Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

Here’s what’s on the beat in today’s edition:

🏅 Jamir Watkins Named ACC Co-Player of the Week
Jamir Watkins’ stellar performances on the court earned him the title of ACC Co-Player of the Week. He led FSU to two wins, including a 30-point showing against Rice, extending his double-figure streak to 21 games. With the Seminoles back at home tonight against Tarleton State, fans can look forward to Military Appreciation Day and a Kids Zone for the family.

🏐 Audrey Koenig Shines as ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Audrey Koenig continues her dominant season, capturing ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors. Her impressive 20-kill, 8-ace performance against Wake Forest highlights her value to FSU. The Seminoles face their toughest test yet against No. 1 Pitt on Friday.

🏈 FSU vs. Charleston Southern: The Seminole Heritage Game
FSU is set to honor its partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida during their Seminole Heritage Game against Charleston Southern. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on November 23, with the game available on ACCNX.

⚽ FSU Soccer Secures No. 1 Seed in NCAA Tournament
Fresh off their fifth straight ACC Championship, FSU’s women’s soccer team secured a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. They begin their title defense on November 15 against Samford, eyeing back-to-back championships.

🛠️ FSU Staff Shake-Up and New Interim Assignments
Following the dismissal of three assistant coaches, including DC Adam Fuller, Randy Shannon takes the reins of FSU’s defense. The new-look coaching staff will debut on November 23 against Charleston Southern, giving FSU time to regroup during this bye week.

🏈 Potential Replacements for WR Coach Ron Dugans
As FSU seeks a new WR coach to elevate its receiving unit, top candidates include UNC’s Lonnie Galloway and Iowa State’s Noah Pauley. Norvell aims to find a leader skilled in both development and recruiting.

💔 Offensive Line Commitments in Flux After Alex Atkins’ Departure
The departure of offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has thrown FSU’s offensive line commitments into question, especially five-star Solomon Thomas. Head Coach Mike Norvell faces the challenge of retaining these top recruits amid ongoing changes.

🏅 Jamir Watkins Named ACC Co-Player of the Week 🏅

Florida State’s Jamir Watkins earned the title of ACC Co-Player of the Week after leading the Seminoles to two victories, averaging an impressive 23.5 points per game. Sharing this honor with Miami’s Nigel Pack, Watkins adds another accolade to his career, having previously won ACC Player of the Week on November 27, 2023.

Standout Performance in Houston
Watkins scored 30 points in FSU’s recent 73-65 win over Rice in the Mattress Firm Battleground 2K24 Tournament, sealing his MVP title for the game. His 17-point surge in the second half, along with six rebounds, three steals, and a blocked shot, propelled the Seminoles to victory.

Consistency and Scoring Streak
Watkins has hit double figures in 21 consecutive games, averaging 18.3 points per game over that span, the longest streak for a Seminole since Dwayne Bacon’s in 2017. His scoring and defensive presence continue to define his leadership on the court, as he showcases consistent, high-level play for FSU.

Upcoming Match and Community Highlights
The Seminoles return home for a three-game homestand, starting with a matchup against Tarleton State today at 7:00 p.m. Military Appreciation Day will be observed, and fans are encouraged to share photos honoring veterans with #FSUSalutes for display on the videoboard. The game also features Kids Club perks, with free admission and a Kids Zone in the south concourse.

Read more here

🏐 Audrey Koenig Earns ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week Honors 🏐

Florida State senior outside hitter Audrey Koenig was recognized as the ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week for her stellar play in FSU’s matches against Wake Forest and NC State. This marks her second time receiving the award this season, a testament to her consistent offensive impact for the Seminoles.

Standout Weekend Performance
On Friday night, Koenig delivered a powerhouse performance, recording 20 kills in just three sets against Wake Forest. She joins an elite group of ACC players to hit the 20-kill mark in a three-set match this season. Koenig’s eight service aces against the Demon Deacons also set the stage, ranking as the second-highest in FSU’s history for a single match. She continued her momentum on Sunday against NC State, adding 12 kills and three more aces to her weekend total.

National Acclaim
With 11 total aces across the two games, Koenig led the nation in service aces over the weekend, highlighting her exceptional serving precision and making her a formidable presence on the court.

Up Next
Koenig and the Seminoles face a big challenge as they take on No. 1 Pitt this Friday at 7 p.m. on ACCNX, where they’ll aim to carry forward their momentum against a top-ranked opponent.

Read more here

🏈 FSU to Host Charleston Southern for Seminole Heritage Game 🏈

Florida State will welcome Charleston Southern to Doak Campbell Stadium on November 23 at 1:30 p.m., with the game airing on ACCNX. This marks the third meeting between the two teams, with FSU claiming victories in their previous matchups in 2011 and 2016.

Celebrating Seminole Heritage
The game will also serve as FSU’s Seminole Heritage Game, honoring the university’s longstanding partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This annual tradition reflects the cultural and historical ties between the university and the tribe, celebrating the pride and strength of the Seminole legacy.

Fans can catch the action on ACCNX as the Seminoles aim to honor their heritage and secure a win in this special matchup.

Read more here

⚽ FSU Soccer Earns No. 1 Seed in NCAA Tournament as They Aim for Back-to-Back Titles ⚽

Florida State’s women’s soccer team, fresh off their fifth consecutive ACC Championship, has been named a No. 1 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Seminoles, who hold four national titles, are on a mission to defend their crown and become the first team since 2009 to achieve back-to-back championships. This year marks FSU’s 25th NCAA Tournament appearance.

First Matchup & Bracket Preview
FSU (14-2-3) will face Samford (12-6-3) at the Seminole Soccer Complex on Friday, November 15th at 5 p.m. EST, with coverage on ESPN+. The Noles are a formidable 9-0-1 at home this season, aiming to keep that record intact.

If they advance, the Seminoles will meet the winner of No. 8 Vanderbilt vs. Lipscomb in the second round. FSU’s quadrant includes other top teams like No. 4 Penn State, No. 5 TCU, and a familiar ACC rival, No. 2 North Carolina, whom FSU defeated twice this season.

Tournament Timeline

• First Round: November 15-17

• Second/Third Rounds: November 22 and 24

• Quarterfinals: November 29 or 30

• College Cup Semifinals: December 6, live on ESPNU

• National Championship: December 9 at 5 p.m. ET, live on ESPNU

Read more here

🛠️ FSU Adjusts Coaching Staff Amid Season Challenges with New Interim Assignments 🛠️

Following Sunday’s dismissal of three assistant coaches—offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans—Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has set interim replacements to guide the team through its final games.

With a bye week to prepare, the Seminoles will debut this new-look staff when they face Charleston Southern on November 23.

Randy Shannon Takes Over Defense
Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Randy Shannon will assume defensive play-calling responsibilities for the remainder of the season. Norvell expects Shannon to build on the current defensive structure while adding his unique approach to energize the team. Shannon, a seasoned defensive mind, brings experience from previous encounters with Norvell’s Memphis teams while he served as UCF’s DC.

Interim Offensive Line & Wide Receiver Coaches
To oversee the offensive line, support staffer Gabe Fertitta, who stepped in earlier this season during Atkins’ suspension, will lead with support from other staff members. At wide receiver, assistant WR coach Guy Lemonier will handle day-to-day coaching, with additional support from Austin Tucker and Rick Stockstill, offering experience across positions.

Read more here

🏈 Potential Candidates Emerge for FSU's Wide Receiver Coach Vacancy 🏈

After parting ways with former WR coach Ron Dugans, Florida State is actively seeking a new leader for its wide receiver corps, which has faced struggles with drops and recruiting gaps under Dugans. With head coach Mike Norvell focused on rebuilding the unit, here are some potential candidates who bring experience in development, recruiting, and regional ties that could benefit the program.

Lonnie Galloway (UNC WR Coach/Passing Game Coordinator)
Galloway has coached five NFL-drafted receivers since joining UNC in 2019, with prior experience at West Virginia, Wake Forest, and Louisville. Known for strong recruiting and player development, he could be an attainable target due to the potential for coaching changes at UNC.

Noah Pauley (Iowa State WR Coach)
With a track record of successful player development, including future NFL receiver Christian Watson at North Dakota State, Pauley is considered a rising star in coaching. While he’s primarily coached in the Midwest, his reputation could make him a strong addition to FSU’s staff.

Marcus Davis (Auburn WR Coach)
A standout receiver from South Florida, Davis brings ties to Norvell, having worked under him as a GA in 2020. He’s known for success in both Hawaii and Georgia Southern’s passing games, with Auburn currently benefiting from his Top 10 recruiting acumen.

Tim Leger (Louisiana Offensive Coordinator)
Leger has led one of the nation’s most efficient offenses and has extensive WR coaching experience. His blend of offensive coordination and recruiting ability has made Louisiana a top program within its conference.

Rob Ezell (South Alabama Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach)
Ezell, an Alabama native, has a well-rounded coaching background and currently leads a Top 20 offense in yards per play. His success with redshirt freshman QB Gio Lopez showcases his development skills, positioning him as a promising candidate.

Ross Douglas (Syracuse WR Coach)
At 30, Douglas is gaining attention as an emerging talent, with Syracuse receivers posting strong performances this season. His recent NFL experience with the New England Patriots adds to his resume, making him an exciting prospect.

Tiquan Underwood (New England Patriots Assistant WR Coach)
Underwood has experience with collegiate WR development at Rutgers and Pittsburgh, including guiding Jared Wayne to a 1,000-yard season. His work with future NFL WRs at the college level and recent NFL coaching could bring valuable insights to FSU.

Kodi Burns (Former Saints WR Coach)
Previously with the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee, Burns has experience in both NFL and SEC coaching environments. His connections to Norvell’s coaching network and his familiarity with Southeastern recruiting make him a viable option if he’s interested in returning to the field.

Read more here

💔 FSU’s Offensive Line Commitments in Question After Coaching Shake-Up 💔

Florida State’s recent firing of offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins has sent shockwaves through FSU’s 2025 recruiting class, especially among its offensive line commits. Atkins was integral to the commitments of several high-ranking prospects, including five-star guard Solomon Thomas. Here’s where each key recruit stands after the surprising change.

Solomon Thomas, 5-Star Guard
The 6'3", 315-pound Thomas, FSU’s top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class and the second-best player at his position nationally, has publicly expressed frustration about Atkins’ dismissal. In a series of social media posts, Thomas hinted at his disappointment, tweeting, “y’all messed up firing my coach,” but also acknowledged, “it’s a business at the end of the day” with #GoNoles. Thomas met with head coach Mike Norvell, who acknowledged the close bond between Thomas and Atkins. For now, Thomas remains committed but is eagerly awaiting news on who will be FSU’s next offensive line coach.

In a conversation with Warchant, Thomas compared the situation to that of LSU commits Will Campbell and Emory Jones, who stayed committed through a coaching transition. He’s reportedly advising fellow O-line commits to “just let it play out” and consider the bigger picture.

Peyton Joseph, 4-Star Guard
Joseph, another prized recruit with a strong connection to Atkins, has shown signs of reconsidering his commitment to FSU. He’s fielding interest from Mississippi State, LSU, Georgia, and USC, and will be speaking with FSU’s coaching staff to determine his next steps. Given the current uncertainty, the Seminoles may face a tough battle to retain his commitment.

Mario Nash Jr., 4-Star Offensive Tackle
A more recent addition to FSU’s class, Nash previously flipped from Mississippi State and shared on social media that he plans to stay committed for now. However, with both Ole Miss and Mississippi State keeping an eye on him, his decision could still shift in the coming weeks as he reassesses his future in light of the coaching changes.

Daniel Pierre-Louis, 3-Star Offensive Line Commit
Pierre-Louis has remained quiet about the recent shake-up but has an upcoming official visit scheduled to Florida. With the Gators potentially vying for his commitment, Pierre-Louis is another player FSU may need to actively re-recruit in the wake of Atkins’ departure.

Moving Forward
With Atkins gone, Norvell’s challenge will be to reassure these offensive line commits and find a replacement who aligns with their goals. Thomas, in particular, will be crucial for FSU to retain as they navigate the final stages of the recruiting process.

Read more here and here

And that’s a wrap!

From standout player performances and ACC honors to exciting tournament seeds and big changes in coaching, it’s a transformative time for the Seminoles.

Here’s to celebrating our champions and embracing the adjustments that will shape the future of FSU. As always, stay tuned, stay proud, and Go Noles!