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Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Monday, Seminole!

A quarterback commits, a lineman decommits, a Londoner joins the class, and the recruiting dominoes are lining up. Here's what's inside today's edition:

🚨 FSU Lands Its 2026 QB
Four-star signal caller Jaden O’Neal is officially a ‘Nole after flipping from Oklahoma. His polished mechanics, vertical passing fit, and early chemistry with FSU’s staff made this an ideal match.

📈 O’Neal Speaks — and Starts Recruiting
In a candid post-commit interview, O’Neal breaks down why he chose FSU, what stood out, and who he’s recruiting next (hint: elite WR from Cali).

🔁 Flip Watch Heating Up
Former FSU commit Devin Carter, DB legacy Jay Timmons, and OL target Jakobe Green are all trending toward the ‘Noles. Could this be a summer surge?

🚪 OL Xavier Payne Decommits
The first Herb Hand OL commit in the 2026 class is out — but this was a mutual split as FSU resets its board.

🇬🇧 International OL Luke Francis Joins the Class
After flipping from DL to OL at Big Man Camp, Francis landed an offer — and a spot in the class. A unique, high-upside addition.

🕵️ Final OV Weekend Intel
FSU made key impressions on multiple targets. Heze Kent, Donel Robinson, Jay Timmons, and even 5⭐ LB Xavier Griffin are all in play.

👉 Dive in and get the full breakdowns below.

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🚨 FSU Lands 4⭐ QB Jaden O’Neal — The 2026 Signal Caller is In 🚨

Florida State has found its quarterback of the future. Four-star Jaden O’Neal, formerly committed to Oklahoma, announced on social media that he’s flipping to the Seminoles following a standout official visit to Tallahassee last week.

🧠 Why It Matters:
• O’Neal becomes FSU’s first QB commit in the 2026 class
• He fills the void left by former commit Brady Smigiel
• He’s the only QB to take an OV to FSU this cycle — and it paid off

📈 Recruiting Journey:
• Originally from California, now at Mustang High in Oklahoma
• FSU offered in Feb 2024 → Impressed at FSU Elite Camp in June → OV in June 2025
• Strong relationships with Mike Norvell, Gus Malzahn & QB coach Tony Tokarz sealed the deal

📊 Junior Season Stats (2024):
• 1,798 yards | 16 TDs | 1 INT | 71% completion rate
• 122 rushing yards & 4 TDs on the ground

📣 Scouting Report (via 247Sports’ Greg Biggins):
• “Best pure thrower in the ‘26 class”
• Prototype mechanics, clean release, elite deep ball accuracy
• Agile, but still developing pocket escapability
• “High ceiling… Power 4 ready”

🔍 Rankings Snapshot:
• No. 205 overall | No. 14 QB (247 Composite)
• No. 18 QB nationally (247)

🔑 Bottom Line:
After months of exploring top QB targets, FSU circled back to the one who showed up, stayed consistent, and delivered. O’Neal gives the ‘Noles a big-armed, mechanically polished passer to build around — and a crucial early win in the 2026 class.

👉 Full scouting breakdown and commitment reaction here.

📈 Jaden O’Neal Is In — And More Flips May Follow 📈

Florida State officially locked in its 2026 quarterback on Sunday — former Oklahoma commit Jaden O’Neal — and the commitment might just be the first domino in a major summer swing.

🚨 Who’s Next? Three Potential Flip Watch Targets:

1️⃣ WR Devin Carter (Auburn commit)
• Legacy recruit who was once committed to FSU
• Ranked No. 19 WR and No. 124 overall
• On3’s RPM now predicts a flip back to the ‘Noles

2️⃣ DB Jay Timmons (Indiana commit)
• Son of FSU legend Lawrence Timmons
• Recent visit and offer sparked serious momentum
• Now trending FSU’s way for the No. 32 CB nationally

3️⃣ OL Jakobe Green (Mississippi State commit)
• Visited FSU last week during 7-on-7
• Originally offered in May — but now heating up quickly

🔑 Bottom Line:
With O’Neal locked in, Florida State’s momentum on the trail is compounding fast. The legacy effect is real — and Norvell’s staff could be in position to flip multiple blue-chip prospects before the summer’s out.

👉 Full On3 recruiting buzz and updated RPM predictions here.

🚪 OL Xavier Payne Decommits from FSU’s 2026 Class 🚪

Florida State’s offensive line board got a shake-up Sunday night as three-star tackle Xavier Payne announced his decommitment from the Seminoles’ 2026 class.

📉 What Happened:
• Payne had been committed since December — FSU’s first OL pledge under coach Herb Hand
• Officially visited Colorado and Syracuse in June
• A source described the decision as a mutual parting of ways

📍 Background:
• 6'7", 320 lbs | Originally from New York
• Played junior season at Orlando Jones, now at Miami Edison
• Ranked No. 89 OT in the 2026 class (247Sports)

🔍 What's Next:
• Payne will reopen his recruitment after taking three summer official visits
• Florida State, meanwhile, will regroup on its OL board with Ben Mubenga and Donel Robinson as key remaining targets

🔑 Bottom Line:
FSU loses a foundational piece on the offensive line, but with evaluations ongoing and higher-priority targets emerging, the parting appears strategic on both sides.

👉 Full decommitment timeline and OL recruiting analysis here.

🇬🇧 London Lineman Luke Francis Commits to FSU 🇬🇧

Florida State went international again — landing a commitment from South London native Luke Francis, a 6’5”, 335-pound offensive lineman who turned heads at FSU’s Big Man Camp last week.

✍️ The Commitment:
• Francis earned his offer after flipping from defensive line to offensive guard mid-camp — impressing OL coach Herb Hand and head coach Mike Norvell
• Committed during his official visit over the weekend

🌍 Prospect Snapshot:
• NFL Academy product (Loughborough, England)
• Plans to play senior year at Coral Gables High School in South Florida
• Offer list: FSU, Syracuse, Georgia State

🗣 Francis on FSU:
• “It means the world… I know that I can go to a program as prestige[d] as Florida State and get my work in.”

🔑 Bottom Line:
FSU adds a high-upside international prospect with size, versatility, and drive — a rare find and potential long-term project with major upside in the trenches.

👉 Full backstory on Francis’ recruitment and commitment here.

🕵️ Final OV Weekend Buzz: FSU Trending for Several Targets 🕵️

Florida State wrapped up its final official visit weekend of the summer — and early returns look promising. Here's the latest insider intel:

💥 Locked In (For Now):
• 4⭐ RB Amari Thomas → Still committed, but South Carolina is a serious threat. FSU needs a strong 2025 season to keep him.
• 4⭐ WR Efrem White → Notre Dame and NC State are pushing, but FSU is confident post-visit.
• 3⭐ LB Karon Maycock → Visited Bama, UF, Cuse — but his return to Tallahassee may have sealed the deal.

🧲 Trending Up:
• 4⭐ TE Heze Kent → Florida is still the favorite, but FSU gained real ground this weekend. Decision set for July 12.
• 3⭐ OL Donel Robinson → Baylor is the main competitor, but FSU feels good here.
• 4⭐ DB Jay Timmons → Indiana commit and FSU legacy. A flip seems imminent. Crystal Ball: 🔴 FSU.

🔀 Mixed Signals:
• 3⭐ OL Ben Mubenga → GT and Arkansas remain legit contenders. FSU still in it, but not leading.
• 3⭐ EDGE Chris Addison → FSU wants him. UCLA/MSU are threats. Post-visit status unclear.

🚪 On the Way Out:
• 3⭐ OL Xavier Payne → Decommitted. Mutual parting. Visited Colorado and Syracuse this summer.

🎯 The Big One:
• 5⭐ LB Xavier Griffin → No post-visit media, but sources say FSU impressed. Still chasing Alabama and Texas. Decision drops June 29.

🔑 Bottom Line:
The Seminoles made real moves this weekend. From flipping legacies to reinforcing key pledges, this class could look a lot stronger by July.

👉 Stay tuned — decisions are coming fast. Here are all of the details.

🎙️ Jaden O’Neal on Why He Chose FSU — “I Already Knew” 🎙️

Now that four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal is officially committed to Florida State, he’s speaking out about what made the Seminoles the right choice — and why the moment he knew might surprise you.

🧠 The Decision:
• “April 3rd, when I took my unofficial visit… that’s kind of like when I knew.”
• He cited the “family atmosphere” and how FSU puts players first — both from coaches and the team itself.
• “This is a place where you’ll be developed… and feel wanted.”

🧩 The Fit:
• O’Neal is fired up about playing in Gus Malzahn’s vertical, RPO-heavy offense.
• “Coach Gus talked about my ability to push the ball vertically… it fits their system perfectly.”
• He said FSU’s offensive explosiveness is “like no other in the country.”

🤝 What Sealed It:
• Time spent with current QB Tommy Castellanos gave O’Neal a first-hand look at leadership and player culture.
• “He can interact with everyone — defense, O-line, receivers. He’s calm and respected.”
• That interaction gave O’Neal a deeper view of what FSU expects from its QB1.

🎯 His Next Mission:
• O’Neal is already pivoting to recruiter mode, with his sights set on flipping four-star California WR Madden Williams.
• “He makes a QB’s job easy. We’ve known each other since we were kids — I’m definitely going after him.”

🔑 Bottom Line:
O’Neal didn’t just commit — he bought in. From the culture to the scheme to the long-term vision, he’s all-in on being the leader of FSU’s 2026 class. And now, he’s working to bring others with him.

👉 Read the full Q&A with O’Neal and what’s next on his radar here.

And that’s a wrap!

That’s a wrap for today’s edition. With quarterback Jaden O’Neal now leading the charge, Florida State’s 2026 class has a face — and potentially, a domino effect. Whether it’s flipping legacy DBs, reeling in West Coast receivers, or making one last run at a five-star linebacker, the pieces are moving fast.

We'll be watching closely as decisions start dropping — and you’ll get every update right here.

Until next time — stay sharp, stay locked in, and Go ‘Noles.

— The Chief Brief