Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Here’s the docket for you on this fine Tuesday:

⛳ Lottie Woad Leads the Way for FSU in NCAA Regional Championship ⛳
Lottie Woad's impressive performance has her second individually and the Seminoles in second place in the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Las Vegas Regional Championship. Florida State aims for its eighth consecutive NCAA Championship Finals appearance.

⚾ FSU Baseball Splits Series Against NC State, Maintains Top-10 Ranking ⚾
Despite a game cancellation, the Seminoles concluded the weekend with a decisive 8-1 victory over NC State and remain a top-10 team in national rankings.

🏈 FSU Football Recruiting Breakdown and Updates 🏈
Florida State targets top defensive tackle recruits for the 2025 class, prioritizing Justus Terry, Myron Charles, Kevin Wynn, and others. Recent adjustments in the recruiting board reflect evolving interest levels.

🏈 FSU Trending for Five-Star OL Josh Petty 🏈
FSU is gaining momentum in its pursuit of five-star OL Josh Petty, aided by the coaching staff's relationship-building efforts and family connections.

🏈 FSU Athletics Seeks $326.6M Bond Offering for Stadium Renovations and Football Operations Facility 🏈
FSU is issuing bonds to finance stadium renovations and a new football operations facility, emphasizing enhanced premium seating options and modern infrastructure to drive more revenue.

⛳ Lottie Woad Leads the Way for FSU in NCAA Regional Championship ⛳

Florida State's All-American golfer, Lottie Woad, delivered an impressive performance to finish in second place individually after the first round of the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Las Vegas Regional Championship. The Seminoles also secured the second spot in the team standings after day one at the Spanish Trail Country Club.

🏆 Path to the Championship Finals The top five teams and the highest-placing individual not on an advancing team will progress to the NCAA Championship Finals. Coach Amy Bond aims to lead FSU to their eighth consecutive NCAA Championship Finals appearance.

🔥 Razorbacks Edge Ahead Arkansas took the lead over Florida State in the team standings with a total of 14 under par. Their Kajal Mistry leads Woad by one stroke in the individual standings.

🌟 Impressive Rounds by FSU Golfers Woad shot a 67, continuing her stellar ACC Golfer of the Year season. She registered six birdies, making her 54 strokes under par for her 18-tournament career. Alice Hodge tied for fourth individually with a score of 70, contributing four birdies.

🌟 Other Seminole Performances Charlotte Heath and Mirabel Ting, both All-Americans, shot 73 each, tying for 19th place.

🔜 Next Round Details Florida State will tee off with Arkansas and Purdue for the second round, with Kathleen Cook starting for the Seminoles at 11 a.m. EST.

⚾ FSU Baseball Splits Series Against NC State, Maintains Top-10 Ranking ⚾

The Seminoles played just two games this week, securing a strong 8-1 win against NC State on Sunday after one game was canceled.

🔢 Season Record and Upcoming Games FSU boasts a 35-10 overall record, including 14-9 in the ACC, with eight regular-season games remaining. They have four home games left, where they have only suffered three losses this season.

🌟 Current Rankings Despite going 1-1 this week, FSU remains a top-10 team:

• Baseball America: No. 5 (no change)

• Perfect Game: No. 7 (down one)

• D1Baseball: No. 8 (down one)

• NCBWA and Coaches Poll: TBA

🔜 Next Up Florida State will face Jacksonville at Dick Howser Stadium on Tuesday night for the third and final matchup against the Dolphins this season. The Seminoles will then travel to Pitt for an ACC series before concluding their regular season by hosting Georgia Tech.

🏈 FSU Football Recruiting Breakdown and Updates 🏈

Top Defensive Tackle Targets for 2025 Florida State aims to solidify its defensive line by bringing in 2-3 defensive tackles from its 2025 recruiting class:

Five-Star Plus DL Justus Terry (USC Commit)

• Recruitment Overview: Although committed to USC, Terry is still open to exploring other schools. His upcoming visit to FSU, initially scheduled for June 14, could be moved to join the major official visit weekend.

• Key Factors: His admiration for Coach Odell Haggins and the legacy of FSU's defensive line contribute to his interest. Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU remain significant contenders.

Four-Star DL Myron Charles

• Recruitment Overview: FSU’s strong relationships, particularly with coaches Mike Norvell and Odell Haggins, have made the Seminoles a top contender.

• Key Factors: Charles is considering an early commitment, favoring FSU over Miami, Florida, Texas, and Texas A&M.

Four-Star DL Kevin Wynn

• Recruitment Overview: Wynn's family ties to FSU provide an advantage, despite Georgia's and Florida's attempts to sway him.

• Key Factors: Wynn’s connection to the coaching staff is strong, and a June 21 official visit could further solidify FSU’s position.

Four-Star DL Jarquez Carter

• Recruitment Overview: Despite Florida being closer to home, Carter’s relationship with Haggins and familiarity with FSU could influence his decision.

• Key Factors: Carter’s decision is still in early stages, with official visits lined up for UCF, Miami, and Florida alongside FSU.

Recruiting Board Updates and Insights

• TE Hollis Davidson III: Davidson’s move from "high choice" to "top target" signifies growing mutual interest, with an official visit in late June expected.

• RB Tray Kinkle: Kinkle has emerged as a third-tier prospect following a slew of offers in early April.

• WR Quincy Porter: Dropped to "interested" as he ranks lower on FSU's wide receiver board.

2025 Class Prospects

• 4-Star RB Iverson Howard: Recently scheduled an official visit after increasing interest.

• 5-Star OT Ty Haywood: Haywood's first-ever visit to FSU this spring left a strong impression, securing an official visit.

• 4-Star OT Lamont Rogers: Emerging on FSU’s radar following a productive spring visit.

Defensive End and Linebacker Prospects

• 4-Star Edge Jalen Wiggins: Despite his Florida commitment, Wiggins remains on FSU’s radar due to his local roots.

• 4-Star LB TJ Alford: Ohio State commit Alford will visit FSU in June, keeping the Seminoles in contention.

Tracking FSU’s Big Board FSU’s recruiting big board provides a comprehensive outlook on prospects:

Quarterback

• Tramell Jones Jr.: The four-star quarterback remains committed, although the Florida Gators are actively pursuing him.

Running Back

• Byron Louis: FSU leads in recruiting this standout back, competing with Miami, Ohio State, and others.

Tight End

• Chase Loftin and Hollis Davidson: Loftin’s upcoming official visit and Davidson’s interest make them prime targets.

🏈 FSU Trending for Five-Star OL Josh Petty 🏈

Florida State’s recruiting efforts are gaining momentum, especially after receiving a major prediction from On3’s Steve Wiltfong. Wiltfong’s recent "Fong Bomb" projects that FSU is leading in the pursuit of five-star interior offensive lineman Josh Petty, marking a significant recruitment boost for the Seminoles.

Petty's Connection to FSU

• Family Influence: Petty’s sister will be attending college in Tallahassee, a factor that potentially strengthens FSU’s appeal.

• Coaching Relationships: Petty has formed a strong bond with offensive line coach Alex Atkins and head coach Mike Norvell. He emphasized Atkins’ honest and straightforward communication throughout the recruitment process, which has made a notable impact.

Recruiting Status

• Upcoming Visits: Petty has scheduled seven official visits from the end of May through June, with his last visit being to Tallahassee on June 21.

• Impression of FSU: His first visit to Tallahassee left a significant mark, with Petty stating that it helped him understand how special FSU really is.

• Ranking and Standing: According to On3, Petty is the second-best interior offensive lineman in the 2025 class.

🏈 FSU Athletics Seeks $326.6M Bond Offering for Stadium Renovations and Football Operations Facility 🏈

Florida State University's athletic department has initiated a significant financial move to ensure that the university remains competitive in the world of collegiate sports. Here's a detailed look at the plan and its potential impact:

Project Details:

1. Doak Campbell Stadium Renovation:

   • A budget of $233.7 million is dedicated to upgrading the west side of the stadium.

   • Approximately 27,000 bleacher seats will be replaced with a mix of new bleacher seats and premium seating options such as suites, loge boxes, and club seats.

   • The renovation will reduce stadium capacity to around 65,000-70,000, down from 79,560. However, the focus will be on increasing revenue through enhanced premium seating options.

2. New Football Operations Facility:

   • Allocated a budget of $138.6 million to create a state-of-the-art football operations building.

   • This facility is part of FSU’s long-term vision to provide its football program with top-notch infrastructure to remain competitive.

Funding Strategy:

• The $326.6 million bond offering is split into two series:

  • Series 2024A: $291.6 million

  • Series 2024B: $35 million (taxable)

• Backed by athletic revenue, the bonds will start at an annual payment of $18.5 million in 2025 and will gradually increase to $26 million in 2027.

• FSU's bond offering will be used in conjunction with existing financial tools, which include $111.8 million in previously issued bonds linked to athletic revenue.

Additional Financial Considerations:

• FSU is actively seeking innovative funding solutions, such as engaging with private equity, to bolster its athletic department's financial health.

• The university is also involved in legal disputes with the ACC, challenging the existing fee structures and rights that impact their financial flexibility.

Expected Outcomes:

• The stadium renovation will enhance the game-day experience, potentially attracting higher attendance and sponsorships through improved facilities.

• The operations facility will serve as a recruitment tool and provide athletes with better resources, keeping FSU competitive in the recruitment process.

• Through these projects, FSU is making a strategic investment in its long-term athletic success while navigating the shifting financial landscape of college sports.

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles tackle major stadium renovations, recruiting challenges, and strategic pursuits, the path ahead is full of potential.

Stay tuned for more updates, and Go Noles!