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

Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

The Seminoles’ recruiting momentum is reaching fever pitch — but cautious optimism remains the name of the game.

🏖️ Beach Stars Go Red, White & Blue 🏖️
Three FSU standouts and a former Olympian will rep Team USA this summer in beach volleyball’s elite collegiate pipeline.

🛑 Locked In 🛑
Maryland DB Sean Johnson shuts down his recruitment after a visit to Tallahassee — adding talent and leadership to the secondary.

🔥 Tank is a 'Nole 🔥
FSU lands 4⭐ DL James Carrington, a multi-state journeyman with major pass-rush upside and a strong bond with Coach Knighton.

🌟 Legacy Alert 🌟
Four-star Michigan CB commit Brody Jennings, son of FSU national champ Bradley Jennings, makes an emotional return to campus this week.

🎯 FSU in the Mix for 5⭐ Hoops Wing 🎯
Christopher Washington Jr. is lighting up the recruiting circuit — and the ‘Noles are firmly in the hunt for the Top-25 national prospect.

🔥 Insider Buzz: 16 Visitors, 1 Big Weekend 🔥
Crystal Balls are flying in, commitments are getting locked down, and the July fireworks might just start early in Tallahassee.

Let’s get into it 👇

🏖️ 3 Seminoles Named to USA Beach Collegiate National Team 🏖️

Florida State beach volleyball continues to shine on the national stage, as Alexis Durish, Audrey Koenig, and Gella Andrew were selected to the 2025 Beach Collegiate National Team by USA Volleyball. Joining them is FSU assistant coach and former Olympian Nick Lucena, who will serve as one of three coaches for the elite squad.

🇺🇸 What’s Ahead:
• 10-day training block in Hermosa Beach, CA alongside the USA Beach A2 National Team
• Durish & Koenig will represent Team USA at the World University Games in Germany this July
• Training concludes with the NORCECA Playoff (June 18–19) to determine Team USA’s international reps

🌟 By the Numbers:
• Gella Andrew (Fr., Austin, TX): 24–12 overall | CCSA Freshman of the Year | All-CCSA & All-Freshman honors
• Durish & Koenig (Court 1 standouts): 24–9 record | AVCA First-Team All-Americans | CCSA co-Pair of the Year | All-CCSA + Tournament honors

📈 Bottom Line:
With three players and a coach tapped for USA Beach’s elite training pipeline — and two Seminoles repping the U.S. abroad — FSU remains a national force on the sand.

👉 Full roster and international schedule breakdown available here.

🛑 3⭐ DB Sean Johnson Shuts It Down After FSU Visit 🛑

Maryland defensive back Sean Johnson made it official on Monday — he’s shutting down his recruitment after wrapping up his official visit to Florida State, solidifying what’s long been a strong bond with the Seminoles.

🗣️ Johnson on FSU:
• “It just feels like family down here… it’s definitely home.”
• “Coach Coop’s a great dude — I had a great time in our talks.”

🔍 Why It Matters:
• 6'2", 195-pound DB from Maryland, ranked among the top 10 players in the state
• While On3 lists him as a cornerback, Johnson prefers safety — and will likely join Coach Evan Cooper’s room
• Praised by insiders as a key peer recruiter during the weekend — connecting with multiple uncommitted targets

📌 Bottom Line:
This one was never in much doubt, but Johnson’s early shutdown adds momentum and stability to FSU’s class — and gives the Noles a tone-setter in the secondary.

👉 Read more on Johnson’s visit, versatility, and role as a lead recruiter here.

This cannabis startup pioneered “rapid onset” gummies

Most people prefer to smoke cannabis but that isn’t an option if you’re at work or in public. 

That’s why we were so excited when we found out about Mood’s new Rapid Onset THC Gummies. They can take effect in as little as 5 minutes without the need for a lighter, lingering smells or any coughing. 

Nobody will ever know you’re enjoying some THC.

We recommend you try them out because they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And for a limited time, you can receive 20% off with code FIRST20.

🔥 4⭐ DL James “Tank” Carrington Commits to FSU 🔥

Florida State just bolstered its 2026 defensive front with a big pledge from James Carrington, a four-star composite defensive lineman out of Crean Lutheran (Calif.).

Fresh off an official visit to Tallahassee, the 6’2, 257-pounder — nicknamed Tank — picked the Seminoles over Arkansas and Nebraska.

🧱 Why It Matters:
• No. 41 DL and No. 357 overall in the 2026 class (247 Composite)
• Posted 14 TFLs, 9 sacks, and 36 QB hurries in 2023
• Has played at powerhouse programs across CA, NV, GA, and MD
• Becomes FSU’s second DL commit in the class, joining Whitley Cadeau

🗣️ On Why He Chose FSU:
• “They kind of said a lot with my role. Me being fast, a little agile — that’s the kind of defensive players they want.”
• Praised Coach Knighton’s on-field and off-field approach:
→ “He’s not just going to push me on the field, he is going to push me off the field.”

🔑 Bottom Line:
Carrington brings versatility, experience, and elite pass-rush upside — and with a clear connection to FSU’s staff, his commitment marks another win in the trenches for the 2026 class.

👉 Full commitment story and what’s next for FSU’s D-line class here.

🌟 Legacy Watch: 4⭐ CB Brody Jennings to Visit FSU This Week 🌟

Florida State is set to host a legacy recruit with major sentimental ties to the program — Brody Jennings, a four-star cornerback currently committed to Michigan, will take his official visit to FSU from June 17–19.

🏈 The Family Legacy:
• Son of the late Bradley Jennings, a linebacker for Bobby Bowden’s 1999 national championship team
• Jennings Sr. passed away unexpectedly in May, making this visit all the more meaningful
• Brody is the youngest of three sons, and FSU coaches are pushing to bring at least one Jennings back to Tallahassee

📍 The Pitch from FSU:
• “I belong at Florida State. My brothers didn't come here but they're going to get one Jennings,” he recalled from a previous visit
• FSU has emphasized his legacy and cultural fit in Garnet and Gold

🧠 Recruiting Rundown:
• Currently committed to Michigan
• Official visits taken: Auburn, Miami, Florida, now FSU
• Will visit Michigan again this weekend
• 4⭐ (Composite) | No. 277 overall | No. 24 CB in 2026

🔑 Bottom Line:
This is a recruitment full of emotion and legacy significance. With Jennings back on campus for a crucial mid-week visit, FSU will have its shot to flip the talented defensive back — and bring a Jennings home.

👉 Read more on Jennings’ legacy, recruitment, and visit here.

🎯 5⭐ SF Christopher Washington Jr. Emerging as Elite Hoops Target 🎯

One of the top wings in the 2026 basketball class, Christopher Washington Jr., is turning heads this spring with his polished scoring and explosive athleticism — and Florida State is among the growing list of programs battling for his commitment.

📈 Rising Stock:
• No. 24 overall in the 2026 class
• 6’7”, 175 lbs | Floaty, explosive athlete with expanding perimeter game
• Named a standout at NBPA Top 100 camp by 247’s Adam Finkelstein
→ “His athleticism really does seem effortless... he’s at his best in an open-court system.”

💥 What’s Evolving:
• Shooting confidence is skyrocketing
→ “I feel like I can shoot from anywhere.”
• Focus now on ball-handling, strength, and conditioning

🏀 Offers + Interest:
• Offers from: FSU, Alabama, Auburn, Michigan, Mizzou, Illinois, Louisville, more
• New interest from: Kansas, Duke, UNC
• No visits set yet, but trips expected this fall
• Commitment likely coming sometime in 2025

📌 Who’s Pushing Hard:
• Alabama: “They compared me to Brandon Miller.”
• Tennessee: “They just got Nate Ament — we’re talking more.”
• Cincinnati: “I like their pace and staff — they play free and run.”

🧠 What Matters Most:
• Style of play
• Who wants him the most
• Where he can just play

👀 With FSU in the mix and Washington Jr. eyeing fast-paced systems, the Seminoles will look to position themselves strongly before visits begin.

👉 Full scouting notes and recruitment outlook here.

🔥 5⭐ Buzz, Crystal Balls & Lockdowns: Inside FSU’s 16-Visitor Weekend 🔥

Florida State hosted 16 official visitors this past weekend — and the returns have recruiting insiders buzzing. From Crystal Ball picks to shut-down recruitments, the ‘Noles continue to gain steam heading into a pivotal stretch.

📈 Where Things Stand (Position by Position):

Wide Receiver
• ✅ Darryon Williams shut things down — locked in with FSU after heavy Florida interest.
• 🔁 Jasen Lopez still in play, but Miami visit looms. FSU made a real two-sport push.
• 🚫 Isaac Obrokta isn’t a top priority right now.

Tight End
• ⏳ Xavier Tiller: FSU leads, but Auburn/Alabama may make a late push. Decision coming soon.
• 👍 Landen Miree: Would take him. Washington is next visit before final call.

Offensive Line
• 🔁 Da’Ron Parks: FSU did well, but he’ll visit Ohio State next. Decision likely in early July.

Defensive Line
• 🔥 Tico Crittendon: Trending toward FSU, but Tennessee visit next could shake things up.
• ✅ James Carrington: Strong confidence FSU lands him (and they now have).
• ❓ Jamarion Matthews: Alabama commit; tough read after visit.

Linebacker
• 🏁 Noah LaVallee: FSU leads. Brother Caleb and linebacker chemistry sealed the deal. Commits Tuesday.

Defensive Back
• 🔥 Chauncey Kennon: FSU leads, but July 6 commitment date gives others time to counter.
• 🔁 CJ Bronaugh: Trending away from Nebraska. FSU and Florida are top flip threats. PSU visit next.
• ❓ Lasiah Jackson: Stanford may be in the lead. High-academic lean. FSU loves him, but it’s a battle.
• ✅ Sean Johnson: Shut it down — now locked in and helping recruit others.
• 🤔 Darryl Bell III: Still flirting with Auburn but likely to stay in FSU’s class.
• 🤷‍♂️ Tedarius Hughes: Considering Syracuse. Official this weekend will be telling.

🔑 Bottom Line:
FSU made serious headway with key targets — including multiple Crystal Ball picks and one five-star. The July decision window could bring major fireworks to Tallahassee.

👉 Full rundown of every visitor, where things stand, and who’s trending here.

And that’s a wrap!

And that’s a wrap for today’s edition of The Chief Brief.

Between national team selections, emotional legacy visits, and a wave of recruiting buzz across multiple positions, the 'Noles are heating up heading into July. Just don’t get too comfortable — more fireworks could be coming any day now.

Until next time — keep your sunscreen handy and your Crystal Balls closer. 🔮

— Chief