down 🔒🏈
One day after committing, the four-star receiver returned to campus and explained why he felt comfortable ending his recruitment early.
🏈🔥 Camp Day Produces New Offers and New Targets 🔥🏈
Florida State's latest camp session featured rising prospects, fresh scholarship offers, recent commits, and several recruits worth keeping a close eye on moving forward.
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Florida State's offseason pitching rebuild received a major boost on Thursday as Link Jarrett and pitching coach Micah Posey secured one of the most accomplished starters available in the transfer portal.
🎯 Big East Pitcher of the Year Heads to Tallahassee
UConn left-hander Cayden Suchy announced his commitment to Florida State.
Suchy arrives after earning Big East Pitcher of the Year honors in 2026.
He was also named First Team All-Big East and ABCA All-Region.
The sophomore quickly became one of the most sought-after pitchers available in the portal.
Suchy posted a 2.72 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 15 starts.
He struck out 105 batters while issuing just 23 walks in nearly 90 innings.
Opponents hit only .231 against him all season.
He allowed two earned runs or fewer in 11 of his 15 starts.
💪 Proven Weekend Starter
Suchy worked at least six innings in 10 starts.
He recorded a complete-game victory against Butler.
One of his most impressive outings came against St. John's, the same team that eliminated Florida State from the NCAA Regional.
In that game, he tossed 7.1 innings with 10 strikeouts while allowing just two earned runs.
🍢 Posey Does It Again
The addition immediately draws comparisons to former Seminole starter Trey Beard.
Like Beard, Suchy is a left-hander who features a devastating changeup.
His fastball regularly reaches the low-to-mid 90s and is paired with a quality breaking ball.
Florida State's recent success developing transfer pitchers likely played a role in landing him.
🔄 Rebuild Continues
Suchy becomes one of Florida State's first major portal additions of the offseason.
Along with Jackson McKenzie, he addresses two of the Seminoles' most pressing needs.
More pitching and additional power bats remain priorities.
But landing a proven weekend starter is a significant step toward rebuilding the 2027 roster.
Why It Matters: Florida State added a pitcher with legitimate top-of-the-rotation potential. Cayden Suchy's combination of durability, strikeout production, and command makes him one of the most impactful portal additions the Seminoles could have landed this early in the offseason. There is still plenty of work left for Link Jarrett and his staff, but adding a proven weekend arm gives Florida State a strong foundation as it rebuilds for 2027. 🍢⚾
Florida State wasted little time addressing a recent opening in its 2027 recruiting class, landing a productive Georgia linebacker just days after a major official visit weekend.
🍢 Johnson Commits to the Seminoles
Three-star linebacker Olrick Johnson III announced his commitment to Florida State.
The Georgia native committed just four days after completing his official visit.
Johnson chose the Seminoles over Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Arkansas, and NC State.
His pledge gives Florida State another important addition on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebackers coach Ernie Sims played a central role throughout the recruitment.
Johnson repeatedly pointed to his relationship with Sims as a major factor in his decision.
The former Seminole and NFL linebacker's playing experience resonated with the prospect.
Johnson described Sims as both a strong coach and a mentor whose perspective extends beyond football.
⚡ Production Jumps Off the Stat Sheet
Johnson posted 118 tackles during his junior season.
He added 15.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.
His ability to create negative plays made him one of Georgia's more productive defenders.
The numbers highlight a linebacker who thrives around the football.
🎯 Versatility Fits the Vision
Florida State's staff emphasized positional flexibility throughout the recruiting process.
Johnson said the Seminoles plan to teach him multiple linebacker spots within the defense.
That approach stood out compared to programs that projected him into a single role.
Tony White's system values versatile defenders who can move around the formation, making Johnson a natural fit.
🔄 Replacing One Linebacker with Another
The commitment comes just days after Gregory Batson reopened his recruitment.
Florida State also recently added South Carolina flip Jernard Albright.
Together, Albright and Johnson restore momentum at a position that briefly looked unsettled.
The Seminoles remain active on several other linebacker targets heading into another big recruiting weekend.
Why It Matters: Florida State continues to stack recruiting wins at linebacker. After losing Gregory Batson earlier in the week, the Seminoles quickly responded by landing Olrick Johnson III, a productive defender who appears to fit exactly what Tony White and Ernie Sims want at the position. More importantly, it's another sign that official visit season is starting to generate real momentum for Florida State's 2027 class. 🍢🏈
Florida State's future recruiting board officially has its first building block, and it's a prospect who didn't need much time to make up his mind.
🍢 Childhood Dream Becomes Reality
2028 athlete Chayse Brown has committed to Florida State.
Brown announced his pledge just one day after receiving an offer from the Seminoles.
The Ruskin (Fla.) Lennard standout chose FSU over offers from LSU, Louisville, Maryland, and Nebraska.
According to Brown, Florida State has been his dream school since childhood.
⚡ Camp Performance Earns the Offer
Brown impressed Florida State's staff during the Seminoles' recent 7-on-7 tournament.
His performance was strong enough to earn a scholarship offer on the spot.
The Seminoles wasted little time making their intentions clear.
Less than 24 hours later, Brown became the first commitment in FSU's 2028 recruiting class.
🎯 A True Two-Way Playmaker
Brown is listed at 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds with the ability to impact multiple positions.
He says he's open to playing on either side of the football at the next level.
As a sophomore, he recorded 20 catches for 334 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, he added six tackles and an interception.
🔥 Versatility Stands Out
Lennard head coach KB Belton praised Brown's ability to contribute all over the field.
Belton highlighted Brown's elite ball skills and positional flexibility.
Whether lining up at receiver, in the slot, or in the secondary, Brown consistently finds ways to make plays.
His athletic upside makes him one of the more intriguing early prospects in Florida's 2028 cycle.
👀 Familiar Recruiting Territory
Brown attends the same high school as former FSU commit Mekhi Williams.
Williams recently flipped his commitment from Florida State to Wisconsin.
This time, however, the Seminoles were able to secure an early pledge from another talented Lennard prospect.
Brown's commitment gives the coaching staff an early foundation to build upon in the 2028 class.
Why It Matters: It's far too early to judge any recruiting class, especially one that won't arrive on campus for several years. Still, landing the first commitment in a cycle is always significant. Chayse Brown gives Florida State an athletic, versatile prospect with plenty of developmental upside and, just as importantly, someone who genuinely wanted to be a Seminole. That's not a bad place to start for the 2028 class. 🍢🏈
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Florida State's recruiting staff continues to search for future pass-rushing talent, and one Georgia defender took an important step toward earning a Seminole offer this week.
💪 Thornton Checks Important Boxes
Three-star edge rusher Stevan Thornton III attended Florida State's Big Man Camp on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-5 Georgia prospect worked closely with defensive ends coach Nick Williams and head coach Mike Norvell.
Following the workout, Thornton met extensively with the coaching staff and his family.
According to Thornton, Florida State believes he accomplished many of the objectives they wanted to see during camp.
📈 A Prospect Trending Upward
Thornton has added approximately 15 pounds since January and now weighs just over 200 pounds.
His combination of length and athletic upside continues to attract attention from Power Four programs.
Florida State has been monitoring his development for several months.
The Seminoles first hosted him for a Junior Day visit earlier this year.
🍢 Another Visit Already Planned
While Florida State did not extend an offer during the camp, the recruitment appears far from over.
The coaching staff wants Thornton back on campus next week.
That visit will give him an opportunity to spend more time around players and observe the program's culture firsthand.
Thornton said evaluating the team's brotherhood and relationships is a major priority moving forward.
⚔️ Competition Is Building
Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia Southern, and Wake Forest are among the programs actively involved in his recruitment.
Thornton already has an official visit scheduled with Cincinnati.
Florida State could potentially work its way onto his official visit schedule if next week's return trip goes well.
The Seminoles remain firmly in the evaluation phase of the process.
🔥 Production Backs the Potential
Thornton is rated as an 87 prospect by 247Sports.
He ranks among the top edge defenders in Georgia's 2027 class.
As a junior, he recorded 91 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and eight sacks.
His production, length, and recent physical development make him a prospect worth monitoring closely.
Why It Matters: Not every recruiting win starts with a scholarship offer. Sometimes the most important step is getting a prospect back on campus. Florida State clearly sees something it likes in Stevan Thornton III, and next week's return visit could determine whether the Seminoles eventually pull the trigger. With his size, production, and upward trajectory, Thornton looks like a recruit whose stock may continue rising throughout the fall. 🍢🏈
One of Florida State's most surprising recruiting losses of the summer was back in Tallahassee this week, creating an interesting subplot during the Seminoles' 7-on-7 camp.
🍢 A Familiar Face Returns
Four-star safety Mekhi Williams returned to Florida State on Wednesday.
Williams participated in the Seminoles' 7-on-7 camp alongside his Lennard High School teammates.
The visit came just weeks after he decommitted from Florida State and pledged to Wisconsin.
Despite the recent flip, both sides appeared to remain on positive terms.
🤝 No Hard Feelings
Williams spent time speaking with Mike Norvell, safeties coach Evan Cooper, and other members of the staff following the event.
According to Williams, Florida State's coaches respected his decision throughout the process.
He emphasized that his choice was based on what he believed was best for himself and his family.
The interactions suggested that the relationship between player and program remains intact.
🎯 Norvell Still Made His Pitch
While respecting Williams' decision, Norvell made it clear he still wanted him in garnet and gold.
Williams acknowledged those conversations weren't easy given the recent change in his recruitment.
Even so, he appreciated the honesty from Florida State's staff.
The Seminoles continue to value one of the top defensive backs in the 2027 class.
👀 Is the Door Completely Closed?
Williams says his recruitment is currently shut down and that he remains committed to Wisconsin.
However, he also stated that he doesn't want to burn bridges with Florida State.
The longtime relationship between Williams and the Seminoles remains noteworthy.
While a flip back doesn't appear imminent, Florida State is unlikely to completely disappear from the picture.
⭐ One of Florida's Top Defensive Prospects
Williams carries a 92 rating from 247Sports.
He ranks among the top safeties nationally and one of the highest-rated prospects in Florida.
LSU was also heavily involved in his recruitment before the Wisconsin commitment.
His talent level explains why Florida State would gladly continue recruiting him if the opportunity presents itself.
Why It Matters: Recruiting battles don't always end the moment a commitment is announced. While Mekhi Williams says he's solid with Wisconsin, the fact that he returned to Florida State so soon after flipping, and maintained positive relationships with the coaching staff, is notable. At minimum, the Seminoles avoided burning a bridge with one of the top defensive prospects in the Southeast, and in recruiting, that's never a bad thing. 🏈🍢
Florida State didn't have to wait long to see how committed Sean Green really was.
Just one day after announcing his pledge to the Seminoles, the four-star receiver was already back on campus.
🍢 Back in Tallahassee Immediately
Sean Green returned to Florida State on Wednesday with his high school team for a 7-on-7 event.
The visit came less than 24 hours after he committed to the Seminoles.
Green reportedly had a productive day on the field, finding the end zone multiple times during competition.
More importantly, he offered insight into why he decided to end his recruitment early.
😅 Recruiting Fatigue Set In
Green said the recruiting process had become increasingly stressful.
After official visits to Georgia and Florida State, he still had Virginia remaining on the schedule.
Rather than drag things out further, he decided it was time to make a decision.
Once the pieces came together in Tallahassee, he felt comfortable shutting things down.
🤝 Tim Harris Jr. Made the Difference
Wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. was the driving force behind Florida State's recruitment.
Green repeatedly pointed to the relationship Harris built with both him and his family.
He appreciated the calm, genuine approach throughout the process.
According to Green, Florida State never pressured him into making a decision.
🎯 Transparency Helped Seal It
The Seminoles were upfront about their recruiting plans.
Green said the staff made it clear they would continue pursuing other receivers if he chose to keep exploring his options.
Rather than creating pressure, that honesty helped build trust.
Florida State's straightforward approach appears to have resonated with one of its top offensive targets.
⭐ A Major Piece of the 2027 Class
Green carries a 90 rating from 247Sports and ranks among the top wide receivers nationally.
Over the last two seasons, he has totaled 89 receptions, 1,156 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns.
He also brings impressive athleticism as a standout long jumper.
Green confirmed that his recruitment is effectively finished and that he does not plan to take any additional official visits.
Why It Matters: Florida State landed a WR who appears fully bought in. In an era where commitments can be fluid, Green immediately returning to campus and publicly discussing why he shut down his recruitment sends a strong message. The Seminoles needed momentum on the recruiting trail, and securing one of their top receiver targets provides exactly that. 🍢🏈
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Florida State's latest summer camp session featured a little bit of everything: new scholarship offers, rising prospects, recent commits, and even a few recruits the Seminoles wish they had landed.
🎯 Offensive Lineman Earns an Offer
2028 offensive lineman Cooper Martenson was one of the biggest winners of the day.
The Georgia native impressed offensive line coach Herb Hand enough to earn a Florida State offer.
Martenson praised Hand's demanding coaching style and the opportunity to compete in front of the staff.
The Seminoles immediately positioned themselves as a program to watch in his recruitment.
🍢 Chayse Brown Commits, Then Shows Up
Newly committed 2028 athlete Chayse Brown was back on campus less than a day after pledging to Florida State.
Brown participated in the 7-on-7 tournament with Lennard High School.
His commitment gives Florida State its first pledge in the 2028 class.
The Seminoles appear to have secured one of Florida's more versatile young athletes early in the process.
👀 Thornton Continues Moving Closer
2027 edge prospect Stevan Thornton III remains firmly on Florida State's radar.
The Georgia defender worked directly with Nick Williams and Mike Norvell throughout camp.
While he didn't leave with an offer, Florida State invited him back for another visit next week.
Thornton believes he checked several important boxes during his workout.
⭐ New Names Added to the Board
Florida State extended additional offers to 2028 prospects Tyrone Miller Jr. and Treiy Crenshaw.
Miller continues to see his recruitment accelerate after recent offers from multiple Power Four programs.
Crenshaw gives the Seminoles another intriguing long-term athlete to monitor.
Camp season continues to help Florida State identify future recruiting priorities.
😬 A Few Painful Reminders
Five-star receiver Jamarin Simmons was among the top performers during the 7-on-7 competition.
Unfortunately for Florida State, Simmons is already committed to Clemson.
Former Seminole commit Mekhi Williams was also back on campus with Lennard High School.
Despite his recent flip to Wisconsin, Williams maintained a positive relationship with the coaching staff and spent time speaking with Mike Norvell following the event.
📈 Building the Next Few Recruiting Classes
Florida State's summer camps continue to serve as a major evaluation tool.
Several prospects improved their standing with the staff this week.
Others earned offers or strengthened existing relationships.
With recruiting momentum building in the 2027 class, the Seminoles are already laying groundwork for 2028 and beyond.
Why It Matters: Summer camps rarely produce immediate headlines, but they're often where future recruiting wins begin. Florida State handed out new offers, strengthened relationships with priority targets, welcomed recent commits back to campus, and continued evaluating prospects for future classes. Wednesday's camp may not have generated a commitment, but it gave the Seminoles plenty of reasons to feel good about the direction of their recruiting efforts. 🍢🏈
And that’s a wrap!
Recruiting season moves fast, and this week was another reminder of that. Florida State added pieces in both football and baseball, but the next few weeks will determine whether this momentum turns into a truly strong summer. Thanks for reading, and we'll be back tomorrow with the latest from the Trail, the Portal, and everything happening around Florida State athletics.
Go Noles,
The Chief Brief Team 🍢🏹
