Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Saturday Noles!

Here’s today’s Brief:

⚾️ Heartbreaking Loss for FSU in CWS Opener: FSU fell to Tennessee 12-11 after leading 11-7, with bullpen struggles, defensive errors, and a questionable call costing the game. Key players were Jaime Ferrer and Marco Dinges. FSU faces Virginia in an elimination game on Sunday.

🏈 FSU's Top 10 Most Wanted Recruits for 2025: FSU targets high-impact players including 5-star OT Josh Petty and 4-star DL Myron Charles. Securing these recruits is crucial for the team’s future.

🏈 FSU's Second Big Official Visit Weekend: FSU hosts key 5-star recruits Kaliq Lockett and Justus Terry, aiming to make significant strides in their recruiting efforts.

🏈 FSU Recruiting Intel Released: Noles247’s Zach Bolstein provides updates on key recruits like 4-star DB Onis Konanbanny and 5-star OT Ty Haywood, highlighting FSU's active recruitment.

🏈 Miami's Latest Idea: Dropping Sports? A Miami article suggests UM should drop sports if players become employees. Maybe they should. 😆 

⚾️ Heartbreaking Loss for FSU in CWS Opener ⚾️

The No. 8 Florida State Seminoles stood toe-to-toe with No. 1 Tennessee but fell short in a dramatic 12-11 loss in the opening round of the College World Series. Despite leading 11-7 in the seventh inning, an inconsistent bullpen couldn't hold the lead.

Key Highlights:

• Offensive Stars: Jaime Ferrer (2-for-5, 4 RBIs) and Marco Dinges (3-for-5, 2 RBIs) shined, helping FSU take a strong lead.

• Early Deficit: FSU trailed 4-1 after early errors by catcher Jaxson West and pitcher Jamie Arnold allowed Tennessee to score crucial runs.

• Comeback Effort: FSU responded with a six-run third inning, highlighted by Ferrer's two-run double and Cam Smith's RBI double. Ferrer then blasted a two-run homer in the fourth to give Florida State a 9-4 advantage.

• Pitching Struggles: Conner Whittaker pitched well in relief but was pulled after giving up a triple and a sacrifice fly in the ninth. Senior left-hander Brennen Oxford's walk and subsequent hits allowed Tennessee to tie and then win the game.

• Tough Call: Oxford appeared strike out Tennessee’s Blake Burke for the last out of the game, but Burke was saved by questionable check swing call.

• Defensive Errors: Tennessee's offense capitalized on FSU's errors, including a dropped ball by Jaxson West and an errant throw by Jamie Arnold.

• Tennessee's Comeback: Kavares Tears hit a two-run homer in the fifth, and Christian Moore hit a 440-foot homer in the sixth to close the gap. Moore led Tennessee’s offense by hitting for the cycle, the first in CWS history since 1956.

Post-Game Reflections: Coach Link Jarrett acknowledged the heartbreak, saying, "It’s tough right now. That was a tough walk-off and walk in that locker room. Tough. These guys have responded all year, and they’ll respond.” Despite a strong offensive performance, defensive lapses and bullpen inconsistency cost FSU the game.

Next Steps: FSU will now face Virginia in an elimination game on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, while Tennessee moves on to play North Carolina in the winners’ bracket.

🏈 FSU's Top 10 Most Wanted Recruits for 2025 🏈

Florida State is focusing on building a formidable 2025 recruiting class, currently ranked No. 60 with four commitments. As the summer official visits intensify, here's a detailed breakdown of FSU's top 10 most wanted recruits:

1. 5-Star OT Josh Petty

• Profile: Josh Petty is a 6'5", 275-pound offensive tackle from Georgia, renowned for his size, strength, and technique. He’s ranked as the No. 2 OT and No. 13 overall player in the nation.

• Recruitment Status: Petty's older sister will be attending FSU, and he has a strong relationship with head coach Mike Norvell and OL coach Alex Atkins. Despite interest from Ohio State, Stanford, and Tennessee, FSU is a strong contender, especially with his official visit on June 21-23.

• Importance: Securing Petty would be a significant boost for FSU's offensive line, providing a potential cornerstone for future lineups.

2. 4-Star DL Myron Charles

• Profile: Myron Charles is a 6'4", 270-pound defensive lineman from Port Charlotte, FL, known for his versatility and athleticism. He’s ranked as the No. 6 DL and No. 45 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: Charles has frequently named FSU as his leader, and he has a strong bond with DL coach Odell Haggins. He will visit Miami, Florida, Texas, and FSU in June, with FSU being his top choice so far.

• Importance: Adding Charles would address FSU’s need for elite defensive line talent, helping to solidify their defensive front.

3. 4-Star LB Tavion Wallace

• Profile: Tavion Wallace is a 6'2", 230-pound linebacker from Georgia, praised for his speed, tackling ability, and football IQ. He’s ranked as the No. 8 LB and No. 90 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: Wallace has been a top target for FSU, though Florida and Georgia have increased their efforts. FSU will host his final official visit before his July 15 decision date, giving them a strong chance to sway him.

• Importance: Wallace would be a pivotal addition to FSU's linebacker corps, bringing much-needed depth and talent.

4. 4-Star Edge Zion Grady

• Profile: Zion Grady is a 6'4", 250-pound edge rusher from Alabama, known for his explosiveness and pass-rushing skills. He’s ranked as the No. 5 Edge and No. 30 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: FSU is competing with Ohio State, Auburn, and Miami for Grady. His recent official visit to FSU went well, and they remain a strong contender.

• Importance: Grady's addition would significantly enhance FSU's pass rush, providing a dynamic presence on the defensive line.

5. 4-Star DL Kevin Wynn

• Profile: Kevin Wynn is a 6'3", 280-pound defensive lineman from Texas, recognized for his strength and ability to disrupt the backfield. He’s ranked as the No. 10 DL and No. 60 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: Wynn’s interest in culinary programs aligns with FSU’s offerings. He will visit Texas before heading to FSU. His decision is expected in late July or early August.

• Importance: Wynn would be a key asset for FSU, bolstering their defensive line and adding versatility to their defense.

6. 4-Star WR Vernell Brown III

• Profile: Vernell Brown III is a 6'1", 190-pound wide receiver from Florida, known for his speed and route-running ability. He’s ranked as the No. 20 WR and No. 120 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: FSU has been heavily recruiting Brown, competing mainly with Florida and Miami. His official visit to FSU on June 21-23 could be pivotal.

• Importance: Brown's commitment would strengthen FSU’s receiving corps, adding a reliable and explosive playmaker.

7. 4-Star DL Jalen Wiggins

• Profile: Jalen Wiggins is a 6'3", 290-pound defensive lineman from Tallahassee, FL, praised for his power and technique. He’s ranked as the No. 15 DL and No. 90 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: Despite his commitment to Florida, FSU continues to pursue Wiggins, who will visit FSU officially next weekend.

• Importance: Wiggins would be a critical local addition, enhancing FSU’s defensive line depth and maintaining local talent.

8. 4-Star DB Zae Thomas

• Profile: Zae Thomas is a 6'0", 185-pound defensive back from Florida, known for his coverage skills and football IQ. He’s ranked as the No. 8 DB and No. 75 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: Thomas has deep ties to FSU, with his former high school coach now coaching at FSU. Clemson remains a competitor, but FSU is a strong favorite.

• Importance: Thomas would be a significant boost to FSU's secondary, providing versatility and talent.

9. 4-Star OL Peyton Joseph

• Profile: Peyton Joseph is a 6'4", 300-pound offensive lineman from Florida, recognized for his strength and blocking skills. He’s ranked as the No. 10 OL and No. 150 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: FSU has been a favorite for Joseph, especially after his decommitment from Florida. His official visit to FSU next weekend could seal the deal.

• Importance: Joseph would be a key addition to FSU’s offensive line, providing depth and talent in the interior line.

10. 4-Star RB Byron Louis

• Profile: Byron Louis is a 6'0", 215-pound running back from South Florida, praised for his speed and vision. He’s ranked as the No. 5 RB and No. 100 overall player.

• Recruitment Status: Louis will visit FSU last after trips to Miami, Wisconsin, and Georgia. FSU is heavily invested in Louis both on and off the field.

• Importance: Louis would be a crucial addition to FSU’s backfield, providing a dynamic and powerful rushing option.

(More Details)

🏈 FSU's Second Big Official Visit Weekend of June 🏈

Florida State's football staff gears up for another major official visit weekend, hosting at least seven key targets, including multiple five-star prospects. Here’s a closer look at three key factors for the Seminoles:

Can FSU Make a Big Move for 5-Star Recruits?

• Kaliq Lockett: Five-star WR with strong mutual interest. Texas is the team to watch, but FSU aims to make a significant impression.

• Justus Terry: Five-star DT committed to USC, with Georgia as a strong contender. FSU’s relationships with Terry could be crucial.

Noles Have a Chance to Grab Lead for 4-Star WR

• Joshua Moore: Four-star WR highly coveted by FSU, currently in an FSU/UF battle. This weekend is a golden opportunity for the Seminoles to close the deal.

Will FSU Make a Splash with Other Targets?

• Malik Clark: Four-star WR with interest in FSU’s offense. North Carolina and South Carolina are also in the mix.

• Jaboree Antoine: Four-star DB committed to LSU, with strong relationships with FSU staff. Miami is also a contender.

• Jordan Young: Four-star safety with Clemson as the current leader. Michigan is also in the mix.

• Zay Rainey-Sale: Four-star LB formerly committed to FSU, now considering UCLA, Washington, and Alabama.

This weekend is crucial for FSU to build momentum and secure commitments from these top prospects. The Seminoles aim to showcase their program's strengths and make a lasting impression on these recruits.

You can check out the full details here.

🏈 FSU Recruiting Intel Released🏈

Noles247’s Zach Bolstein has shared some insider information on Florida State's latest recruiting efforts:

• Onis Konanbanny: Communication remains strong with the 4-star DB. He visits LSU this weekend, a key school in his recruitment.

• Ty Haywood: The 5-star OT canceled his Oklahoma visit due to a personal matter. FSU is scheduled for next weekend, with the Sooners likely to reschedule.

• Vernell Brown: Generating buzz in Florida, the 4-star WR visits Gainesville this weekend. FSU aims to sway him during his Tallahassee visit next weekend.

• Javion Hilson: Recruitment between Texas and FSU for the 4-star Edge. He impressed during his recent FSU workout.

• Peyton Joseph: Memphis made a strong push for the 4-star OL, but FSU has his official visit next weekend.

• Byron Louis and Ousmane Kromah: Georgia’s RB decisions impact FSU’s recruiting efforts, with official visits scheduled.

• Ethan Pritchard: The 4-star LB commit canceled his UCF visit, reinforcing his commitment to FSU.

You can see the full details here.

🏈 Miami's Latest Idea: Dropping Sports? 🏈

In a surprising twist, a recent opinion piece suggests the University of Miami should consider dropping sports if players become employees. This idea… well… 🤣 

Key Points to Ponder:

• Miami's Glory Days Are Long Gone: Miami’s football team hasn’t won anything meaningful in over 20 years.

• From "Suntan U" to...What Exactly?: The article proudly mentions UM’s transformation from “Suntan U” to a school renowned for academic excellence. Why bother with sports?

• Financial Realities: The writer points out the financial challenges of competing in the ACC and paying for top-tier coaching staff.

• Fan Engagement: Back in the day, UM could fill the Orange Bowl. Nowadays, even with their games at Hard Rock Stadium, attendance is most accurately described as embarrassing.

• Consideration to Drop Sports: The author’s closing point? Given the financial strain and shift in priorities, UM might want to consider dropping intercollegiate athletics to focus on its primary mission: education.

The Chief’s Reaction

While Miami contemplates throwing in the towel, Florida State continues to invest in our athletic programs, knowing the importance of sports in building school spirit, engaging alumni, and enhancing our national reputation. We’ll gladly welcome any disillusioned Hurricanes fans who still want to experience the thrill of college sports done right. 🤣🤣🤣

If you want to have a laugh.

And that’s a wrap!

As always, we appreciate your support and engagement with our coverage of FSU sports and recruiting updates. Stay connected for more thrilling news and in-depth analysis in our upcoming editions.

Go Noles!